Published on August 25, 2025
The Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) South Action Team, which includes City of Melbourne Environmental Community Outreach Division staff, presented the "We Noticed" Beautification Award to the Melbourne Founders Museum on August 20.
Native and Florida-friendly plants were added to museum’s landscaping last fall. “We wanted our facility to visually invite visitors to learn our area’s history while incorporating nature,” said Jim Shackleford, lead volunteer for the museum. After months of planning and receiving a sponsorship from Keith Donald, the facility’s landscaping now includes all Florida-friendly or Florida native plants selected by museum volunteers and Change of Greenery.
The design features plants surrounding the parking area and museum. A dozen different species, from beach sunflowers to coonties, are included to attract several types of wildlife. A special touch was installing crushed shell to help stormwater percolate into the ground.
Attending the "We Noticed" presentation were lead volunteer Jim Shackleford, other museum volunteers, Pastor Cheryl Wilcox from Greater Allen Chapel AME Church, City of Melbourne employees, Waste Management Government Affairs Manager Jordin Chandler, KBB Executive Director John Nico, and KBB South Action Team members. Throughout the year, the South Action Team recognizes owners of properties and businesses from the southern part of Brevard County for their efforts to beautify the area and environmentally improve their landscaping. The program has been in operation since the 1990s and has recognized dozens of properties.