Written by Katherine Tschirhart, 2025 Marketing and Communications Intern

6 Simple Ways to Beautify Your Community This Spring

Now is the perfect time to find ways to enhance the beauty of your community! Not only does this promote pride and togetherness, but it also creates a healthier ecosystem, supports local wildlife, and makes public spaces more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re looking for hands-on projects or creative ways to inspire others, here are some realistic ways you can contribute to a more beautiful and vibrant neighborhood.

1. Participate in Local Clean-Ups

Litter can quickly accumulate in shared spaces, diminishing the natural beauty of parks, streets, and waterways. Volunteering for a community clean-up is a simple yet impactful way to make a visible difference. Check our Event Calendar to find local cleanups and beautification events organized by our affiliates. If you don’t see one near you, consider organizing your own cleanup with friends, family, or coworkers – but be sure to check out our Keep Texas Waterways Clean program for additional resources and guidance!

2. Grow Native Plants

Planting native species offers numerous benefits for both your garden and the environment. Because they are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, native plants require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. They also provide essential food and shelter for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, helping to sustain a healthy ecosystem. Consider incorporating native wildflowers, shrubs, or trees into your landscaping to add beauty while supporting biodiversity. For guidance and resources, explore organizations such as the Native Plant Society of Texas, their NICE Native Plant Partners, and the Texas Master Naturalist Program. 

3. Educate Yourself on Environmental Issues

The more you know about local environmental challenges, the better equipped you’ll be to make a meaningful impact. Take advantage of free online resources, webinars, or community events that discuss topics like sustainability, climate change, water conservation, and eco-friendly gardening. Here are some Texas-based organizations offering educational opportunities: 

• University of Texas at Arlington’s Environmental Training Institute (ETI): Offers compliance assistance training for managing environmental challenges.
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Sustainability Workshops and Webinars: Provides webinars on aligning sustainability with institutional and personal values.
• City of Plano’s Online Learning with Sustainability: Features learning modules on water and energy conservation, along with a recorded webinar library.

• City of Austin’s Art in Public Places Program: Commissions artworks ranging from murals and sculptures to functional architectural elements for public facilities.
• Texas Commission on the Arts: Provides funding for arts and cultural activities across the state.
• City of Helotes’ Community Arts Grant Program: Offers funding to local artists and organizations for public art displays.

5. Host a Community Swap or Market

Rather than discarding old items, encourage sustainability by organizing a garage sale, flea market, or clothing swap. This helps keep usable goods out of landfills while giving people an opportunity to find unique, affordable treasures. Upcycling and secondhand shopping reduce waste and promote a circular economy – plus, it’s a great way to meet neighbors and support local vendors. To learn more about the principles and benefits of a circular economy, consider exploring resources like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 

6. Plan an Event to Bring People Together

A strong community is a beautiful community! Organize an event that encourages people to connect, such as a farmers’ market, outdoor movie night, live music event, or educational workshop. Whether it’s a neighborhood picnic or a citywide festival, bringing people together fosters a sense of pride and collaboration – both of which are key to long-term beautification efforts. To discover or promote local events, consider checking platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, Facebook Events, local newspapers, and community websites or bulletin boards. For rural areas, local libraries, schools, and churches often host events and can be valuable resources for community engagement.

By taking small but meaningful steps, you can play an active role in making your community a more vibrant and inviting place. Which of these ideas will you try this spring? Let us know in the comments or share your own tips for community beautification!