Benefits of Grants

Money available to beautify, conserve, educate, inspire, and contribute to people of all ages using horticulture and garden development.  Below is an overview of how recent grants benefit our Wilmington community:

BEAUTIFICATION: the creation of new gardens and the restoration of existing gardens; adding trees, shrubs; flowers along with hardscapes that will allow people to enjoy the particular area.

CONSERVATION: supports the CFGC’s ongoing project at Battery Island which was just increased from $4000 to $6000 awarded each year.  This is a partnership with the Audubon Society with Walker Goldman and includes a bi-annual cleanup with plantings of Yaupon shrubs which help provide nesting sites for coastal birds, in particular the White Ibis which has one of its largest nesting sites right here at Battery Island .  Other recent conservation grant projects have included:

·        The Arboretum new entrance which will feature storm water best management practice demonstration site (2008)

·        Cape Fear Community College Foundation – horticultural fitness trail which includes preservation of native carnivorous plants (2007)

·        Cape Fear River Watch – created an Urban Rain Garden to manage storm water runoff from headquarters building on Surry St; utilized native plants & conservation landscaping techniques to create an education site in front of the building (2007) 

EDUCATIONAL – multiple grant awards have gone to schools and organizations for the purpose of educating people about how to use plants for conservation, food, landscaping, attracting wildlife, etc.

·        Airlie Butterfly Garden – CFGC supplied the funds to landscape the entire area surrounding the new Butterfly Garden at Airlie Gardens . 

·        Cape Fear Community College – funds for a greenhouse in which students learn to grow plants (now named the “Cape Fear Garden Club Greenhouse” in our club’s honor for our support).  CFCC is also a partner in landscaping Habitat for Humanity homes as a part of their landscaping curriculum

·        Arboretum – new entrance will showcase labeled plant material that thrives in our coastal area plus conservation techniques

·        Davis Healthcare – courtyard plantings to be used in beautification, horticultural therapy and recreational programs for residents, visiting families and area residents including classes held each week

·        Creekwood Community – an ongoing project to raise vegetables, engage community participation, educate and improve the health of area residents

SCHOOLS:

·        Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences – vegetable gardens and a Snow Pea “Tee-Pee” to teach students a scientific introduction to vegetable gardening including the process of preparing beds, planting, composting, harvesting, and eating the crop produced

·        Communities in Schools – this center for at-risk youth will design, implement and maintain a flower and vegetable garden and hopefully sell the products at the Farmer’s Market downtown

·        Yahweh Center – working garden of flowers, herbs and vegetables including a greenhouse for hands on learning for children

·        JT Hoggard – shade garden and education for Horticultural students in implementation and maintenance

·        Bellamy Elementary Garden Club – flower beds to be used in education and to improve self esteem

·        NHHS – English as a second Language Students will install and maintain senior courtyard plantings

INSPIRATION & MEMORIALS –

PHILANTHROPIC –

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS:  UNCW & CFCC