The Madison Beautification/Tree Board advises the Mayor and City Council of ways to enhance the quality of life in Madison through beautification and environmentally friendly practices.

The Board presently engages in several ongoing projects: Beautification Awards, Thousand Points of Light, The Pride of Madison Programs: Adopt-a-Mile, Adopt-a-Park, and Adopt-a-Spot

A Charrette in Madison!

opening of Charrette in Madison


Pat Cross Welcomes Auburn University Professor Charlene LeBleu and students for a Two and a Half Day Charrette.

So -- What is a Charrette?
A Charrette is an intense period of artistic, design activity. The word Charrette is from the French, meaning little cart or chariot. The story is that in the 19th century at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, student architects would continue to work furiously on illustrations for their design presentations, even while being driven through Paris streets ("en charrette") en route to deliver the presentation to their professors.

More recently though in February 2009, representatives from the Landscape Architecture Program at Auburn University arrived in Madison to work with representatives of the Madison Tree and Beautification Board. The Board's goal was to plan for unified beautification of the city.
In just two days, Professor Charlene LeBleu and her students drew up plans for at least five separate entrances into Madison. An example outcome of the Charrette involves Palmer Park. Historical references suggest that iron detailing should be used on gates at the entrance. In addition, fruit tree planting was suggested, since Palmer Park was formerly a fruit tree orchard. More images of the Charrette may be found here.