The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) announced that its 13th annual Renewal & Remembrance project at Arlington National and Historic Congressional cemeteries will be held on Monday, July 13, 2009.
As part of this event, hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals from across the nation will bring their crews to Arlington National and Historic Congressional cemeteries to spend the day mulching, caring for and cabling trees with lightening protection, pruning, limbing, planting, and aerating the soil. This gift is valued at more than $200,000 in products and services. Through this event each year, PLANET has already contributed more than $2 million to the care of these historic landmarks.
“Our members look forward to this opportunity each year to give back to the men and women who gave their lives for their country,” said Walter Wray, CLT, PLANET member and chairman of the event. “We consider it a privilege to be able to lend our time and talents to such a worthwhile project.”
The event, which began 13 years ago, has grown to involve more than 300 companies, many of whom work over the weekend before the event to oversee delivery of equipment and supplies, and to perform some installation of the many trees and shrubs. As the day of service has grown, more and more PLANET members bring their families as well as their company employees. The event also includes special projects for children of PLANET members. This year, children will plant flowers in key locations at Arlington National Cemetery and will participate in the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
The Tree Care Industry Association will partner with PLANET to host this year’s event, and the event sponsors at the Platinum level include Bayer Environmental Science, Husqvarna, and Syngenta Lawn & Garden.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2009, PLANET members will visit their congressional leaders on Capitol Hill and speak with them about issues facing the green industry. For more information about Legislative Day on the Hill and Renewal & Remembrance, please contact Betsy Demoret at (800) 395-2522 or visit the PLANET Web site, LandcareNetwork.org.