Landscape Architect Articles

LCN August 2007 Off the Clock08-02-07 | News

Planet Pitches in at Arlington

PLANET member Jacquelyn Burkhead of The Shurburtt Corporation in Spartanburg, S.C. lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the network?EUR??,,????'???s 11th annual volunteer day. Photos courtesy of PLANET

For the 11th year, the Professional Landcare Network held a July volunteer day at Arlington National Cemetery. The association welcomed companies and individuals involved in the green industry from across the nation to improve the landscaping and grounds.

The volunteers brought in more than 170 cubic yards of mulch and fertilizers, and more than 100 pieces of equipment to tend the 600-plus acre cemetery. Organizers said the supplies and work totaled more than $250,000 in donations.

Historical Grounds

While most people recognize Arlington National Cemetery, few realize how large it is and the number of well-known Americans interred there. More than 300,000 people are buried at the cemetery, including veterans from all of the nation?EUR??,,????'???s wars, from the American Revolution through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred there after 1900. Arlington conducts approximately 6,400 burials each year and PLANET oversees the volunteer work occurring there.

Historic Congressional Cemetery is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. It?EUR??,,????'???s a private cemetery owned by Christ Church and managed by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery. The grounds occupy 32.5 acres in Southeast Washington, D.C. overlooking the Anacostia River. Since 1807, an estimated 60,000 interments have occurred. PLANET is also responsible for the volunteer work being done at this location.

?EUR??,,????'??Because these cemeteries are of such size and scope, they need our help,?EUR??,,????'?? said PLANET member Tom Shotzbarger, chairman of the event. ?EUR??,,????'??This is our opportunity to demonstrate our professional skills and care for two important American monuments.?EUR??,,????'??

Many PLANET members have special connections at the cemeteries through relatives and friends who are buried there or through their own military service.

Andrew Montoya of Weed Man applies lime to adjust pH at Arlington National Cemetery during the Professional Landcare Network?EUR??,,????'???s annual volunteer day on July 16.

Project Significance

The July morning at Arlington started with a joint color guard and speakers who dedicated the day of work to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

?EUR??,,????'??This is the most significant project that PLANET will do this year,?EUR??,,????'?? Shotzbarger said. ?EUR??,,????'??The natural beauty and quiet grace of Arlington National Cemetery make it a place that we feel compelled to protect and take care of. This extremely worthwhile, meaningful project demonstrates our honor and remembrance of America?EUR??,,????'???s veterans and leaders.?EUR??,,????'??

PLANET includes more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates. These firms together represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals.

To learn more, visit Landcarenetwork.org, or call the group?EUR??,,????'???s office at (800) 395-2522.
Sources: Professional Landcare Network, Stars and Stripes