Island Beautification Committee

The Island Beautification Committee completed 27 years of service, promoting interest and involvement in beautification projects. The Committee’s prime focus is to strive to make a noticeable difference. Special attention is given to litter abatement and the remediation of eyesores. Landscape projects, including tree, shrub, flower and grass plantings and their maintenance are examples of the more visible signs of Committee involvement.

The Committee also contributes by responding to requests for review, comment, recommendation and involvement relating to projects submitted by the Grosse Ile Board of Trustees.

Entryway Signs

The two entryway signs, one on Grosse Ile Parkway and the other at the southeast corner of Meridian and Bridge Roads, were installed in December, 1991. The Island Beautification Committee has maintained the signs and site grounds including cutting the grass at the north sign since its installation. In 2001 both signs were repainted under the direction of Townsend Neon, Tom Schumate supervising.

Four Corners

The northwest corner, except for grass cutting, is under the care of the Island Beautification Committee. Watering the annual flowers using water from a metered outlet on the north side of the corner enhances the flower growth and beauty. All the trees were trimmed in the fall of 2001 to reduce overgrowth and to improve the aesthetic appearance of the landscape.

The southwest corner was landscaped in the fall of 2000 following a mirror image of the northwest corner but to a much smaller scale. A water tap is scheduled to be installed in 2002, which will facilitate watering the flowers and the shrubs in the raised bed.

Backyard Wildlife Survey

The IBC conducted the 21st Annual Backyard Wildlife Survey on April 8, 2001. Eleven resident volunteers whose homes are located in scattered areas around the island participated. During the designated one-hour observation period 42 different species of birds and mammals were observed and reported. In the 2001 survey 794 birds and 78 mammals were counted. This is not a statistically reliable survey but it does provide an indication of trends especially for the species visiting bird feeders in back yards. Weather conditions play a role on the sightings.

Litter Abatement

Members of the IBC conduct a two-hour litter pick-up about once a month, weather permitting. Areas that are most in need of litter removal are targeted for this special effort. The bike path routes are frequent targets.

Flower Beds

The IBC continues to oversee and maintain the flower beds at the entryway signs and the Meridian School flower bed. The Middle School flower bed is maintained by a teacher, parents and students.

Miscellaneous

The IBC distributed 200 free seedlings (100 Austrian Pine and 100 White Pine) at the IslandFest on June 2, 2001.

The IBC conducted a short program at both elementary schools (Meridian and Parke Lane) on April 30. The program included the distribution of literature relating to backyard wildlife and protecting the earth. It also featured a cartoon video relating to litter abatement. In total 864 students attended the outreach program. The program was tailored to the different age groups, Kindergarten through 5th grades.

The IBC presented five beautification award certificates to businesses on Macomb Street. The awards were in recognition for achieving beautification enhancement using live plantings.

The IBC conducted its annual inspection cruise of the island on October 15, 2001. The results of the inspection indicated much progress has been achieved in the area of reducing the more noticeable and easily controlled eyesores.

The IBC continued as in the past to maintain vigilance relating to eyesores especially when Township ordinance violations may be in question. Each IBC member is assigned a specific area to oversee and report back to the committee for discussion. If any action is deemed appropriate it is referred to the responsible Township authority.

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