The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation partnered this summer with community volunteers from Forestville, Silver Creek, and Lily Dale to launch the BLOOM Front Garden Recognition Project. This pilot project was designed to acknowledge and celebrate the work of residents who contribute to the beauty and vibrancy of the northern Chautauqua region through their front yard gardens and landscaping.

During July, groups of community volunteers surveyed their respective communities identifying gardens and landscapes that merited recognition. The project culminated with the distribution of 95 BLOOM garden signs to homeowners who met the designated criteria. Also, participants who returned their survey postcards were entered into a raffle. Congratulations to the 20 homeowners who received Shoptauqua Gift Certificates.

The BLOOM 2019 pilot project received much attention. While driving through the regions residents, visitors, and others witnessed firsthand these colorfully manicured gardens, vibrant community spaces, and garden signs showcasing a community exuberant in community pride!

Program participants were excited to share their feedback: “Your program gave people an incentive to beautify and improve their landscaping.” “Very much appreciated.” “Such fun and a blessing to our towns.” “Looking forward to Bloom 2020!” “Thank you for recognizing our efforts to keep our community beautifully landscaped.”

“The positive response that this pilot project generated was overwhelming. We appreciate the volunteer teams and resident gardeners who have added to the community pride in our region. We hope that we have inspired other north county communities to join us for BLOOM 2020,” said Eileen Ardillo, Program Coordinator.

A Bloom Project information session will be announced and held in February 2020. Interested communities are encouraged to join the 2020 BLOOM project by submitting a Letter of Interest by March 13, 2020, to the NCCF, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, 14048. Program details and letter requirements are on our website at www.nccfoundation.org/bloom.

Questions are welcome by contacting Eileen Ardillo at 366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org. The BLOOM Garden Recognition Project is a Neighborhood Revitalization Project of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $15 million in the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.