As the Downtown Lansing Spring Clean-Up approaches on Saturday, May 10, the day also kicks off this season’s Adopt-A-Spot program. The goal of this program is to improve the environment and appearance of our community. The program encourages individuals, organizations and businesses to adopt a spot in Downtown Lansing and to maintain that spot throughout the season. The Adopt-A-Spot sites range from large areas ideal for group sponsorships to small areas that can be managed by an individual.
Key Points in the Adopt-A-Spot Program:
- Any individual 18 years or older, community group, business, or other group may participate in the program
- Public areas within the city limits are streets, parks, vacant lots (owned by the city) and other publicly held lands.
- Program participants commit to planting flowers on May 10 and removing trash in the adopted area. Participants will check the spots quarterly until the end of the calendar year.
- A sign recognizing the sponsor’s efforts will be placed upon completion of an Adopt-A-Spot contract and site readiness.
- If you adopt a spot and are unable to maintain it, please notify DLI.
Safety Tips:
- Wear bright colors so you can be seen while maintaining your spot,
- Wear protective clothing like gloves, hard-soled shoes, vest, etc.
- Bring gardening tools for working in the soil.
- Working only during the daylight hours and in good weather.
- Provide adult supervision for young group members.
- Don’t work in your area during peak traffic times.
- If you need plant suggestions or have questions, please contact Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of DLI, at [email protected].
Adopt-A-Spot FAQS
How Long is the Program? The program launches with spring planting day in May and ends with the Fall Cutback Cleanup at the end of October/Early November.
What Can I Plant? If you adopt a rain garden, you must use native plants only. Rain gardens are specifically designed to absorb rainwater runoff and reduce pollution. If you adopt a regular flower bed, DLI will provide the flowers or plants. You are not required to but flowers for your garden bed. Keeping your flower bed neat and tidy is the most important thing.
What are the Responsibilities? Responsibilities include spring clean-up, planting, light weeding, and litter removal. If you adopt a block, let us know if there are any larger items of debris or areas of concern that need to be resolved. We ask that you check in on your garden bed and your adopted block at least once a month.
How Can I meet Other Volunteers? In addition to the spring planting and fall clean-up days, there will be two volunteer appreciation events throughout the season where volunteers will be able to get to know each other and have some fun downtown.
