Volunteers Sought For America in Bloom Awards Program

ST. CHARLES, IL — Volunteers are needed for this year’s America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program. From Oct. 3 to 5, an estimated 300 visitors from cities around the country will gather at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles for the awards program.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up on the Volunteer Match website.

“The symposium offers an exciting chance to showcase our beautiful city to people from across the country who are eager to learn more about our community improvement practices and tour our parks, and cultural and historic sites,” said America in Bloom – St. Charles co-chair and Ward 5 Alderman Maureen Lewis.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

“Volunteerism is essential to the success of America in Bloom,” said America in Bloom – St. Charles co-chair Diane Cullen. “This effort brings people together and offers an opportunity to do something good for the community.”

There are still volunteer positions open to help with the Symposium. The symposium needs help with tours downtown as a pacer or providing directions and also needs a workers at the registration table at Pheasant Run

All training will be provided.

American in Bloom - St. Charles is a group of active residents, and members of local businesses and organizations who work to improve St. Charles through landscaping, environmental, and heritage preservation projects.

“The America in Bloom program allows the Park District to showcase its parks, natural areas, and trails. Being part of this national program allowed us to learn how other communities address issues within our industry, which has resulted in improved best practices,” said Holly Cabel, St. Charles Park District Director of Parks and Recreation.

America in Bloom - St. Charles enters the America in Bloom national program each year. St. Charles took home top honors in 2017, winning its population category, and then winning in the Circle of Champions in 2018.

The group really gets things done. A few examples of projects:

• Organizes the Holiday Light Recycling program that diverts tons of lights from landfills each year

• Installation of medallions for downtown storm drains as a reminder these drains connect directly to the river

• Added new cement planters around town

• Added recycling containers throughout the community

• Helped install festive lights on the First Street Plaza

• Worked with local businesses to encourage recycling and waste reduction