(Natives Instead of Common Exotics)
Designing and Implementing a NICE!™ Program For Your Chapter
Now that we’ve reviewed the history and concepts of NICE!, let’s consider how this information relates to your Chapter.
Will NICE! Work For Your Chapter?
- Review and understand the concepts of NICE!.
- Determine your target audience.
- Assess your member resources and level of interest.
- Survey local nurseries and wholesalers.
- Contact the local press and other avenues to extend your
reach.
Options by Other Chapters
NICE! in this monthly format may not be feasible for your chapter. Consider a similar program on a smaller scale, i.e. featuring plants on a seasonal basis or limited basis. Promote theme gardening that uses native plants, e.g. butterfly gardening. Start with some of the elements of NICE! such as newspaper articles or other publications
In Summary
- NICE! has evolved through both successes and difficulties.
- Success is due to many dedicated, creative, persistent, and flexible chapter members.
- We encourage you to try it.
- It has been an educational and rewarding experience for us in Boerne!
The goodwill that is carefully cultivated by our nursery representatives goes a long way. Retail nursery employees have expressed a strong interest in the care instructions as a learning tool for themselves. At the end our first year, we distributed a survey to the nurseries which asked for their evaluation of the program. NICE! was consistently given very positive feedback.
Be patient and persevere. Your message may not be heard at first, but eventually you will have an impact on more and more members of your community!
And now here are some NICE! plants!
http://npsot.org/wp/boerne/plant-of-the-month