STIHL Inc. Employees Team with City of Virginia Beach to Revamp Local Park
Volunteers complete more than $25,000 worth of improvements in one weekend

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Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151

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STIHL Incorporated
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See STIHL Inc. in Action

(VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.) A partnership between STIHL Inc. and the city of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation provided an estimated $25,000 worth of improvements to the Lake Smith Fishing Station in the city over the weekend, including removal of diseased, damaged trees; creation of a new walking trail; installation of two planting beds; and removal of invasive plants

The improvements took place in two phases over two days. Intensive work, such as tree felling, chipping and grinding were completed on April 17 by STIHL and City trained personnel, along with local tree care professionals, including Robert Gallant, the recent winner of the International Society of Arboricultures (ISA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter Tree Climbing Championship. STIHL employees and their families, along with K&D Rounds Landscape Services, donated their time to beautification efforts on April 18.

World renowned tree care professional Mark Chisholm, a two-time world champion of the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship and certified arborist, was onsite assisting with tree removal and conducted training with City of Virginia Beach employees. Chisholm is sponsored by STIHL.

“The work done by STIHL, the City, and all the volunteers has left these trees and plants healthier over the long run,” said Chisholm, who is a third-generation arborist. “By removing invasive plant species that were choking the trees and trees that were diseased or damaged, the entire Lake Smith area will continue to thrive.”

The community has welcomed the clean-up effort with enthusiasm. “This little area was kind of underutilized,” said John Sprowl, who owns property near Lake Smith. “I’m really happy to see that STIHL and the City took an interest in making the fishing station better for public use.”

“It’s a great feeling to take a public space that had become overgrown and turn it into something beautiful that everyone can use and appreciate,” said Roger Phelps’ of STIHL Inc. “Many thanks to all the City volunteers, STIHL employees and their families, and the additional volunteers from the trail club, Poor Folks Tree Service, K&D Round’s Landscape Services, Gallant Tree Service of Williamsburg and Lancaster Farms Nursery, for taking part in this project and creating a dramatic difference in just one weekend.”

STIHL Inc. is a member of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers, and is one of many companies performing a variety of volunteer lawn and landscape projects to give back to their communities across the country. The event was organized to demonstrate the importance of maintaining green spaces in recognition of the PLANET Day of Service on Earth Day. For more information on PLANET Day of Service, visit planetdayofservice.org.

For more information about STIHL Inc., please visit www.stihlusa.com.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and cut-off machines and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

STIHL is also pleased to support the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).

About Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks and Recreations vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information, call (757) 385-1100 (TTY: 757-711 Virginia Relay), or visit http://www.VBgov.com/parks

About PLANET
PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers. PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,000 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. For more information, visit LandcareNetwork.org, or call the PLANET office at (800) 395-2522.