We formed this group “Hortensia”, to address these three challenging issues; connectivity, beautification, history. Our overall goal is to flood our downtown and waterfront with the Hydrangea plant. We chose this plant because one of the distinct attributes of Fall River is the authenticity of our community and our long rich history of Azorean Culture and our ties to Portugal. We want to do this work because we know it will have an impact on our social, economical and environmental issues. It will visually start to connect the downtown to our waterfront as you see a sea of hydrangea connecting these two districts. The overall health of our environment will benefit. Trees, flowers and other ornament plants will be incorporated in the planting areas as well as small placemaking areas, creative wayfinding and public art, all of which will attract people to the area providing an economic benefit. It certainly addressed beautification. A visually appealing community increases property values, attracts businesses, and improves the neighborhood's This project will have a significant, positive change on our community. People want to live and work in a clean safe city and this project accomplishes that. The Mayor has proclaimed June 25th Hydrangea Day in the City and the City Council officially named the Hydrangea the ornamental flower of the city. This has had an impact on the growth of this program. More people are looking to plant Hydrangea and sponsor a spot.