SOUTH BEND â The state took a major step in 2019 when it banned the sale, transport, swapping, gifting or introduction of 44 invasive plants. A similar move was brewing in South Bend at the same time, but the group behind it, the cityâs Ecological Advocacy Committee, noticed that 47 species were left off of the state list.
Among the skipped-over plants was the Bradford pear tree, whose profuse white blossoms now line busy streets by churches, businesses and even newly built city projects.
Their young offspring, easily planted by birds who pluck the berries, often cluster themselves in nearby fields, an early bloomer that outcompetes native plants.
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SOUTH BEND â The cascading water and light show that helped spark the rebirth of the downtown area over the past several years will soon be more than just a gathering spot and a pretty picture.
In about eight months or so, engineers hope to activate a 2.5-megawatt hydroelectric generating plant thatâs been under construction below Seitz Park across from the Century Center since August 2019.
The plant, which is being built by the University of Notre Dame, will harness water from the St. Joseph River at the south end of Seitz Park and channel it as it drops about 13 feet into 10 hydro turbines just north of the dam.
SOUTH BENDÂ â Dozens of multicolored umbrellas filled the airspace at Studebaker Plaza, protecting benches, balloons and a life-size chess board from the potential precipitation of the cloudy April sky.
The colorful umbrellas instantly drew the eye of Notre Dame junior Alex DeMeritt who was driving through downtown South Bend on Friday afternoon.
âOh my God, this looks so cool,â DeMeritt exclaimed as she made her friend pull over so she could jump out and take pictures.
The array is part of the Hit Refresh campaign, an initiative put on by the cityâs Venues, Parks and Arts Department and Downtown South Bend Inc. to provide downtown visitors a chance to enjoy the spring weather and refresh from a year of COVID.
SOUTH BEND â The cityâs Venues Parks & Arts department took its first public step this week toward a multi-year fundraising campaign and renovation project for the Morris Performing Arts Center, which turns 100 in 2022.
The work, department director Aaron Perri said, likely will involve three categories: safety and mechanicals, such as rigging points and the HVAC system; amenities that make it attractive for promoters to book large shows there; and aesthetics to enhance the audienceâs experience.
On Friday, representatives from RATIO, an international design company based in Indianapolis, will tour the Morris and begin to make recommendations for what work the city should prioritize.