Beautification committee reports pollinator-friendly plantings after American In Bloom evaluation

Tracy Mao, a member of the Beautification & Appearance Committee, told the council that the committee completed planting on 12 sites around town and used native, pollinator-friendly species recommended by the American In Bloom evaluators. ‘‘All those plants got into the ground by Independence Day,’’ she said.

Why it matters: The committee said the plantings and design aim to increase community pride, support pollinators and reduce long-term maintenance by favoring native species. The committee also reported receiving technical assistance from America In Bloom on volunteer engagement, landscape resilience and design.

Mao said the committee will draft a meeting summary and hold a strategic planning meeting in early August to incorporate advisers’ recommendations. She also noted that Town Administrator Clay Jackson will represent Forest Heights at the national symposium in late September when Prince George’s County hosts the event.

Council members asked practical questions about specific sites, phased work at the Comanche entrance, and involving students at Forest Heights Elementary; committee members confirmed the map of sites is available online and that planting selections were chosen for seasonal color and resilience. Council member Kennedy asked whether the committee had experience with vegetative green roofs; the committee said they had limited experience and would look into options.

Next steps: The committee will finalize its report, pursue volunteer recruitment and work with town staff to coordinate maintenance and future plantings.