My City August 2022

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Another resource the GCD oers the community is educa tion regarding natural resources and available technical services, as well as education about implementing conserva tion best management practices (BMPs).‚e sta includes experts agriculture, soil health, forestry and water qual ity – from large tracts of land to vacant lots, Warren reports.‚ey also educate the public about invasive plant species and wildlife habitat. As an example, someone will call with a question about how to attract more wildlife in their backyard. “We give them advice they can implement on a volun tary basis,” she says. As GCD adminis trator, Warren works with the board of directors, oversees all programs, activities, ‰nances and grant management. ‚e main oŠce on Elms Road is open to the public. “People can come in or we can schedule an who help with tra ditional and urban

appointment to visit with them on-site,” she states. “We are here to serve the natural resource needs of the entire community.” One GCD project takes place annually on Arbor Day, which is the last Friday in April, when they plant trees in city parks. ‚is year, GCD planted 225 seedling evergreens in Pierce Park – red pine, white pine, Norway spruce – with help from 18 community vol unteers. ‚e trees will eventually help block traŠc noise from Dort Highway. In the past, GCD has planted trees in Longway, Cronin and Broome Parks. “Longway Park is now a budding coniferous for est!” Warren exclaims. “Additionally, this past April, we planted 200 trees in Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc with 60 middle school students from the Perry Innovation Center.” GCD has also done projects on some of the vacant lots in the City of Flint, includ ing tree plantings and

Last spring, the City of Flint was named “Tree City USA,” the Arbor Day Foundation’s national recognition of efforts to keep the community tree-filled and green. This is Flint’s 22nd year receiving the designation. Pictured are (L-R) Betty Wideman (City of Flint), Angela Warren (GCD), Kevin Sayers (Michigan Depart ment of Natural Resources), Jeffrey Johnson (GCD)

installing a pollinator garden. A vacant lot rehabilitation was done at Fifth and Garland Streets, which included benches and a walking path. Volunteers from General Motors worked with GCD on a vacant lot on Second Avenue between Mason Street and Grand Traverse. Currently, GCD is working to com plete the Gilkey Creek

Subwatershed Project. “A walking survey is in process and will point out soil erosion, log jams and how it aects the water žow,”Warren explains. Another aspect of the project includes surveying for pavement that is no longer utilized, making way for a future depaving and green infrastructure installation project. “‚is all leads to better water quality,” she adds.

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