Initiatives
There are many important initiatives. We are currently centering our efforts on these areas. Please let us know if you'd like to volunteer by contacting Don Preister. Or click on our Volunteer Opportunities tab, better yet, join us at the next Green Bellevue meeting!
Click here to see the 2019 Year in Review: https://spark.adobe.com/video/R7z3AEzyUOEWU
2020-21 Focus Areas:
Bellevue has over 2000 acres of forest. It is designated by both the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum as a Community Arboretum and the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. With the first City of Bellevue Tree Board appointment in 2010 and a strong alliance with Fontenelle Forest, we continue an effort to ensure the awareness and protection of our beautiful trees and to plant over 100 city trees per year and to keep informed and manage invasive species in the area.
Green Bellevue volunteers work to inspire and educate the public to create wildlife-friendly habitat on their property; to protect wildlife for our children’s’ future. We promote quality outdoor lighting to save energy and minimize light impact pollution. In 2016, we have joined a national initiative to plant Milkweed. Our state started the Nebraska Monarch and Pollinator Initiative and our goal is 300,000 new plants by 2020.
- Zero Waste
Volunteers improve and educate on recycling, reusing and reduction of waste. Our website offers a wide-range of resources. To promote community involvement, we participate in Keep America Beautiful‘s annual “Great American CleanUp” and “America Recycles Day”. We hold educational meetings each year to focus on this important topic and educate on new initiatives.
Visit www.yourcartplaysapart.com for information about the city of Bellevue's recycling program.
Volunteers promote awareness and action by local citizens in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency and clean energy sources. We are working on a community solar initiative.
- Green Schools
Current and former educators work with students and teachers to integrate green initiatives in our local schools and to encourage student participation in environmental projects within the community.
In addition to sponsoring Zero Waste events in the area we are working on the feasibility of composting in public schools.
- Sarpy County Earth Day
Green Bellevue first celebrated Earth Day in Bellevue on April 22, 2010 - Earth Day's 40th Anniversary. The Mayor of Bellevue at the time, Mayor Mixan, read an Earth Day proclamation and named the day "Green Bellevue Day" from that day forward. Each day since, the celebration has grown and starting in 2014, the event became known as "Sarpy County Earth Day." Sarpy County Earth Day is educational, interesting and family friendly. Put the last Sunday of April on your calendar!
Other important Initiatives we support:
Volunteers are building awareness and for green construction practices.
Nebraska Medicine - Bellevue is our city’s first LEED Certified facility. We are also proud to have assisted Sheltering Tree design a green facility on Greg Road in Bellevue.
We are working to improve city code and practices with sustainable, healthy policy.
We are the first city in Nebraska to approve a Complete Streets ordinance (3610) and form a Complete Streets Advisory panel. Our goal is to connect neighbors and neighborhoods through an interlocking trail system.
- Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
We encourage the support of local farmers and eating locally grown foods. We support community gardens and local Farmers Markets, including Bellevue’s own Farmers Market located in Washington Park from May to September. Also visit the Nebraska Food Cooperative - the year round Farmers Market - at https://www.nebraskafood.org/
We conduct a variety of projects and programs to educate people in ways that prevent water pollution. Projects include storm drain labeling, rain gardens, rain barrels, permeable pavement and litter removal.
If you are interested in participating in one of our initiatives, or you have one you are passionate about pursuing, contact our Chairman, Don Preister or visit our Facebook page. You can also check out the Events page for upcoming volunteer opportunities.