In
community development, we sometimes find ourselves dealing with small rural
communities that resemble rotten apples. They appear shiny on the outside, but
need a lot of work on the inside. We use terms like leadership, entrepreneurial
development, youth attraction, and others to work from the inside to make the
community better. But what happens when the apple is fairly good on the inside,
yet the skin could use a little work?
Beautification
is a key aspect of community development, and it can be an easy way to bring
people together. The dictionary defines beautification as a process of making
visual improvements in a town or city. This often involves planting trees, shrubbery,
and other greenery. It may involve decorative or historic main street
development. Towns and villages often undertake beautification projects to
refurbish their downtowns and boost tourism and other commerce.
One of the
best kept secrets in small communities is Master Gardeners. The Master Gardener
program developed through state extension services to provide volunteers with
research-based horticulture knowledge. In Nebraska, the training program began at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. Volunteers receive training on
landscape management, soils, fertility, plant selection, and other topics.
Classes in Nebraska
generally start in February or March and require a minimum of 40 hours of
education.
A key
component of this training is that it requires participants to give 40 hours of
volunteer service during their initial year of involvement. Master Gardeners
retain the title through annual training and volunteering. Many communities
could draw on this resource as a way of beautification. A few well placed
shrubs and trees often accentuate the positive and help look past the negative.
In addition
to planting a few strategically placed plants, picket fences and a little paint
go a long way to showcasing the community. Spring weather provides a good
opportunity to clean up as well. If each community member takes responsibility
to enhance the beauty of the community and diminish any eyesore, the shiny
apple will emerge from looking dull and drab.
Contact:
Michael L. Holton, michaellh@cfra.org, 402.582.4915, for more information on
our rural community development work.
