PERRYSBURG — Country Garden Club of Perrysburg has recently awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to 12 local organizations.

Organizations receiving funding include the 577 Foundation, W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, Toledo Day Nursery, Water for Ishmael, Genacross, Woodlands Park, Side Cut Park, Way Library, Toledo School for the Arts, Woodlawn Cemetery, Fort Meigs Historical Site and Aurora Project.

“The 577 Foundation requested funding to create an inclusive environment for gardeners of all abilities so that they can engage in hands-on learning about horticulture, participate in a healthy, active gardening lifestyle and join in the gardening community,” said Kathy Attwood, chair of the Country Garden Club’s Community Projects Committee. “577 is installing six tall, accessible garden beds for community members of all abilities, including those with mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers and those with mobility issues, such as trouble kneeling or bending.”

W.W. Knight Preserve requested funds to replace the entrance ramp to their nature center. The new ramp will be heated, much safer and more accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, Attwood said.

Toledo Day Nursery is receiving funds to create a perennial garden on their property on Stickney Avenue in Toledo.

“A garden allowing children to commune with nature will have a positive impact onboth today’s children and their families as well as on future generations of urban Toledoresidents,” Attwood said.

Water for Ishmael is an organization that serves primarily immigrants and refugees. They are receiving funds to continue development of a community garden that will provide their students with opportunities to engage in all phases of the “farm to table” production of healthy vegetables.

Genacross is a non-profit organization that provides housing for senior of all income levels. According to Attwood, they are receiving funding for development of a small “pocket park” on the grounds of the Luther Crest and Luther Woods low-income senior housing.

In collaboration with the Perrysburg Garden Club, Country Garden Club will be creating a native plant garden in Perrysburg’s Woodlands Park.

The Friends of Side Cut Park is receiving funding to create a bird friendly garden.

Way Public Library is receiving funding to restore their patio sculpture “Soaring,” which was created in 1985 to honor Elizabeth Hume a Perrysburg resident and noted landscape architect. The original sculpture was funded by Country Garden Club.

Toledo School for the Arts is receiving funding to replace walkways and the patio at the school’s urban garden.

Historic Woodlawn Cemetery requested funding to expand their collection of native trees to continue to provide habitat for local wildlife, outreach programs for visitors and beautification of the urban area.

Fort Meigs Historic Site requested funds to renovate their 19th Century Heirloom Garden. The purpose of the garden is to educate visitors about accurate, period-appropriate accents, tools, and vegetation.

Aurora Project requested continued funding to improve and enhance their community garden in the Vistula Historic District of Toledo. This next phase will pave more walkways, add perennials, and install a low-cost watering system.

“It will also include education for the residents, staff, board, and neighbors so that they will understand how to plant and maintain the garden,” Attwood said.

The Country Garden Club 2023 Trunk Show is planned for Oct. 2-4 at Carranor Club in Perrysburg.

“Monies raised at our annual trunk show allow us to provide community project grants each year,” said Country Garden Club President Judy Lang.