Otsego Conservation District earns grants to refurbish, maintain demonstration gardens

GAYLORD — The Otsego Conservation District recently received grants to assist in managing the organization's Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Gardens and Conservation Forest.

The Otsego Conservation District (OCD) has received $4,182 from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund, a $500 grant funding from Cwik Holly By Golly, $1,000 grant funding from the Rotary Club of Gaylord Fund, and $1,000 grant funding from the Kohnert Family Fund.

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of Otsego County’s Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Gardens and Conservation Forest, the funding was awarded to restore, refurbish, repair and renovate the garden, including the garden's pergola with its need for repairs, the staining of the amphitheater, replacing broken and weather worn arbors, and repairs to the irrigation system. These improvements will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the gardens, and ensure the community has a place to enjoy and learn.

The conservation district has utilized the garden as a space to host educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and community events. The garden and forest are a teaching tool for wildlife habitat, reforestation, riparian buffer restoration, horticulture, and utilization of native plants for increased biodiversity.

The OCD has a history of working in an educational setting. This is demonstrated through continued involvement in environmental education programs both in and outside of schools. Many of the educational workshops and programs arranged by the conservation district are held at the Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Garden and Conservation Forest or Nature Center. 

Members of the Great Lakes Energy support the Peoples Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar. The rounding up amount distributes to nonprofit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative.