Note: America in Bloom judges will visit Bluffton July 19-20. To help viewers understand the Bloom judging process, each week on the Icon the Bluffton in Bloom board will describe one of the "Bloom" categories. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].

Did you know that two judges from America in Bloom will visit Bluffton on July 19-20 to evaluate what kind of town we live in? They will be judging Bluffton on several categories.

Last week Community Vitality was highlighted.  Another judging category is Environmental Efforts, which is defined as:  “Environmental leadership, policies, plans and programs for resource conservation; pollution control; trash, recycling, and reuse; and alternative transportation.”

How would you rank Bluffton on these Environmental Efforts?
• Environmental Advisory Board or Green Team in place
• Pet waste policies developed and enforced
• Stormwater management program in place
• Home energy audit program available
• Participation in Earth Day celebrations, Bike to Work Days, Walk to School Days and similar opportunities enhance public awareness of environmental issues
• Garden clubs, Master Gardeners, school curricula, and/or Soil and Water Conservation District, etc. provide educational opportunities for rain barrel usage, backyard habitats, and other environmental initiatives

Last year was the first year that Bluffton participated in the America in Bloom program, earning three out of five possible blooms.

This year, Bluffton in Bloom has been created to make Bluffton a more welcoming village for our residents and neighbors through charitable contributions that benefit our heritage, gardens, parks, trees, clean environment, health and fitness, schools and businesses, ensuring future community vitality and prosperity.

Bluffton in Bloom board
Bloom board members are Tom Schmidt, chair, Nancy Benroth, Denise Fett, Becky Ramey and Mark Simmons. Jesse Blackburn, village administrator, is the village liaison to the board.

• Click here for the previoius column on Community Vitality