BLUE STAR & GOLD STAR MARKERS at I90, Beloit Rest Stop: 2023-2025 Project
Proposed by WGCF President Linda McCafferty
An installation of Gold and Blue Star Memorial Markers at Rock County Welcome Center 22 will remind travelers of the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin residents who have served this nation. The Center is located on I-39 Northbound/I-90 Westbound entering Wisconsin from Illinois and is near Beloit. The highway is also known as “Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway” and was designated Blue Star Highway in 1987. Approximately 900,000 Wisconsin citizens have served in the US Armed Services and its conflicts.
In addition to a Memorial honoring Wisconsin armed forces members who received the Medal of Honor, the site contains other Memorials dedicated to Wisconsin Veterans who fought in ALL WARS. The placement of a Blue Star Memorial Marker will certainly complement the other monuments already erected on the site.
The addition of a Gold Star Families Memorial Marker will acknowledge the families of the approximately 26,780 Wisconsinites who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our Nation.
Contributions to this very important Project should be mailed to Joe Powelka at 5361 Betlach Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590-9781. Your check should be made payable to Wisconsin Garden Club Federation. Please write President’s Project on the memo line. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with the 501(c)(3) IRC status of WGCF.
Project Flyer
In addition to a Memorial honoring Wisconsin armed forces members who received the Medal of Honor, the site contains other Memorials dedicated to Wisconsin Veterans who fought in ALL WARS. The placement of a Blue Star Memorial Marker will certainly complement the other monuments already erected on the site.
The addition of a Gold Star Families Memorial Marker will acknowledge the families of the approximately 26,780 Wisconsinites who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our Nation.
Contributions to this very important Project should be mailed to Joe Powelka at 5361 Betlach Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590-9781. Your check should be made payable to Wisconsin Garden Club Federation. Please write President’s Project on the memo line. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with the 501(c)(3) IRC status of WGCF.
Project Flyer
The projects below were completed by WGCF presidents.
To find out about projects at the National Level.
International Crane Foundation: Federation Fields Restoration: 2021-2023 Project
Proposed by WGCF President Laura Skoff
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo, WI was started in 1973 as the world center for the study and propagation of endangered cranes and is the only place you can see all 15 species of cranes found worldwide. In 1979 a 160 acre tract of rolling meadows was purchased to restore a complex of wetlands, prairies, oak savannas and forest habitat. WGCF purchased a 10 acre tract of land as a donation to Co-Founder George Archibald and ICF. In 1984, a donation of $4,000 “seed” money for what is known as Federation Fields - the center of the prairie restoration.
Laura's project focused on a ¾ acre overlook hillside converting it to prairie and oak savanna vegetation. A mixture of native seeds that have been collected on-site were be scattered. As the 2021-2023 WGCF President's Project, the new and continuing restoration of Federation Fields, as well as native plantings surrounding the overlook observatory, is a tribute to Wisconsin Garden Club Federation's commitment and culmination at The International Crane Foundation.
Laura's project focused on a ¾ acre overlook hillside converting it to prairie and oak savanna vegetation. A mixture of native seeds that have been collected on-site were be scattered. As the 2021-2023 WGCF President's Project, the new and continuing restoration of Federation Fields, as well as native plantings surrounding the overlook observatory, is a tribute to Wisconsin Garden Club Federation's commitment and culmination at The International Crane Foundation.
Little Sprouts for Saplings: 2019-2021 Project
Proposed by WGCF President Lynne Ehnert
This term we plan to “Leaf Out Wisconsin” with a project called “Little Sprouts for Saplings”. Many Wisconsin trees have been loss due to disease, weather conditions, pests, and human actions. Clubs are encouraged to partner with youth to replace and replenish trees in their area of the state. The project supports the NGC Plant America theme.
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St. Croix River Crossing: 2017-2019 President's Project
Proposed by Peggy Grubbs
After a 60 plus year wait, and years of negotiation, a badly needed bridge was built between Minnesota and Wisconsin over the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. As part of this construction, a five mile, walking, biking trail, called the Loop Trail, was created. Peggy Grubbs, WGCF president, realized that there was a wonderful opportunity for the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation to be involved in several aspects of this project. Beginning in June of 2016, Peggy Grubbs, Susan Johansen and Carol Howe, all members of the Willow River Garden Club, began working with representatives from St. Croix County to see how we could collaborate together. The idea of putting in a Blue Star Marker and garden at the Loop Trailhead to honor our veterans, was embraced by St. Croix County officials. The results of WGCF's efforts can be seen at the Trailhead.
Hilary Grace Healing Garden: 2015-2017 President's Project
Proposed by Gerianne Holzman
The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) Project for the 2015-17 term of office supported the creation and maintenance of the Hilary Grace Healing Garden at UW Hospitals & Clinics in Madison. The garden began with a donation from Ms Grace’s family to create a respite for patients and caregivers during their time at the hospital. Green environments reduce anxiety and blood pressure while speeding surgical recovery and helping people cope with stress. The garden, located on a third floor rooftop, opened in the spring 2016. The WGCF donations helped to purchase plantings and maintain the garden.
Patient surveys testify to its importance:
Patient surveys testify to its importance:
- I LOVED the garden area outside my room & family visits out there were amazing.
- (WE WENT OUTSIDE) to the Healing Garden (it felt GREAT). THANK YOU!
- The garden also was a huge help to be able to go out there and see it out my window.
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The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation founded in 1928 is a charter member of the National Garden Club organization. As an organization, we are proud of our heritage of developing relationships with fellow gardeners, learning, and gardening for good in our communities.
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