Enhance Escanaba began its volunteer work in 2021, when they planted flowers donated by Chenier’s Greenhouse at various sites in the city.

As a 501(c)(3), the organization is eligible for certain aid. Their projects in 2022 formed a multi-phase endeavor made possible by grants, donations and assistance from Canadian National Railroad, America in Bloom, the City of Escanaba, the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority, Chenier’s Greenhouse and the Community Foundation for Delta County.

That project placed 36 large cement planters on Ludington Street between the sixth and 15th blocks, to be potted with annuals each year. Many volunteers, Scouts, Department of Public Works (DPW) employees and more helped with the installation.

Another phase, described by Enhance Escanaba as “a huge endeavor,” swapped cement for flowering trees, also on Ludington Street, as sidewalks were cut up and 94 hydrangeas were planted.

Mary Gail Blasier, Betty Breclaw, Mike Dewar and Monte Morrison were among the volunteers who planted annuals in Enhance Escanaba's flowerpots this season. Usually between 6th and 15th Streets, the pots have been moved due to construction. (Photo courtesy of Susan Clifton)

Unfortunately, just three years later, many of the hydrangea trees were removed in 2025 as the city began its massive remodel of water infrastructure and streetscape.

This year, construction has progressed westward along Ludington Street, reaching the area that had been decorated by the large cement flowerpots.

Recently, DPW relocated the heavy pots using a padded forklift, reported Enhance Escanaba President Karen Moore. They now sit on the eastern end of Ludington, between Sixth Street and the Municipal Dock.

Last week, members of Enhance Escanaba and other volunteers joined the annual planting of flowers in the pots.

The nonprofit’s current mission is its biggest yet — bringing an ice rink to Ludington Park.

To learn more about the organization, its goals, past work and monthly meetings, people may visit enhanceescanaba.org.