ESCANABA — Members of the community gathered Wednesday with members of Enhance Escanaba, city officials America in Bloom and the Canadian National Railroad to acknowledge a grant that is being used to beautify Escanaba. They also gathered to thank the many volunteers that are making the project a reality.

Enhance Escanaba is a local non-profit group whose mission is to beautify Escanaba. The group was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Canadian National Railroad, administered by America in Bloom, an independent non-profit organization that promotes community enhancement programs across the country.

Enhance Escanaba received matching funds from the city of Escanaba and Downtown Development Authority.

Enhance Escanaba used the funds to plant 94 dwarf hydrangea trees along Ludington Street in downtown Escanaba recently. They also purchased 36 large pots located downtown that will be filled with flowers each year.

The effort involved numerous volunteers and Escanaba Department of Public Works employees to become a reality.

Wednesday, they were recognized for their contributions during a gathering outside the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority office on Ludington Street.

Karen Moore, founder and president of Enhance Escanaba, applauded the efforts of all involved in the outcome. She quoted one local resident as saying the improvements “make downtown smile.”

Escanaba Mayor Mark Ammel commented it is amazing what can be done when people come together and that is how changes can be made.

Escanaba City Manager Patrick Jordan recognized the efforts of Public Works employees who did the prep work allowing the tree plantings to take place.

Stacey Lyons, a representative of Canadian National Railroad based in Detroit, visited Escanaba Wednesday and was impressed with the downtown project.

You should be proud,” she told those in attendance.

To learn more Enhance Escanaba go to the organization’s website at www.enhanceescanaba.org