DAR Conservation Contest - Opening Doors of Opportunity

Those of you who frequent the "blogosphere" may already know that Monday, October 15, 2007, is "Blog Action Day."

Bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind: the environment.

This seemed to me to be the perfect time to promote the DAR Conservation Committee's contest for chapters - "Opening Doors of Opportunity":

Each chapter can implement beautification projects in the local communities. To recognize your chapter’s efforts to carry out beautification projects, the Conservation Committee will conduct an annual contest. The guidelines are as follows:

We ask that your beautification project be recorded in a journal format similar to a gardener’s journal.

Outline your original plan, noting the materials that were used; the number of persons involved and the actual work hours it took to complete each step.

Include how the chapter implemented each step and, if changes from the original plan were made, note the reason they occurred.

Suggested materials include: the use of plants native to your area and the use of shrubs and trees with historical importance. All plantings should encourage birds and other wildlife to the area.

Once you have completed your project, send a copy* of the journal, including photographs, any press coverage, and reactions from neighbors and townspeople, to this national chairman.

*Please send only copies, as any materials sent to the national chairman will not be returned to the chapter unless return postage has also been included.

Annual Deadline: Submissions must reach the national chairman by April 1st.

Entries will be judged on the project’s impact to the community and the environment, time involved to plan and carry out the project, and the degree of ongoing maintenance required.

Certificates will be awarded to the chapter with the best project in each of the eight divisions. Winners will be announced at the committee meeting during Continental Congress.

So... all you gardeners out there, let's start opening those doors and make our world a more beautiful place!

While you're at it, you might even find someone deserving of the NSDAR Conservation Medal.

More information on the Conservation Committee's web site.