GULF SHORES, Ala. — Filling a vacancy, the Gulf Shores Beautification Board is proud to announce their “newest” member Rodney Powell.

Several nominees were presented to the City for approval; Rodney, a former member of the Beautification Board, was easily approved and appointed. He will be helping on the committee that searches for businesses in the Gulf Shores area to nominate for the Gulf Shores Beautification Award.

Rodney, as owner of Flowers by the Shore florist, will once again be an asset to this volunteer group.

Members Jimmie VanValkenburgh and Camille Warren are on the New Project Committee. They have been discussing what can be done to enhance the walking/bike trail in Gulf Shores.

The city plans to extend the trail to meet the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail.

The Beautification Board was in agreement that benches and a representation of our Arbor Day trees should be a part of the Gulf Shores trail.

Another project in the works is turning the Gulf Shores Middle School storage building back into a green house complete with irrigation.

This will be used to store and care for trees to be distributed to residents on Arbor Day.

More importantly, it will also allow the addition of a new program for our schools, Agricultural Academy. More information on this project’s development will come later.

The Gulf Shores Beautification Board is made up of volunteers. For more info, go to www.gulfshoresal.gov under News and Events and click on Beautification Board.