Brightside St. Louis Awards 13 Organizations Neighbors Naturescaping Grants to Beautify Public Spaces

Today, Brightside St. Louis announces $11,500 in Neighbors Naturescaping grants to 13 community organizations to beautify public spaces in their neighborhoods. Brightside’s Neighbors Naturescaping program has provided funding to neighborhood groups, nonprofits and institutions for native plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, sedges and needed hardscape materials to begin or enhance a community garden. Many public spaces including lots owned by the city’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), planter barricades, neighborhood entrances and City park areas have been transformed into beautiful and welcoming areas. The program is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, City of St. Louis and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri.

“Brightside St. Louis works every day to make St. Louis a healthier, greener, and even more beautiful place,” said [Mary Lou Green, Executive Director of Brightside St. Louis]. “We’re proud to have supported more than 700 projects over the past 27 years with this program. We know neighbors – human and wildlife alike – appreciate the beautiful native plants that have come to life in their communities.”

Each recipient receives up to $1,500 in plants and materials. The full list of this year’s awardees includes:

Academy Neighborhood, Assisi House, Be Well Café, Fertile Land, Gate District Parks & Beautification Committee, Good Journey Development Foundation, Lafayette Square Beautification Committee, South Grand CID, St. Patrick Center, St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce, Soulard Co-Op Garden, Team Ellenwood, and Triangle Park Stewards.

Neighbors Naturescaping participants will pick up their plants and materials at the Greenhouse in Forest Park today, Friday, September 30th, from Noon-4pm. Brightside St. Louis will also be distributing bulbs from their annual sale during the same time Friday as well as Saturday, October 1st from 9:00 a.m.–Noon. These high-quality bulbs, shipped directly from Holland, are a great addition to spring gardens and are sold at lower than wholesale prices.

Earlier this month, Mayor Jones declared “Brightside St. Louis” Day in celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary and long term service to the City. Learn more about Brightside St. Louis and the organization’s programs at www.brightsidestl.org.