The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has once again upped the ante on roadside charm with its 2024 Wildflower Awards, recognizing the most visually appealing wildflower beds adorning the state's highways, as noted in a release by the NCDOT. Bringing not just a touch of natural beauty to motorists' travels but also supporting local ecosystems, these awards were backed by The Garden Club of North Carolina.
Sprawling sunflowers and the serene sight of poppies have overwhelmed the utilitarian asphalt this past year with vibrancy and a nod to nature conservation, one might wonder if it's merely a practical move or an echo to some pastoral idyl, without slipping into drab narrative, it's clear that such endeavors brighten up the daily grind of commuting, according to NCDOT's roadside environmental engineer Jeremy Goodwin, "Their dedication transforms our roadsides into living landscapes that add a splash of color to our highways, support pollinators and make travel a little more enjoyable for everyone who drives our roads.", he said; these words were captured in an NCDOT announcement.
Each winner represents a slice of North Carolina's varied landscapes, from the picturesque Division 7's swathes of vibrant colors that snake along N.C. 29 at Business 29 in Rockingham County, to Division 11's bountiful beds beaming bright along I-77 at the Weigh Station in Surry County. Division 7 not only took the crown for the region but also snagged the Best Overall Division Wildflower Program prize, boasting a comprehensive initiative across multiple counties including Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Orange, and Rockingham.
But before you start thinking this is just another administrative pat on the back, it's worth noting this petal-packed program has roots dating back to 1985, springing from the influence of none other than North Carolina's former First Lady Dottie Martin and a Wall Street Journal article about Texas's own floral endeavors – blending a tradition with ecological foresight, Division 9 claimed victory in Forsyth County and then again in Stokes County, Division 12 scored its welcome center showcase, and let's not forget about all those other regional conquerors that get highway commuters reaching for their cameras instead of the road-rage horn, this info courtesy of the NCDOT.
For the full list of winners and more details about NCDOT’s perennial program aimed at ecological enhancement and visual enjoyment, interested parties can find the announcement and wildflower-laden details by visiting the NCDOT website.
