The second month of 2020 saw continued growth in both the number of volunteers and military families registering for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs.

In February, 33 new volunteers registered to assist military families with a deployed service member with lawn care and basic landscape services or with snowplowing driveways or sidewalks. These new registrants bring the total number of volunteers who’ve registered since August 2019 to 237.

The new volunteers likely won’t have to wait long to get in the game as 28 new military families registered last month. They join the thousands of families that have registered and received services since the programs’ inceptions in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

The heartbeat of the program is its volunteers.

Chris Ryberg of Leading Edge Landscape in Stillwater, Minnesota is one of those dedicated volunteers who serves his community through excellent landscape maintenance services, and through his involvement with both the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs. In fact, Leading Edge Landscape has been a registered volunteer organization dating back to 2012.

There’s no military family background that has driven Ryberg to get involved. It’s simply a deep appreciation for the sacrifice the families make.

“I don’t recall whether it was a call or through email, but when I this opportunity was presented, I jumped at the chance to help out,” said Ryberg. “The way I look at it, these people are the reason I have the freedom I have, and don’t have to look over my shoulder.”

Leading Edge has been involved with assisting 10 families with landscape care and snow removal services over its eight years of program involvement. Some families openly express their gratitude, and others have preferred privacy, but all have expressed gratitude in some way through the years.

Says Ryberg, “For me to give up an hour or two a week, or frankly whatever it takes, to give back to these families is nothing compared to the time and commitment they make for our country.”

GreenCare for Troops marks its 14^th year and has seen more than 11,000 military families register to receive an estimated $8 million in donated lawn care and landscape services from more than 6,000 green industry professionals.

Celebrating its 10th year, the SnowCare for Troops program is more than clearing driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice. It’s a means to help military families maintain their independence and go about their daily routines taking care of family, work, school and more.

Registering is simple and easy, and can be done online on the volunteer page of the Project EverGreen website

GreenCare for Troops is generously supported by lead sponsor Nufarm, platinum partners Toro and SiteOne Landscape Supply, and silver partner Arborjet/Ecologel. SnowCare for Troops is supported by platinum sponsor BOSS Snowplow.