Green Up Magnolia was spearheaded by Magnolia resident Dion Wilky after City Administrator Ryan Kelley approached her about creating an environmental group that would benefit the City.

“We have five tenets that we’re working toward,” Wilky said, “recycling, beautification, energy conservation, water conservation and environmental education.”

Wilky said surveys that were sent out to residents of the city indicated that people wanted to see the city beautified, especially in the downtown area.

The group partnered with the city, which is undergoing its own facelift with a downtown revitalization project, at Magnolia’s July 4 Celebration event. During the celebration, the group worked along with Five J.A.B., the city’s garbage and recycling pickup provider, to promote recycling to citizens.

Wilky said the group also collaborated with the city for a gently-used toy drive, and is looking to again partner with the city at its Christmas event in December.

With the exception of Keep Montgomery County Beautiful, Wilky said she didn’t know of any other environmental groups in Magnolia.

“It was a need that needed to be filled in our community,” Wilky said “We’re trying to start something big here.”

Membership is open to all, and the fledgling group of less than 15 members is actively recruiting new people to join.

Looking to the future, the group hopes to start a chapter of the organization at Magnolia West High School, and is also looking to have a big “green” event in spring of 2010.

“We know it’s a good thing and we hope people see how important it is to think about the future,” she said.

Green Up Magnolia will host Saturday in the Park, a family-friendly event featuring activities, music, karaoke, snacks and drinks. The event will last from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 24, at the Depot in downtown Magnolia.

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