Rural beauty crowned during M.D. tour

Ron and Bridgette Middagh, left, and Bruce and Cynthia Sloychuk earn their Rural Beautification awards during the M.D.’s tour last Thursday. Image credit: M.D. of Bonnyville. 

Some of the best-kept properties in the M.D. were recognized last week.

The M.D. of Bonnyville’s Rural Beautification Tour crowned two award winners this year, while patrons got to check out their lovely properties along the way last Thursday.

Bruce and Cynthia Sloychuk won the Rural Beautification award for best acreage. Their land includes a number of shelterbelt trees.

Ron and Bridgette Middagh won the Rural Beautification award for best farmstead.

Reeve Greg Sawchuk said it’s eye-opening seeing the work residents do with their property.

“We had a chance to get out there and see some of the hard work these folks are putting into their properties. And there are hundreds of properties out there that should be recognized, but we were able to finish half a dozen different places,” said Sawchuk.

“It’s just amazing the amount of time these people put into their yards – and investment. The amount of trees and shrubs. I know we’re not nearly up to par on what these folks are doing.”

The Beautification tour also included stops at the Lakeland Agricultural Research Association in Fort Kent to check out the vegetable crops, Ye Olde MacLean Hobby Farms outside of Fort Kent, learning about invasive species in Cherry Grove, E-Tree discussing the importance of building a canopy, and the Michaud Bison Ranch.

With files from the M.D. of Bonnyville.