Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele
One of the many purposes of the Valley Garden Club is to award grants on a yearly basis. Grant awards of up to $1,000 are available for projects that beautify or benefit the Mat-Su Community.
During 2016, the grants went to the Big Lake Belles for their ongoing beautification of Jordan Lake Park next to the Big Lake Library. The money was spent for improving soil and planting annuals, perennials and herbs in the Children’s Garden area, as well as installing two large barrel planters and a lilac tree at the viewing platform.
A grant was also awarded to Camp Maranatha to install grass and raised flowerbeds in the common areas. The camp is used year round, hosting 45 different groups’ meetings, retreats and various camps. It is located out by Horseshoe Lake. And a grant was awarded to Grow Palmer. Funds were used for relocating the apple trees, rhubarb and strawberries from their old site to the permanent new site along the walkway next to the Palmer Depot. This is part of a larger scale project to establish new raised beds along the walkway for growing free edible foods to the public.
Applications are open for Mat-Su Valley projects Applicants must be 501(c)3 non-profits or public entities. Applications available online at valleygardenclub.com, requested via email to steele@mtaonline.net or by mail. Valley Garden Club, Attention: Grant Committee, PO Box 871244, Wasilla, AK 99687. Applications must be received by April 7, 2017. Grants to be awarded the end of April.
