The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) held its 13th annual Day of Renewal and Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery this month. Hundreds of green industry professionals donated their time to help complete several needed projects outlined by cemetery officials.
More than 300 companies shut down their businesses for a weekend and traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to spend the day mulching, caring for and cabling trees, installing irrigation systems, pruning, liming, planting, and aerating the soil. In all over $200,000 in goods and services were donated by the participants.
In addition to supplying equipment and manpower, STIHL brought in nationally-syndicated television personality P. Allen Smith to film segments for his P. Allen Smith Gardens and Garden Home programs. “I know that my viewers will be touched by this incredible event and the amazing amount of work that these green industry professionals and their families provide. It is very clear that they do this out of the respect they have for these grounds and for our fallen heroes,” said Smith.
“We are proud and humbled to help honor in some small way those members of our Armed Services who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. “This is sacred and hallowed ground, and we believe that by helping to maintain its beauty, we honor our nation’s fallen and their families.”
As the day of service has grown, more and more PLANET members bring their families. This year a children’s program was held with Smith conducting a seminar for children ages 3-15, teaching them proper planting techniques. The children planted the flowers in a bed located adjacent to a path leading to the Tomb of the Unknown. “The flowers you plant here are living tributes of remembrance. They add beauty to this important site and will give comfort to those who visit, so it’s important that we do our best,” Smith told the children.
For more information, please visit www.landcarenetwork.org.
About STIHL
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States 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 dealer locator on the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
STIHL is pleased to support the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), 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).
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com.
STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment
