Lodgepole Project Receives Beautification Funds

Last month, Hillary Maxwell, MSU-Extension Agent at Fort Belknap, received notification that the Lodgepole Research Orchard Beautification project had been awarded funding from the Montana Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA).

The MNLA Board of Directors awarded $250.00 toward the project to purchase a garden bench. Due to the number of applications received for this year’s Community Beautification Fund, the MNLA was not able to fund the MSU-Extension’s total request, but Maxwell expressed pleasure about receiving the monetary award.

The Lodgepole Research Orchard Beautification Project was one of four award winners. The Yellowstone Arboretum, Missoula Memorial Rose Garden, and State of Montana Arboretum—located on the University of Montana’s campus in Missoula, where more than 100 species and 2,300 trees grow—also received funds from the MNLA.

In a letter from Executive Director, Gina Albaugh, the MNLA not only requested a photo of the completed project but asked that Fort Belknap Extension recognize the MNLA’s contribution to this project by adding a plaque to the bench, stating that it was donated by the MNLA. “Our hope is to grow awareness of the MNLA’s commitment and support of Montana communities through the Community Beautification Fund Program,” Albaugh wrote.

The MNLA serves the public by working with various horticulture trades, state agencies, and others to develop and improve standards which help their members to offer quality plant materials and services to the public. The organization believes that establishing industry standards and educating individuals working in horticulture serves to provide the public with better products and expertise.