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204-838-2067 May 19, 2017
RIVERS
BANNER
Funding for a 4-H “forest”
Volume 109, Issue 46
ersary v i n Celebrating our 108th An
Gazette-Reporter
Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 107 years
89¢ + tax
By Sheila Runions Banner Staff
N
early one year ago, 4-H clubs across Manitoba were advised of a promotion through 4-H Canada and Agrium in which grants would be supplied for beautification. The July 2016 press release states: Funding has been made available to Manitoba 4-H Council for clubs to build permanent pollinator/ bird habitats throughout Manitoba. To create these sustainable habitats, it is recommended that clubs source a mix of trees, owers, shrubs, perennials and annuals. Each club’s pollinator/bird habitat will be unique in its own way and will be a permanent fi ture in the community! Rivers 4-H Multipurpose Club acted quickly and were lucky enough to be among the first 20 to apply. he information told clubs $425 grants would be given to the first 20 applications received so speed was of the essence; there are 137 4-H clubs in Manitoba. They then consulted with The Trestle Greenhouse in Rivers for a variety of well-suited shrubs for the empty garden area beneath Rivers’ welcome sign on the west end of town. An order was placed last fall and on Monday, May 15, club members who were available did the dirty work. Riverdale Municipality first prepared the area for the children and their leaders (Corina Lepp and Sharlette Paddock) and then 18 shrubs were planted. Varieties include coppertina ninebark, Karl Forester grasses, Russian sage, shirobana spirea and dwarf broom shrubs. As these plants mature, there will be plenty of sizes, textures and colours to create a truly visual experience for not only the human eyes but also pollinators and birds. To ensure shrubs will reach their maximum potential in a more timely fashion, Riverdale Municipality will cover the soil with mulch. Photo by Corina Lepp
L/R: Mia Lepp, Caleb and Hannah Paddock, Cassie Moar, Emily Oldenburger and Abbey Jubinville planted shrubs at the welcome sign on the west side of Rivers.