Wildflower Program
General Information
WILDFLOWER PROGRAM TOPICS
Wildflower Her Story
The Wildflower Program began in 1974 when Mrs. Virginia Hand Callaway, then chair of the Birds and Wildflowers Committee of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., spearheaded the movement to plant and protect wildflowers on the roadsides. Later, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and several Garden Club of Georgia members met with Lady Bird Johnson to discuss the highly-successful Texas Wildflower Program. Following a trip to Texas, the women presented their ideas to Georgia DOT Commissioner Downing Musgrove, who enthusiastically endorsed the program for implementation here.
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How We Did It?
In November 1998, Georgia residents voted to amend the Constitution in order to create a roadside enhancement and beautification fund supplemented by the sale of special wildflower motor vehicle tags. Senate Bill 97, proposed in the 2001 legislative session, designated the Wildflower tag a specialty tag. Because it is designated a specialty tag, you can add a pop of yellow to your car for a one-time $25 fee and support future wildflower plantings on Georgia’s interstates.
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And We Got A Little Help From Friends
The Georgia DOT partnered with The Garden Club of Georgia Inc. to design and manufacture the Wildflower Auto Tag. The auto tag created by Georgia DOT Artist Stan Smith features the Black-eyed Susan, and the tag line, “Wildflowers in my heart!” The popular Black-eyed Susan was chosen based on its extensive familiarity among Georgians.
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Why We Did It?
Senate Bill 97 was important to the Georgia DOT because it provided an outstanding opportunity to increase sales and create awareness of the Wildflower Auto Tag. Increased sales result in more beautiful blooms on Georgia state routes. The bill was sponsored by Senators Rooney Bowen (13th) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th), who were vital to Georgia DOT’s efforts in securing funding.
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How Can I Buy A Tag?
Few people enjoy long hours spent driving on the road or being in traffic congestion; however, you make these experiences more enjoyable by adding a burst of color and a wave of brightness to state roadways through purchasing a Wildflower Auto Tag. For a one-time fee of $25.00, Georgians can enjoy the unique Wildflower Auto Tag and provide critical funding for program research and maintenance. The auto tag is available at local county tag offices. For more information and county tag office locations, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles Service website, www.dmvs.ga.gov. By purchasing the auto tag, you help secure the future of Georgia’s roadside wildflowers.
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Where Do My Dollars Go?
Proceeds from the Wildflower Auto Tag are used to fund Georgia DOT beautification projects. The proceeds also support other enhancement projects including research on the uses and value of planting native flora and native seed sources; planting of trees, shrubs and ground covers; and contract services to establish and preserve the enhancement projects.
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Why You Should Go Wild…Flower?
The beautification fund is important to the state because it will help preserve and restore native flora, which has economic advantages. Since native plants have already adapted to the climate and soil conditions, they do not require expensive labor, equipment, irrigation, chemicals or continual mowing to remain pleasing to motorists.
By purchasing the Wildflower Auto Tag, Georgians will enjoy wildflowers throughout the spring, summer and fall months …and year round on their cars.
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Updated March 02, 2007. 11:31
© 2003-2007 Georgia Department of Transportation