Genesee Master Gardener volunteers are involved in a unique educational outreach project at several Genesee County rest areas.  Partnering with the Genesee County Road Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation, Master Gardeners have designed, installed, and maintained several annual flower displays at several rest stop areas along I-75 and US-23.  These rest areas serve about 2.5 million persons annually.

     The annuals are labeled in the beds, and a descriptive brochure with cultural  tips is available for rest stop visitors.  The objectives of the project are to provide a visually pleasing welcome to the visitor's center and to educate homeowners on annual flowers that are proven performers in the Michigan landscape. Over Labor Day weekend, Master Gardeners are on hand to educate rest area visitors during the busy holiday. 
     Comments made from in state and out of state visitors included: "Beautiful!", "Very helpful information", "The gardens are just spectacular", "Very nice and very helpful, thank you!"

     On August 29, 2001 officials from MDOT and the Genesee Road Commission honored the MSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers with a recognition event at the I-75 Clio rest stop.  State and local officials, press representatives, and Genesee county commissioners were present.

     This successful partnership has created high visibility for the MSU Extension Master Gardeners, providing a tremendous educational opportunity for them to share with the gardening public. The pride and ownership that the Master Gardeners have demonstrated, along with the rest stop employees and  patrons, has been outstanding.