A few years ago the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association (WLCA) started a project with the national green industry group, Project Evergreen, to find a way to interact with youth sports. This year, volunteers from the various chapters of WLCA offered their help to numerous athletic fields across the state. These fields are used by youth participating in baseball, softball, football and soccer. WLCA members provided their own equipment and labor and Spring Valley Turf generously provided some of their elite fertilizer.

Member volunteers from across the state have already completed the aeration and fertilization of more than 50 youth athletic fields. By the end of the year their goal is to have completed 70 fields.

In addition to member volunteers, Dave Nelson, Chairman of the WLCA Publicity Committee, spearheaded the coordination of this year’s project. Dave worked with the various chapters across the state to identify athletic fields and coordinated the materials needed for each one.

With the success of their project here in the state, Project Evergreen is considering expanding it to other parts of the country. Their motto is “Healthy Turf for Healthy Kids.” WLCA is committed to this project and is seeking to develop relationships with corporate sponsorship to help build a sustainable effort for the next generation.