East Court group discusses Gilkey

The College and Cultural Neighborhood Association Nov. 18 discussed Gilkey Creek restoration, grants and wreath sales.

Sara Mcdonnell, UM-Flint Center for Applied Environmental Research, explained plans for a project to restore Gilkey Creek. The project is similar to one around Applewood Estate.

It will focus on water quality by reducing sediment and easing the impact of storm water on the environment while preserving wild aquatic life. The proposed project could improve aesthetics and reduce flooding.

The project will promote education, increase management and use "safer engineering practices" such as root wads and other natural works.

A previous grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation was used to identify where Gilkey Creek was polluted and where it needed to be protected.

President Sherry Hayden reported that not all of a previous Keep Genesee County Beautiful grant had been used. Many of the plants from last year returned and not as much plant material was needed as planned. In the future, the group will either plant less or expand to new beds, she said. The unused money was returned.

The Bishop Trust has given the neighborhood association $800. Hayden said the group may use the money to put another neighborhood marker sign in a small garden at one of the neighborhood entrances.

Kathy Beaubien, a representative of the Women's National Farm and Garden Club of Flint, said her group would maintain the day lilies at the bridge over Gilkey Creek on Court Street adjacent to Mott Community College. The association accepted her offer.

Beaubien said her group's annual wreath sale is its main fundraiser. It sells undecorated green wreaths and grave blankets each year.