Taking care of our troops

By Emma Peterson. 

Project EverGreen makes sure that servicemen and women come home to welcoming, well-cared for homes.  

Meet Project EverGreen, a national non-profit whose mission is to connect people with healthy outdoor spaces. They run a variety of different programs and initiatives that work towards this goal with the help of volunteers and sponsor companies, such as Heritage and The Toro Company.  

A great example of their work is their GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops programs. These provide complimentary lawncare, landscaping and snow removal for the families of deployed military personnel. The importance of even this small gesture of kindness and assistance can make a world of difference. As they put it,  

Every lawn tells a story. Some whisper weekend barbecues, kids’ games, dogs racing after tennis balls. Others feel quieter, waiting for noise and activity to return. For thousands of military families, that joy pauses when a loved one is deployed. The household routine shifts. The emotional weight grows. Even the yard, once a simple comfort, becomes another source of stress...By taking care of that for them, we create a powerful way to honor those who serve and to help their families flourish. 

This program is available to active duty, deployed service members in all branches of the military, including guard and reserve forces. The managed space must be less than one acre, and it must be the residence of the active-duty member. The program operates in all 50 states, and there is no charge to the servicemember or their family for services provided through the program.  

If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who this program could help, visit www.projectevergreen.org for more information.