Project EverGreen Begins in Akron Ohio
Non-Profit Organization Advocates Community Green Space Development
May 27, 2009
Project EverGreen was started by a group of green industry members and organizations that wished to promote the values of green space in neighborhood communities. Akron, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are the first cities to receive project assistance from the group.
Green Space in Akron Ohio
In 2008, Project EverGreen began a program to encourage community revitalization of green spaces in Akron, Ohio. Large landscapes such as the Canal Park area were undertaken to improve urban forestry and community parks in the city. Volunteers distributed yard signs and posters at public events like Cherry Blossom Festival and the Farmer’s Market to help promote the value of green landscapes.
The landscaping renovation behind Canal Park, also known as the Grotto under State Street Bridge, was one example of Project EverGreeen’s impact. In addition, the first annual Art of Green Spaces Competition was held encouraging school children to create art that demonstrates why green space is a value to the community.
Back in 2009, Project EverGreen was at Akron’s River Day where volunteers passed out promotional information and seed packets, renewing the goal of highlighting the importance of community green spaces to the city’s quality of life.
Non-Profit Organization Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen is a non-profit organization that was begun in New Prague, Minnesota, by individual and organization members of the green industry and aligned non-profit entities with similar interests. The green industry supporters include landscaping and lawn care businesses, nursery plant companies and associations and media companies interested in advocating the value of green environments. In addition to the Minnesota location, Project EverGreen for Canada is located in South Milton, Ontario.
Project EverGreen’s mission is to preserve and enhance green space in communities by communicating with the public about the positive effects of well maintained community parks, sports fields, and other local neighborhood green spaces.
Past recognition has gone to Habitat for Humanity in 2005, University of Akron for adding 30 acres of open green space with trees, and to Chicago’s Mayor Daley for his role in facilitating park maintenance and schoolyard renovation improvements.
EverGreen Zone in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Project EverGreen has plans to develop up to 20 EverGreen zones in the United States over the next years. In 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has become the next city to receive attention from the organization. On May 7, 2009, Project EverGreen President Chris Kujawa, also of KEI Enterprises, and nationally-known garden expert, Melinda Myers, kicked off the project at the Milwaukee Domes.
Green Space for Military Families
Green Care for Troops, started by Project EverGreen, connects local green industry professionals with military families who have head-of-households serving over-seas. Volunteers employed by green industry companies will provide free landscaping services to these families.
Project EverGreen is a national non-profit organization promoting the value of creating and maintaining public and private green spaces in neighborhood communities.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
