Island Beautification Committee

1999-2000 Annual Report

The Island Beautification Committee completed its 25th year serving the community by promoting interest and involvement in beautification. The actions of the Committee are hands-on, low budget activities that make a noticeable difference and foster great community pride. Litter abatement and eyesore reductions are two such activities. Landscape projects which include tree, shrub, flower, grass planting and maintenance are other examples of Committee involvement.

The Committee also responds to requests for review, comments and recommendations relating to projects submitted by the Grosse Ile Township Board of Trustees.

Entryway Signs

The two signs, Meridian and Grosse Ile Parkway, were designed by the IBC, fabricated by Townsend Neon, Inc. (Craig Shumate), installed by Grosse Ile Kiwanis, landscaped by the IBC and have been maintained by the IBC since their installation in December 1991. The south entryway sign was illuminated thanks to a donation by Monsanto and the diligent effort by Monsanto’s Plant Manager Jerry Bishop, husband of IBC member Lynn Bishop, who secured Detroit Edison’s approval and underground cable installation.

Four Corners

The northwest corner continues to be maintained by the IBC, except for grass cutting which is now done by Grosse Ile Township paid personnel.

The IBC has been assured that the southwest corner will be landscaped in the spring of 2000 using the Four Corner design originally prepared in March, 1985 by Charles W. Cares, landscape architect. The design will be similar to the northwest corner but much smaller due to limited space.

Backyard Wildlife Survey

The IBC conducted the 19th annual backyard wildlife survey on April 11, 1999. Ten resident volunteers whose homes are geographically scattered on the island participated. During a designated one hour period they counted the different species of birds and wild animals (mammals) that visited their back yards. In 1999, 843 birds (26 different species and 9 subspecies) and 97 mammals (4 different species and 3 subspecies) were counted.

Litter Abatement Members

of the IBC conduct a two-hour litter pick-up every other week, weather permitting. Areas most in need based on a drive through survey are targeted. The road sides picked up by probation workers assigned by the 33rd District Court are excluded.

Macomb Landscape Plans

The IBC continued to participate in planning the landscape of Macomb Street. McKenna Associates, Inc. under the direction of Walter Kalina and Michael Metevier are the planners and the designers.

Flower Bed - Middle School Student Project

Mrs. Carol Ray, Middle School teacher, contacted the IBC chairman and asked for assistance to make a flower bed on the school site. Mrs. Ray had applied for and was awarded a grant to purchase bulbs from The Netherlands and had ordered the bulbs. The IBC chairman proposed a design and site location and made the flower bed after the plans were accepted. The Grosse Ile Garden Club also reviewed the plan and approved the location before the bed was made. The IBC chairman participated in overseeing the planting of 410 bulbs. Each student planted one bulb. Adults, mothers of some of the students, also participated. The IBC purchased the five cubic feet of top soil for the bed. This was a great project with maximum student, teacher and mother participation. The students can hardly wait until spring.

Miscellaneous

The IBC distributed free seedlings (100 White Pine and 100 Japanese White Birch) at the Island Fest on May 15, 1999.

Goals 2000-2001

The IBC targeted seven projects for the next administrative year. They are:

1. Landscaping the southwest corner of Four Corners (already approved)
2. Getting a source of water for the southwest corner of Four Corners as well as the southeast corner
3. Getting started on planting flower gardens and some shrubs around the new school buildings
4. Get some plantings (trees and shrubs) around the GIYRA pole barn
5. Get Smith’s Cut landscaping resolved
6. Improve the dismal appearance of the concrete walls left on the county bridge by Wayne County’s construction project, flower planters, etc.
7. Improving the sidewalks on the east side of the county bridge (turf laden and narrowed by neglect)

1999-2000 Annual Report

1999-2000 Annual Report

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