MedianGreen beautification begins

When undertaking a major project, it usually takes a pro or an activist who enjoys turning a challenge into a triumph.

For the much-needed MedianGreen project, Susanne Blodgett was the one with dual roles — she became a dedicated activist. As Chair of the “MedianGreen” project and after two years of planning, she welcomed three crews of local contractors as they began to add new landscaping to spruce up the streetscape on six medians on La Canada and Esperanza on Wednesday.

Thrilled to see the meaning of “green” returning to Green Valley, Blodgett said the mission of the local non-profit organization is “to restore medians to their former glory and to encourage a renewed sense of pride in the appearance of our town.”

When she issued a call for volunteers two years ago, a dozen residents stepped forward to work on a plan to enhance the blighted medians. Now, it’s a group of eight active volunteers who are very pleased to see their plans come to fruition.

Of the enormous undertaking, Blodgett said, “This was a new concept and the County had no existing program that fit. The learning curve was incredibly steep on both sides and we had to learn how to work together. Future planting projects should be much easier to accomplish.

“Support from Supervisor Ray Carroll and County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry resulted in the approval for this pilot program by the full Board of Supervisors. A special License Agreement granted by Pima County enables MedianGreen to operate on the public medians.”

She said Green Valley has over 14 miles of public roadways containing 110 medians. One median is 60 feet wide and 1,200 feet long, which required two sponsors.

“Over the years, most plants have deteriorated or died due to drought, natural attrition and destruction. The medians are now barren expanses of dirt with the occasional struggling tree or lone cactus,” she added.

Initially a committee within the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council, MedianGreen is now a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation, and all donations are tax deductible. In a show of support, GVCCC issued a matching challenge grant of $25,000 that MedianGreen has now earned and has begun to put to use.

A “Sponsor-a-Median” campaign has resulted in the Green Valley Lions Club, Green Valley Gardeners and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold donating funds to plant specific medians.

“This program allows a business or organization to choose their median and pay the costs to plant it,” Blodgett explained.

To acknowledge the various sponsoring groups and businesses, two signs will be placed on the designated median for three years. Other publicity will also acknowledge the sponsors.

In addition to the “Sponsor-a-Median” program, the “Adopt-a-Median” program provides an opportunity for a business or organization to become the guardian or caretaker of the plants once a specific median has been replanted. Blodgett said the adoptive group may either hand-water or ensure that the watering system is functioning for a period of two years.

After that time, plants will be established and will be expected to survive on their own. Currently, volunteers from Villas East HOA have adopted a median previously planted by Freeport-McMoRan, she said.

Partnerships with Community Water Co. and the Green Valley Fire District have supplied and delivered water to temporary cisterns for use by volunteers to water the plants. MedianGreen is now in the process of restoring original drip systems.

Future work will depend on continuing public support. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to MedianGreen, Inc. 1325 W. Duval Mine Road, No. 167-10, Green Valley, 85614.

For further information: MedianGreen.org or call Blodgett at 648-1936.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.