Saturday, February 9, 2008

Needed: beauty-loving volunteers to beautify Grand Prairie

By Nikki Rowden of TODAY Newspapers

Ever wonder who was responsible for keeping Grand Prairie so aesthetically pleasing? Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful - a local group that is one of 331 programs just like it in the state - is accountable for much upkeep and beautification of the city.

KGPB is preparing for its spring clean up March 1 to April 30. Amidst those days of sprucing up the city, April 5 will serve as the city's primary day of service with the “Great American Clean Up.”

“This is our biggest day of the year of all year-round volunteerism,” Tammy Chan, Grand Prairie Special Projects Coordinator, said.

During the remainder of the year, several city organizations take part in KGPB. According to Chan, those groups including schools, neighborhoods and companies, participate in a couple of geographic adoption programs - like Adopt-a-Street and Adopt-a-Stream.

“This is the best time of year (December-March) for stream cleaning because the vegetation is down. It's easier to detect some of the trash that has accumulated,” Chan said.

In addition to those adoption programs there is also Adopt-a-Cemetery. This program is set up to aid cemeteries that may not have the resources to keep up the property.

“There are 29 cemeteries in Grand Prairie, but not all of them have a perpetual cleaning system,” Chan said.

A group connected to KGPB is ShadeMakers - an organization of volunteers who receive arbor training. The ‘Makers get lessons in proper planting skills and help senior citizens maintain their yards by cleaning, cutting or pruning.

“The city doesn't come out and trim trees for residents, so groups like the ShadeMakers come in handy,” Chan said.

KGPB and its programs prides itself on being family friendly, according to Chan. There is something offered for everyone. One program is YEA!, Youth for Environmental Action - a summer non-paid internship program. Chan feels that participation in the youth summer program is a good idea for parents to share with their children.

Photo via megascenery.com

Majestic.

“If parents want to instill some environmental stewardship Š and make a difference this is something they should consider,” Chan said.

Being a part of these activities can be beneficial to other service organizations like the Boy Scouts, according to Chan.

“This is a great opportunity for Eagle Scouts looking for service projects,” Chan said.

Chan said that everyone would be able to enjoy taking part in KGPB in more ways than one.

“With KGPB you get a chance to get out in nature and see parts of Grand Prairie you've never seen Š we (Grand Prairie) have everything,” Chan said.

Those interested in becoming active in KPGB can participate every Saturday with a variety of upcoming events.

Call Chan at 972-237-8152 or visit www.kgpb@gptx.org, for more information.

Upcoming projects:

Feb. 9: Johnson Creek Cleanup with Larson Academy and Scout Pack 381 - 10 a.m-1:30 p.m.; and Dalworth Community Garden and Tree Farm Project - 2-6 p.m.

Feb. 16: Convent Creek Cleanup (pending approval) - 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; and Dalworth Community Garden and Tree Farm Project - 2-6 p.m.

Feb. 23: Dalworth Community Garden and Tree Farm Project - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

March 1: Beacon Hill HOA Adopt-A-Stream Cleanup - 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Pegasus News content partner - TODAY Newspapers

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