Moments in our history
1990 Let’s take a little trip down memory lane to see how it all started…
In 1990, Roots and Branches,
formerly known as the West Bend Beautification Committee Inc,
created our first logo.
Maradel Sager and a group of approximately 20 volunteers, organized the West Bend Beautification Committee (now Roots and Branches) with official bylaws on July 2, 1990. The first project was the Mayor’s Beautification Awards followed by the establishment of the first ‘Daylily City’. The Adopt-A-Plot program was next on the agenda, then the Arbor Day Program and the Clean-up Campaign. These programs continue today as staples in our mission’s arsenal to improve the environment and our community.
Maradel Sager, first President, residing over The 1990 Mayor’s Beautification Awards Reception. Thank you Founders!
1992 The First Cleanup Greenup Campaign
We look back to 1992 when we held our first Cleanup Greenup Campaign. A group from the Chamber leadership program, pictured here, along with the West Bend Beautification Committee held the first “Litter Busters” clean-up in the city. The name was a take-off of Ghostbusters, a popular movie at that time. Mike Bloedorn, one of the leadership group, remained with the clean-up each year until very recently when he moved to Menomonee Falls. Amy Grinna, past President and former Board Member of Roots and Branches was also part of the first Cleanup.
“Litter Busters” eventually became the ‘Cleanup Greenup’ campaign and, of course the organization is now known as Roots and Branches.
In 2022, Roots and Branches joined forces with Milwaukee Riverkeeper for their annual Spring Cleanup.
2022 The First Scholarship
In 2022, we partnered with the West Bend High Schools Scholarship Coordinator to award the first Roots and Branches Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to support the further education of a student who has a field of interest in Environmental Science and/or Community Service and has demonstrated an interest that reflects the core mission of Roots and Branches.