Here’s the latest Campaign news.

Check back often for updates. For 2007 archived news, go here.

Currently

  1. • Seeking a non-profit group or Foundation to act as ‘fiscal agent/sponsor’ and coordinate the financial part of the Campaign. Being only one person, I welcome advice or suggestions on this process.

  2. •Creating budget for Campaign Kits, finalizing print elements

  3. •Preparing presentation for first of five ‘city partners’ along Lilac Way

  4. •Preparing to approach Campaign Corporate Sponsors (would like to have fiscal agent in place first)

The Campaign to Restore Lilac Way is proud to announce its first key Partner: Tree Trust. This established local, environmentally-focused non-profit organization is currently developing solutions for their partnership role in the Campaign.

Tree Trust improves the community environment by investing in people. They transform the green landscapes of our communities, and in the process, everyone grows. David Hawes, Tree Trust President, has become an enthusiastic supporter. We look forward to working with this powerful environmental advocate.

8.20.08
Had a very productive budget and process meeting with Patti Strohmayer at Mn/DOT, she helps me to clearly understand the logistics of this big project.

8.18.08

  1. • Pulling together final budget and Campaign business plan based on 2-year Campaign plan for 3000 lilacs

  2. • Fine-tuning process chart and schedule

  3. • To place Lilac Way signage on Highway 100, it must be 'officially designated by the Minnesota Legislature.' Contacted Marcia Honold about meeting with SLP’s state elected officials or their staff to ask the legislature to designate TH100 as Lilac Way. She also recommends speaking with Henn. Co. Comm. Dorfman’s office.  

7.17.08
The Campaign sent a letter to the city of Robbinsdale, who is exploring the purchase of Graeser Park. This is an original Lilac Way Park, and home to one of the last two remaining ‘beehives.’ Read the Campaign’s letter to Mayor Michael A. Holtz, the Sun Newspaper article or the TwelveTv story.

6.30.08
This Campaign web site received over 4000 hits in both May and June. Thanks for checking it out, and spread the word!

6.24.08
3-hour field trip to drive the length of Lilac Way with Tree Trust’s David Hawes and Mn/DOT’s Patti Strohmayer and Paul Walvatne to determine viable planting locations and discuss process.

6.18.08
Very productive meeting with Tree Trust and Mn/DOT.

5.1.08
Had a great conversation with Mary Davy of No-Stress Gardening and Landscaping in Chaska. They are enthusiastic, offered to act as advisory for project, possible support with maintenance. Will continue discussion as project progresses. Thanks, Mary!

4.25.08
Visited Mn/DOT’s ‘Beehive Graveyard,’ the location of former park structures (beehives, benches, tables, etc.) with Mary Wenner (Mn/DOT), Rick Birno and Rick Beane (SLP) to see if materials could be used in Roadside Park restoration at Highways 7 and 100. See what’s in the Beehive Graveyard.

4.23.08
Presented Campaign to a very prominent local, environmentally-focused non-profit organization to discuss partnership. They loved the concept and where I am going with it, are currently developing ideas about how we can partner together. Fingers crossed.

3.31.08
Met with Mn/DOT (Patti Strohmayer/Paul Walvatne/Todd Carroll):

  1. •Discussed Campaign’s need to maintain the lilacs after planting

  2. •Reviewed application process for Mn/DOT’s Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program

2.1.08
Design prototype for Campaign Kits is completed.