Hanover, PA — Main Street Hanover is pleased to announce the launch of the Sprout & Stroll Storefront Plant Micro-Grant Program, designed to help downtown businesses enhance their storefronts with vibrant, welcoming plant displays in advance of the upcoming Folk & Flower Arts Festival.

This new initiative supports ongoing downtown beautification efforts by adding color, greenery, and curb appeal throughout Hanover’s commercial district — creating a more inviting experience for residents, shoppers, and visitors alike.

Grant Overview

• Grant Amount: Up to $300 (reimbursement-based)
• Initial Round: 50 businesses will be accepted
• Additional Awards: If funding remains after the first round, additional grants may be awarded
• Eligible Use: Purchase of outdoor plants and/or planters for storefront displays
• Location Requirement: Business must be located within the Main Street Hanover designated area in downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania
• Payment Method: Reimbursement issued after installation and submission of itemized receipts and photos
• Installation Deadline: All planters must be installed no later than Saturday, May 9, 2026, in preparation for the Folk & Flower Arts Festival
• Application Deadline: April 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Early applications are encouraged, as funds will be distributed to approved applicants on a rolling basis.

Program Expectations

By accepting the micro-grant, participating businesses agree to:

• Purchase and install outdoor plants and/or planters in front of their storefront
• Provide necessary pots/containers, potting soil, plant materials, and daily watering
• Maintain plants in a healthy, well-watered, and vibrant condition throughout the growing season
• Replace plants if they become damaged or fail
• Submit itemized receipts and installation photos for reimbursement

Please note: Grant funds are issued as reimbursement only after installation is complete and documentation is received. If plants are not maintained in a visibly healthy and vibrant condition, Main Street Hanover reserves the right to request repayment of grant funds. Consistent upkeep is essential to ensuring a cohesive, colorful, and welcoming downtown environment.

Encouraging the Use of Native Plants

Businesses interested in incorporating Pennsylvania native plants into their displays — highly recommended for their hardiness, pollinator benefits, and seasonal interest — are encouraged to explore My Home Park’s Keystone Gardens collection. Their curated native plant options are selected to thrive in our region and make beautiful, low-maintenance container features.

Plants can be browsed online at:
www.myhomepark.com/collections/keystone-gardens

For local purchasing, Main Street Hanover recommends visiting Five Points Farm Market, which offers a strong selection of seasonal plants and planting materials. They are located at 85 Fickes School Rd, York Springs, PA 17372 and you can visit their website at fivepointsfmg.com.

Choosing native plants supports local ecosystems and helps ensure storefront displays remain vibrant and resilient throughout the growing season.

Leadership & Community Partnership

“This program is such an exciting opportunity to help our downtown businesses beautify their storefronts — one planter at a time,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “When we collectively invest in small improvements, the overall impact is transformative. We are incredibly grateful for partners like Dr. Andrew Reese, who share our vision for bringing more native plantings into an urban setting.”

The initiative was sparked through collaboration with Dr. Andrew Reese of Smiles on Broadway, who reached out to Main Street Hanover with interest in promoting native plantings downtown.

Dr. Reese was born in Hanover and has called the area home for most of his life. A graduate of Delone Catholic High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the College of William & Mary and received his dental degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. After completing advanced training in dental implants while serving at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Reese returned home to join his family’s practice, Smiles on Broadway, which has served the Hanover community for more than 40 years.

Driven by a lifelong love of nature, Dr. Reese has partnered with The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society and the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program to promote native plant use in residential and business landscapes. Currently a trainee in the PA Master Naturalist Program, he hopes to foster greater appreciation for the unique beauty of southern Pennsylvania.

Powered by York County Trail Towns

This micro-grant program is made possible through support from the York County Trail Towns initiative.

What is a Trail Town?
Trail Towns are communities adjacent to public trails that embrace the trail as an opportunity for economic growth and improved quality of life. Trail Town programs use an integrated, asset-based economic development approach that considers each town’s existing resources, character, and local businesses to create a memorable and inviting experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Trail Towns Program was launched by the York County Economic Alliance to leverage the York Heritage Rail Trail as a driver for economic development in communities located along or near the popular multi-use trail. Working alongside municipal partners and community stakeholders, the program supports towns in reaching their potential as vibrant hubs for trail users.

Please visit their website at yorkcountytrailtowns.com to explore a trail town near you!

About Smiles on Broadway

At Smiles on Broadway, their team is proud to have built a practice rooted in compassion, quality, and community. They are fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and loyal staff who genuinely care about creating a positive, comfortable dental experience for every patient who walks through the door. That shared commitment to excellence has led to long-term success and an atmosphere that makes each day rewarding for both patients and team members alike.

Located in a beautifully preserved Civil War–era home in a pleasant neighborhood, the practice offers a warm and welcoming setting with ample parking and convenient access. Dr. Reese has pursued extensive postgraduate education and has earned the prestigious Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry — a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of general dentists. The practice proudly offers comprehensive general dentistry, along with advanced expertise in implant and esthetic dentistry, allowing patients to receive a wide range of high-quality care right here in their hometown.