TERRE HAUTE —
Dozens of downtown planters are up for adoption, and presently free of weeds thanks to some federal inmates.
Eleven volunteers from the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex joined those from Downtown Terre Haute Inc. on Saturday morning despite chilly rain, helping plant flowers in the organization’s planter boxes.
Stephanie Miller, chair of the group’s Streetscape Committee, said the organization spent about $17,000 last year to develop the first phase of the 90-planter box series. Sponsorships cover the program’s cost, which runs along Wabash Avenue around Third, Fourth, Seventh and Cherry streets. This year the organization has partnered with the FCC for maintenance, saving money which would have gone to a landscaping company.
“And this is a great program they use at county parks too,” she said as inmates planted cone flowers and other plants amid one of the morning’s drier spells. “And they’re really hard workers.”
FCC public information officer Marvin Pitt attended the project, explaining the inmates were from the facility’s camp and most will be released soon.
“When the inmates heard about this program, they jumped at the chance to help the community,” he said, emphasizing the facility’s goal to be a good neighbor to Terre Haute. And in addition to service, the inmates also enjoy getting outside to do some work, he added.
The group worked through 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon and returns today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’ll resume the project again next weekend, Miller said.
Meanwhile, individuals or businesses wishing to sponsor planter boxes should contact the Indiana State University Business Engagement Center at (812) 237-2536, or visit Downtown Terre Haute Inc.’s Facebook page. Planter box sizes are 4-feet-by-4-feet, 5-feet-by-10-feet and 6-feet-by-20-feet. Sponsorship prices are $50, $100 and $250 per year respectively, and include a plaque bearing the donor’s name. Perennial flowers, hardwood bark mulch, watering and maintenance are provided, Miller said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
Get involved
• Sponsorship: Individuals or businesses wishing to sponsor planter boxes should contact the Indiana State University Business Engagement Center at (812) 237-2536, or visit Downtown Terre Haute Inc.’s Facebook page.
• Size/cost: Planter box sizes are 4-feet-by-4-feet, 5-feet-by-10-feet and 6-feet-by-20-feet. Sponsorship prices are $50, $100 and $250 per year respectively, and include a plaque bearing the donor’s name.
• It’s taken care of: Perennial flowers, hardwood bark mulch, watering and maintenance are provided.
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