The De Pere Beautification Committee honored a project with UW-Green Bay ties earlier this month, presenting a Garden of Merit Award for establishment of a native prairie garden at Voyageur Park. Involved again was Prof. Emeritus Bill Niedzwiedz of Public and Environmental Affairs — his penchant for service earned him a Founders Association Award for Excellence not long ago — recognized this time for his efforts to make a difference in downtown De Pere. He helped Eagle Scout George Lepak, who happens to be the son of Susan Lepak-Gallagher of the UW-Green Bay Nursing faculty, create the garden. Niedzwiedz is an owner of De Pere Greenhouse & Floral and assisted in growing the plants. A third partner honored was sustainability advocate Randy Rake of SEEDS for De Pere. The Press-Gazette had coverage.