OutdoorCoffeeShop

GreenCare for Troops celebrates 20 years in 2026 as Project EverGreen expands services to disabled veterans

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Over 20 years, thousands of green industry professionals have donated their time and expertise delivering season-long services that allow families to focus on staying connected while a loved one serves.

GreenCare for Troops celebrates 20 years in 2026 of mobilizing green industry professionals to provide free lawn, landscape and snow removal services to military families nationwide.

As part of this milestone year, the organization is expanding program eligibility to include disabled veterans in select states – a meaningful next step in extending support to those who have served. Additionally, irrigation maintenance and seasonal irrigation services are new services available to families through the registration process.

Launched in 2006, GreenCare for Troops was built on a clear and powerful mission: remove one burden from military families during deployment while ensuring the healthy maintenance of their home landscapes. What began as a simple act of service has grown into a national volunteer movement that preserves safe, well-maintained green spaces and provides stability during times of uncertainty.

Over 20 years, thousands of green industry professionals have donated their time and expertise delivering season-long services that allow families to focus on staying connected while a loved one serves. For recipients, the program represents more than maintained lawns or cleared driveways. It represents reliability, dignity and community support.

“For 20 years, GreenCare for Troops has been rooted in the power of healthy, well-maintained green spaces,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Cared-for lawns and landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal. They create cooler, healthier outdoor environments and a sense of stability at home. When volunteers step in during deployment, they’re not just mowing grass; they’re sustaining living green spaces that support families and strengthen communities.”

20 years serving those who serve

$20 million in donated services
15,000 professional volunteers
20,000 military families served
All 50 states reached

The program’s success is rooted in its professional volunteer model, which matches military families with local lawn, landscape and snow removal providers who commit to reliable service throughout the duration of a deployment often six months to a year or longer. These consistent relationships ensure properties remain safe, attractive and properly maintained while families navigate the challenges of service.

Expansion to disabled veterans

Beginning March 2026, GreenCare for Troops will offer services to disabled veterans in Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas – states where strong volunteer capacity supports responsible program growth.

Eligible veterans may receive up to one year of donated service when a volunteer is available in their area, with the opportunity to reapply annually based on need and capacity. Additional states may be added as volunteer participation expands. This strategic rollout allows Project EverGreen to grow thoughtfully while maintaining the reliability and professionalism that define the program.

Irrigation services added to service lineup

GreenCare for Troops now offers irrigation maintenance and seasonal services such as system winterization. Like all program support, these services are provided by volunteers and are matched with families based on the availability and expertise of participating volunteers in each community.

A program that benefits communities and businesses

In addition to supporting military families and disabled veterans, GreenCare for Troops strengthens participating companies. Volunteers consistently report improved employee pride, stronger team culture and deeper community engagement.

“GreenCare for Troops allows our team to use the skills we already have to make a real difference,” said one longtime volunteer. “It reflects the kind of company we want to be.”

With ongoing deployments and continued demand for support, Project EverGreen is actively seeking new volunteers to sustain and expand services – including disabled veterans in participating states.

Volunteer of the Year Awards launch in June

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Project EverGreen will introduce a Volunteer of the Year Awards program recognizing three exceptional volunteers who have demonstrated consistent service, compassion and long-term commitment. Nominated directly by the families they serve, the awards will highlight authentic stories of impact and dedication. Nominations will open June 1, 2026

New GreenCare for Troops website

Project EverGreen has also launched a redesigned GreenCare for Troops home page, making it easier for military families, disabled veterans and volunteers to access information quickly and confidently. Clear eligibility guidelines, streamlined registration, updated FAQs and improved navigation ensure a user-friendly experience that reflects the professionalism and reliability at the heart of the program.

Join the mission – become a volunteer today!

To learn more, register as a volunteer or review eligibility requirements, visit:
https://projectevergreen.org/greencare-for-troops/

Thank you to our generous supporters

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.

Home is still the destination: Preparing for another staycation-fueled season

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:30:00 PST

OCS Influencer Cindy Code says the coming season isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about helping homeowners make smart, confident decisions.

As we head into the 2026 outdoor living season, one word keeps coming up in conversations across the industry — optimism. Measured, but real. Economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of tariffs are still influencing decisions, yet lower interest rates and a more active housing market are giving homeowners and contractors a little more breathing room.

People are still investing in their homes. They’re just doing it more thoughtfully.

Homeowners continue to see their yards as extensions of their living space. Staycations are still a thing, and outdoor areas are being designed for how families actually live — hosting friends, spending time together and enjoying everyday moments outside. Outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting, pools, trees to provide shade and flexible gathering spaces remain in demand, but there’s a stronger focus on function and long-term value, not just curb appeal.

Economic pressure hasn’t stopped projects, but it has changed the way they’re planned. Many homeowners are asking better questions and taking a phased approach — starting with core elements now and adding enhancements later. Contractors who can guide those conversations, explain trade-offs and help clients prioritize will stand out. Clear communication and smart planning are just as important as design creativity.

Tariffs and supply chain uncertainty are still part of the landscape. Material pricing and availability can shift quickly, which means tighter forecasting, stronger supplier relationships and more proactive communication with customers. Flexibility — through alternative materials, adjusted timelines or creative design solutions — will continue to offer a competitive advantage.

The good news is that lower interest rates and increased home sales are creating new opportunities. New homeowners often want to personalize outdoor spaces right away, and existing homeowners are more willing to invest when financing feels less restrictive. That activity should provide steady momentum for contractors heading into the season.

At the same time, clients are paying more attention to performance. They may not always frame it as “sustainability,” but they care about cooler yards, durable surfaces, manageable maintenance and landscapes that hold up over time.

The coming season isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about helping homeowners make smart, confident decisions. Contractors and suppliers who listen well, plan carefully and deliver real value will be well-positioned for a strong year ahead.

The Coffee Shops™ announce 2026 OutdoorCoffeeShop™ Outdoor Influencers

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:00:00 PST

Outdoor Influencers celebrate their inaugural year of giving back to the outdoor industry.

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announces the 2026 Influencers for OutdoorCoffeeShop™.

Each month, Influencers respond to a topic that is relevant and timely such as business growth, sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, design inspiration and more. OCS features Influencer responses through interviews, videos and articles. These Influencers represent every corner of the outdoor living industries, including contractors, associations, distributors, manufacturers and service providers. Their contributions are showcased in dedicated sections on the website and shared on social media.

“Our mission with OutdoorCoffeeShop is to amplify the voices of professionals shaping the outdoor living industry,” said The Coffee Shops’ President and CEO Heidi J. Ellsworth. “From landscaping to hardscapes, pools, spas and decking, these Influencers are on the frontlines, bringing insights that will strengthen businesses and elevate professionalism across the industry.”

We are proud to announce the following 2026 OutdoorCoffeeShop Influencers:

Rachel Mohorn – Heritage
Brittainy Klein – Heritage
John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group
Trent Cotney – Adams & Reese
Rob Murray – IM (Intrigue Media) Landscape Growth
Cindy Code – Project Evergreen
Kristin Case – Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions
Garrett Harris – Sherwin-Williams
Julissa Chavez – SRS Building Products/Heritage
Amanda Gay – Brava/Aspire
Taylor Dahlquist – Elevated Outdoors

Find more information on the 2025 OCS Influencers.

About OutdoorCoffeeShop

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS) is a community and resource hub for professionals in the outdoor space to share ideas, tell stories, research, find learning opportunities and offer help. OCS is the one of many websites under the umbrella of The Coffee Shops (thecoffeeshops.online), which went online in 2002. OCS is the latest online community for contractors specializing in hardscape, pool and water features, decking and flooring, landscaping and outdoor living. Like the other Coffee Shops, OCS delivers award-winning content, education and information with a focus on outdoor living that will build professionalism and networking opportunities. We are the place where the industry meets! For more information, visit www.outdoorcoffeeshop.com.

About The Coffee Shops

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and their sister site AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Español. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online.

Serving our troops, one shovel of snow at a time

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 PST

By Jenny Yu.

Volunteers nationwide clear driveways and sidewalks so families can avoid winter stress while a loved one is deployed.

The holiday season can be especially difficult for military families with loved ones who are deployed. Not only are they missing a key member of the family during a time of festivity, but the winter weather can also pose serious challenges in their everyday lives. Built up snow and ice can put families’ safety at risk while also making it difficult to simply move the car out of the driveway for errands.

This winter, Project EverGreen’s SnowCare for Troops is helping military families with snow and ice management by professionals to give back to the people who are serving our country. In a guest post for the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ blog, The Edge, Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code wrote that each winter, the program “connects approximately 700 volunteer snow and ice management professionals with around 500 military families across the country in need of assistance.”

These volunteers help clear driveways and walkways so families can stay safe and moving during the coldest months of the year while a loved one is deployed. While some might be intimidated by the amount of work required for a volunteer, Cindy explained that commitment is quite simple. “Most volunteers are matched with just one military family, and you choose how much you can take on,” she stated. “Even clearing a single driveway after a snowstorm can make a huge difference.”

Cindy encouraged landscape and snow management companies to get involved as a way to live out their company’s values. “It’s an opportunity to do what you do best, take care of people through your craft,” she said. “Supporting the program showcases your company’s heart in action and helps your team experience the true impact of service beyond business goals. It’s about helping neighbors, honoring service and making a tough season a little easier for those who sacrifice so much.”

Learn more about how you can volunteer and support Project EverGreen’s SnowCare for Troops!

One green space at a time

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 06:00:00 PST

By Emma Peterson.

Cindy Code shares how Project EverGreen builds healthier and happier communities by connecting people with the natural world.

In a new episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman got the chance to speak with Cindy Code, a leading voice in the green industry and the current executive director of Project EverGreen. She shared a bit about who this organization is, saying, “It's a nationwide 501c3 nonprofit that I like to say brings all of the good things about the green industry together.”

More specifically, Project EverGreen’s mission is to bring the power of green spaces to local communities. Cindy elaborated on what the power of green spaces is, sharing, “Green spaces are a vital part of a local infrastructure. They're more than just nice to have. They're important to the environment, to public health and to connecting communities.”

Project EverGreen pursues their mission through a variety of initiatives such as:

GreenCare for Troops: This is a program specifically for families of deployed military personnel. As it explains on Project EverGreen’s website, this program “connects military families across the nation to complimentary lawn and landscape services. Meanwhile, our sister program, SnowCare for Troops, provides basic snow removal.”
GreenCare for Communities: This is an initiative that aims to improve outdoor community spaces, “[GreenCare for Communities] transforms public green spaces, making communities healthier and more sustainable. Since 2008, it has restored nearly 200 million square feet of grass, providing cleaner air for 320,000 people every day.”

At the end of the day, they really act as a bridge between those within the outdoor industry and those beyond it. Cindy explained, “A lot of people want to make a difference in the park or community green space, but they can't do it alone. So that's where Project Evergreen comes in, we help foster collaboration between donors or grantors and local businesses and professional volunteers.”

Listen to the whole conversation between Karol and Cindy to learn more about Project EverGreen.