Community Corner
Sturtevant Beautification Committee Looks Forward to Another Season in Full Bloom
The group needs volunteers to clear brush and plant trees on Earth Day.
In 2003, Rose Woodruff and Linda Busha decided to take action to make their village a beautiful and welcoming place to visit. The two Sturtevant residents went in front of the village board with their proposal and were approved to create the Sturtevant Beautification Committee.
The first year, they spruced up local parks and highways by planting flowers. Busha, now committee chairperson, said funding comes from grants, and the committee looked to local businesses for donations.
"Rose is our grant writer," she said. "We've gotten funding from a number of local and state agencies, and it's really made a difference in what we've been able to do."
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Over the years, the initiative has been widely supported throughout the community, Busha added. Businesses along Highway 11 and Wisconsin Ave pay for the flowers planted in front of their establishments. Additionally, the committee is connected with the UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers by becoming an approved project for the program.
"Thes Master Gardeners are responsible for planting and caring for the flowers because of their expertise," Busha said.
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Last year the committee, along with the Master Gardeners, created six garden beds that were sold to village residents for a minimal fee. This year, the committee was able to increase to 12 garden beds.
“Residents purchase a plot to grow their own vegetables,” said Busha. “And I already have residents on a waitlist in case a garden bed becomes available.”
On Fri., April 8th, the Master Gardeners will start preparing the garden beds (weather permitting) by clearing the beds, layering 12 layers of newspaper to kill any remaining grass topped by a layer of compost and dirt.
The Sturtevant Beautification Committee also takes part in Earth Day by preparing their own events. Once again, the committee will spend Earth Day in Kirkorian Nature Preserve behind Schulte School. Last year, they cleared the nature preserve of buckthorn. This year's event is April 30th, and committee members plan to remove dead foliage and plant 250 new trees.
Funding for tools, materials and trees coms from a state Forestry Grant, but they still need local volunteers to help.
“This is a great way for the entire family to get involved since there is plenty to do,” Busha said.
For more information on volunteering for Earth Day or anytime of the year, contact Linda Busha at 262-886-9756.
