Little Rock, Ark.- STIHL Inc. brought together two of the outdoor industry’s most renowned experts – P. Allen Smith and Chuck Leavell – for the filming of a television series at Smith’s Garden Home Retreat near Little Rock, Ark. Leavell, who is a noted conservationist and runs a Georgia tree farm, shot to fame as the keyboardist for such legendary bands as the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones.
More than 70 local schoolchildren spent the day gardening with Smith and were treated to an outdoor piano concert by Leavell, as well as a reading of his award-winning children’s book The Tree Farmer, in which a grandfather teaches his grandson how to responsibly care for the land.
“We’re delighted to welcome Chuck Leavell to the Garden Home Retreat,” said Smith. “He is a kindred spirit and exemplifies all the values we put into the Retreat: he’s at the forefront of conservation and responsible stewardship. We both work to bring care and respect for the land to future generations.”
“There’s no better way for children to learn about the earth than to be outside, working with it,” said Leavell. “We hopefully gave them a sense of what they can personally do to make it a better place.”
STIHL, a sponsor of Smith’s endeavors and the official handheld outdoor power equipment for both his television shows, has worked with Leavell on conservation issues for more than 10 years and was instrumental in bringing the two men together.
“Allen and Chuck both believe strongly in educating children on how to care for the earth responsibly,” said Ken Waldron, national marketing manager of STIHL Inc. “STIHL has a proud history of working with groups like the National FFA, the American Tree Farm System, the Tree Research and Endowment Fund and others to educate and promote socially responsible environmental stewardship and we are pleased to continue that work with these two gentlemen.”
Smith is the author of the best-selling Garden Home book series and is considered one of the foremost gardening experts in the country. In addition to his own nationally syndicated series, P. Allen Smith Gardens, he also hosts P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home on PBS and is a frequent guest on the TODAY Show and the Weather Channel.
Leavell is a renowned tree farmer and conservationist who has authored three books: Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest, Between Rock and a Home Place, and the award-winning children’s book The Tree Farmer. He first achieved fame as the keyboardist for such legendary music groups as the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers. He currently serves on the board of the American Forest Foundation, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and the Georgia Conservancy and many other conservation organizations have recognized him for his work.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL is 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 servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants.
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 http://www.stihlusa.com/.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to http://www.stihlcareers.com/. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
About FFA
The agricultural science education program is built on the three core areas of classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA student organization activities/opportunities. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. FFA represents the relevancy to the core areas offering students opportunities that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents a large diversity of over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. More than 7,000 FFA chapters are currently in existence.
About PLANET
PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. PLANET is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers. PLANET provides its members with a good business foundation to help them evaluate, plan, and better manage their companies. Member firms have direct access to marketing tools, industry specific business publications, updates on legislative issues, and networking opportunities that can assist them in becoming more profitable. Visit http://www.landcarenetwork.org/ for more information.
