Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

Last Thursday morning, the Auburn Hills Beautification Advisory Commission (BAC) played host to over 60 members of the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan (BCSEM) as they gathered for their Summer Quarterly Business Meeting.  From Midland to Detroit and everywhere in between, representatives from 20 different communities traveled to Auburn Hills for the event.

The outdoor patio of Arrowhead Grille at Fieldstone Golf Course was the perfect backdrop as the communities shared details of their best beautification programs, special events and the effective fundraising methods they’ve developed to support those efforts.

Municipal funding has dwindled in recent years making it difficult for communities to continue programs that support beautification efforts.  Programs like community clean-up events, anti-blight efforts, award programs and flower, tree and shrub purchases will benefit from the targeted fund-raising initiatives discussed in the meeting.

Communities are also facing challenges with tree and shrub installations due to compromised root systems of newly-purchased plants.  To shed some light on this increasingly common problem, attendees were treated to a presentation by Steven Nikkila, Master Gardener / Landscaper and Co-Owner of Garden A to Z.

Nikkila (dubbed ‘The Tree Whisperer’ by a few attendees) offered root system remediation strategies which will help new trees and shrubs live to their full life expectancy and save cities time and money.  Lessons learned will hopefully spread through all local communities.

The Auburn Hills BAC is proud to be a member of the BCSEM – an organization which promotes a beautiful and healthy environment for everyone in Southeastern Michigan.