Why do green spaces matter? Patricia Boh, Nicholas Hobbs and Evie Nyerges answered that question through poetry, painting and mixed media artwork and won their age categories in Project EverGreen's first annual Art of Green Spaces Competition. Project EverGreen partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve and the Western Reserve Academy to bring attention to how important green spaces - specifically lawns, landscapes, gardens parks and sports fields - are to Akron's environment, economy and quality of life.
Project EverGreen, a national non-profit public service organization, presented each winner with $100 and an award commemorating his or her achievement. The winning entries are on public display at The Seiberling Nature Realm for the entire month of June. Project EverGreen designated Akron as its first Evergreen Zone city in 2008 and has developed a number of projects to inform consumers about the benefits of managed green spaces.
"The students participating in the Art of Green Spaces Competition used the power of art to tell adults and fellow Akron youth why it is imperative to create and care for green spaces at home, at work and at play," explains Den Gardner, Project EverGreen's executive director. "Patricia, Nicholas and Evie's work demonstrates how vital healthy green spaces are to their daily lives."
Akronites interested in learning how green their yards and gardens really are invited to take a fun quiz online at www.projectevergreen.com/akron, and get tips on making their landscapes even more beautiful.
Akron is the first city in Project EverGreen's national "EverGreen Zone" initiative. The purpose of the EverGreen Zone program is to raise public awareness about the benefits of expanding, preserving, and maintaining green spaces that positively impact climate change and create countless economic, environmental, and lifestyle benefits.
In addition to the Art of Green Spaces Competition, Project EverGreen's community outreach plans include renovation of the blighted green space at Canal Park. Watch for the organization's street teams handing out seed packets, green space quizzes and other fun materials at the Farmer's Market, Blossom Music Center and PetExpo, among other community events.