Shared Values and Measurable Impact: How Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen Are Advancing Healthier Communities

Shared values and measurable impact are at the heart of the long-standing partnership between Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen. Together, both organizations recognize that healthy, well-managed landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal, they strengthen communities, support environmental resilience, and improve quality of life.

In this Project EverGreen Partner Q&A, Warren Gorowitz, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at Hunter Industries, shares how a commitment to responsible water management and community investment continues to drive meaningful progress for green spaces across the country.

What inspired Hunter to get involved, and why has that commitment remained strong over the years?

Hunter Industries has always believed that healthy landscapes are essential to thriving communities. Our involvement with Project EverGreen was a natural extension of that belief, supporting an organization that champions the environmental and social value of green spaces aligns closely with our purpose. What has kept that commitment strong is the tangible impact Project EverGreen delivers. Whether it is revitalizing community parks or supporting military families through GreenCare for Troops, their work consistently demonstrates how landscapes improve quality of life. That combination of shared values and measurable outcomes continues to reinforce our long-term partnership

Shared Values and Measurable Impact - Project EverGreen

Healthy, well-managed landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal – they strengthen communities, support environmental resilience, and improve quality of life. That shared commitment is what brings Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen together, including Hunter’s support of the 2017 ballfield renovation in San Marcos, California – home to the company’s headquarters.

How does Project EverGreen’s mission align with Hunter Industries’ approach to sustainability and responsible water management?

Project EverGreen’s focus on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of green spaces closely mirrors Hunter’s holistic approach to sustainability. At Hunter, we think about sustainability not just in terms of resource efficiency, but in how landscapes contribute to climate resilience, human well-being, and community vitality. Responsible water management is central to that, ensuring landscapes are both beautiful and efficient. Project EverGreen helps elevate that conversation by highlighting the broader value of managed green spaces and reinforcing that well-designed and properly maintained landscapes are part of the solution, not the problem.

Why is it important for companies like Hunter to support initiatives that demonstrate the real-world value of managed landscapes?

There is often a disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to landscapes. Initiatives like the Clean Air Calculator and community revitalization projects help quantify and visualize the real benefits, including carbon sequestration, temperature reduction, and improved mental health. For companies like Hunter, supporting this work is critical because it brings credibility and clarity to the role our industry plays. It helps shift the narrative from landscapes as purely aesthetic to landscapes as essential infrastructure. That understanding is key to driving better policy, smarter water use, and more sustainable practices overall

Why is it important for industry leaders to give back and invest in the communities they serve?

The green industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of environment and community. The work we do shapes the spaces where people live, gather, and connect. With that influence comes a responsibility to give back. When industry leaders invest in communities, whether through volunteerism, funding, or partnerships, they help ensure that the benefits of green spaces are accessible to everyone. It also strengthens the industry itself by building trust, demonstrating value, and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Giving back is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for long-term impact and relevance

What opportunities do you see for continued collaboration between Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen?

Looking ahead, there is a strong opportunity to deepen our collaboration around education, advocacy, and measurable impact. As water scarcity and climate pressures continue to evolve, we can work together to promote best practices in sustainable landscape design and irrigation. Expanding tools that quantify environmental benefits, supporting more community-based projects, and elevating the role of efficient water use in healthy landscapes are all areas where we can make a meaningful difference together. Ultimately, our shared goal is to ensure that green spaces remain a vital, sustainable part of communities across the country, and that is a mission we are excited to continue advancing with Project EverGreen.

Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, EMSL is Director, Sustainability and Social Impact for Hunter Industries – a GreenCare for Communities donor partner. He is member of Project EverGreen’s Advisory Council.

Join the Mission – Learn More About Project EverGreen

Whether you volunteer, partner, or advocate, you play a role. Explore how you can get involved and discover the impact of green spaces in your own community. Because when we can measure the difference, we can multiply it.

Learn more about our initiatives and programs, and see where you can lend your time and talents.

Shawn Salazar – Continuing a Legacy of Service from the Trenches to the Homefront

Shawn Salazar’s connection to military service runs deep. As the owner of Heritage Lawn and Landscape Management in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio, he has been an active participant in Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program for several years, helping military families navigate deployments with complimentary mowing and landscape maintenance.

His father served in the Army and fought in both Korea and Vietnam, while his father-in-law served across multiple branches during a long military career.

For his father, service was never about recognition or rank.

“He was a Master Sergeant, but he never wanted to be an officer. He always wanted to be the guy in the trenches,” says Salazar. “He received Purple Hearts and distinguished service medals and lost an eye in battle. I know he had many stories to tell, but guys like him never talked about it.”

Salazar was just nine years old when his father passed away, but the impression he left was lasting. While he was too young at the time to fully understand, he now reflects with deep respect on the strength his mother showed while raising four children during his father’s extended deployments.

“I look back and have to wonder how in the world my mom raised four kids when my dad was gone for so much time,” says Salazar.

That understanding of what military families face is a driving force behind his involvement in GreenCare for Troops. He also values the program’s thoughtful vetting process, ensuring that the families receiving support are those who truly need it.

“You know, it’s generally the lower-paid, lower-ranked military personnel who are deployed most often, sometimes doing very difficult jobs in very difficult places,” says Salazar. “They’re also usually younger families with kids at home, so you know that deployment creates real financial and emotional strain.”

Over the years, Salazar has supported several families, and one of the families he is currently helping reflects exactly why he is so committed to the program.

“The wife has a seven-year-old child at home, and she tells me, ‘I just don’t know how I am going to do it,’” he says.

For Salazar, the service goes beyond simply mowing a lawn. He prefers to meet with families before starting service to better understand their needs and determine how he might do more.

“You can customize what you are able to provide depending on the situation,” he explains. “Maybe we can commit to trimming shrubs along with mowing if it makes sense.”

Through his work, Salazar continues a legacy of service rooted in his family – supporting those who serve by caring for the places they call home.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Deployed families need support now. Step up with GreenCare for Troops and put your expertise to work.

The need is rising and every new volunteer means one less worry for a military family at home. GreenCare for Troops connects lawn and landscape professionals with families to provide essential services during deployment.
If you’ve ever thought about giving back, this is the moment.

✔ Put your skills to work
✔ Support a family in your community
✔ Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. Someone near you is waiting.

Sign up today

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.

Spring Yard Cleanups – A Fresh Start for Military Families

Spring yard cleanups bring a fresh start for military families – greening lawns, budding trees and more time outdoors as warmer days return.

For military families with a loved one deployed, however, spring can also bring added stress.

Seasonal yard work does not pause for deployment. Leaves left behind from fall, broken branches from winter storms, compacted soil and matted turf all demand attention. What might normally be a weekend project for two adults can quickly become overwhelming for the spouse or caregiver managing home, work and children alone.

That is why spring yard cleanups are more than cosmetic. They are practical, protective and deeply meaningful.

Removing Winter’s Wear and Tear

Winter leaves its mark on every landscape. Snow mold can mat turf down. Salt from walkways can damage grass edges. Fallen limbs, debris and leftover leaves block sunlight and trap moisture.

A thorough spring cleanup typically includes:

Removing sticks, branches and debris
Raking and dethatching matted turf
Cleaning out landscape beds
Pruning damaged shrubs
Edging and redefining borders

These steps allow air, water and nutrients to reach the soil surface again. They also reduce the risk of fungal disease and pest activity that can take hold in damp, compacted areas.

For a military spouse juggling daily responsibilities, having volunteers step in to complete these tasks removes a physical burden and a mental one. It restores order after a long winter and creates breathing room at a time when it is needed most.

Setting the Stage for a Healthy Summer Lawn

Spring cleanup is not just about appearances; it is foundational to long-term lawn health.

When debris is cleared and turf is upright and exposed to sunlight, grass can begin active growth more evenly. Early-season aeration and proper fertilization are more effective when the lawn is not smothered by thatch or leaves. Pruning damaged branches encourages healthier, stronger growth throughout the growing season.

The result by summer is:

Thicker turf that crowds out weeds
More resilient grass during heat and drought
Healthier root systems
Cleaner, safer outdoor spaces for children and pets

For families awaiting the return of a deployed service member, a healthy lawn and maintained yard become more than landscaping goals. They become the backdrop for homecomings, backyard barbecues and simple evenings outside together.

Stability During Deployment

Perhaps the most powerful benefit of a spring yard cleanup is a sense of stability.

A well-maintained property signals that someone cares. It helps families avoid potential homeowners association notices or neighborhood concerns. It prevents small maintenance issues from becoming costly problems later in the season.

Most importantly, it allows the family at home to focus on what matters most – staying connected to their deployed loved one and managing daily life with confidence.

When green industry professionals donate their time and expertise through programs like GreenCare for Troops, they are not just mowing grass or trimming shrubs. They are lifting a weight from a military family’s shoulders.

Spring is a time of renewal. For military families navigating deployment, a simple yard cleanup can provide structure, dignity and encouragement at exactly the right time.

As lawns green up across the country, so too does the reminder that small acts of service can create lasting impact – one yard, and one family, at a time.

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.

GreenCare for Troops Celebrates 20 Years in 2026 as Project EverGreen Expands Services to Disabled Veterans

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.

Greencare for Troops - Project EverGreen

Beginning in March 2026, GreenCare for Troops will expand services to disabled veterans in Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas – states where strong volunteer support enables 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 20^th 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.

Precision Lawn Care & Vigo Turf Supports Military Families in Terre Haute

Precision Lawn Care & Vigo Turf has supporting the military deep in its DNA as a four-season landscape maintenance and snow removal firm based in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“Hiring retired veterans was and is our MO dating back to when we started this business,” says Chad Feller, who founded the company in 1989. “We actively seek out military veterans to fill positions because they are reliable and dependable.”

Feller has also been a proud volunteer for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs.

“I think we’ve been involved in the program since its inception,” Feller recalls. “I was in Louisville at a major landscape trade show when they were talking about launching the program and looking for companies to sign up. My father-in-law, Earl McDowell, a retired Air Force veteran who was helping build the business at the time, said to me, ‘Chad, we are going to do this.’”

Roots in Lawn Care

Feller grew up around landscape equipment. In the late 1970s, he worked with his father doing small engine repair.

Precision Lawn Care & Vigo Turf team members (left to right) Scott Elkins, Chad Feller, Gilbert Archer, and Tim Stone proudly support military families in the Terre Haute community through GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops.

“I’d come home from school and tear the motors down. My dad would go through them and fix what was wrong, and the next night I’d put them back together and install them on the mowers,” says Feller.

He continued mowing lawns through high school and officially launched Precision Lawn Care in 1989. In 1992, he married his wife, Amy, and together they balanced corporate careers while building the company on the side. In 2017, they committed full time to growing the business.

“I Called Him Mac”

Feller’s father-in-law made a profound impact on both his personal life and the early growth of the company. McDowell served as a munitions specialist at the Terre Haute 181st Air National Guard Base until retiring in the mid-2000s.

“I called him Mac. He built bombs for F-16 fighters for years, but that work ended at the Terre Haute base when it transitioned to drones in 2008,” Feller explains.

McDowell had been helping with the business before his retirement, but after leaving military service, he joined the company full time. As the business expanded, Mac supported both operations and fieldwork.

“He got us into sweeping parking lots and similar work,” says Feller. “Mac had the perfect personality for building munitions – extreme precision and a meticulous process. In retirement, doing parking lot work helped him relax and refocus.”

Continuing a Commitment to Serve

In 1996, McDowell was deployed to Turkey for 18 months. During that time, Precision Lawn Care provided complimentary lawn maintenance to military families.

“When he returned, we discovered GreenCare for Troops,” Feller says. “My father-in-law really wanted the company to officially join the effort and continue giving back. We’ve participated every year since.”

Through Project EverGreen’s programs, the company has provided lawn care, snow removal, storm cleanup, and other services as needed.

“This is a small service we can provide for those who serve and sacrifice so much,” Feller says. “Deployed service members know their families have one less thing to worry about at home.”

Following McDowell’s tragic passing in 2015, Feller’s ongoing commitment to GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops has become both a service to military families and a tribute to his father-in-law’s legacy.

Serving Military Families Today

Currently, Precision Lawn Care is assisting two local families with snow removal services.

“One family has three kids, so we’re making sure they can get in and out of the driveway safely,” Feller says. Another family is also receiving snow removal support, with their service member expected home soon.

Last year, when deployments from the Terre Haute base increased, Feller stepped up to support three families.

“We did a little bit of everything,” he recalls. “Trimming bushes, mowing, maintenance – whatever was needed. We try to go a little above and beyond.”

In one instance, a windstorm tore a door off a home, and his crew stepped in to make the repair.

The Terre Haute community has a strong military tradition, and Feller is proud that Precision Lawn Care can help ease the burden for families when loved ones are deployed.

Through consistent volunteer service with Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs, Precision Lawn Care continues to demonstrate that supporting those who serve is more than a gesture – it is a long-standing commitment rooted in family, community, and gratitude.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

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.