Local Lawn Care Professional Volunteers Skills for Environmental Project at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. - Lou Wierichs Jr., Owner of Pro-X Lawn Care in Appleton participated in the Professional Lawn Care Association of America's fourth annual "Renewal and Remembrance - AN Environmental Project" at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., July 24, 2000. The project was held in conjunction with PLCAA's 11th annual Legislative Day on the Hill, July 24-25.

As a member of one of several teams of volunteers from the lawn and landscape industry, Wierichs helped lime cemetery grounds around high-profile areas such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Opening seremonies, complete with the Joint Color Guard and remarks by PLCAA President Jerry Grossi, were held at the renovated garden site prepared last year by PLCAA members Environmental Care INC. and U.S. Lawns, Calabasas, CA., and Village Turf, INC., Mount Vernon, VA.

The efforts made by Wierichs will help the cemeteries reap the environmental rewards of a healty, well-maintained lawn and landscape for months to come. According to the Environmental Protections Agency's publication Healthy Lawns, Healthy Environment, "Thick Grass prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many types of airborne pollutants, like dust and soot. Grass is also highly efficient at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clean the air."

Wierichs has been owner of the Pro-X Lawn Care since 1987 and is a certified Turfgrass professional. Pro-X was founded in 1987. Wierichs has 14 years experience in the green industry and has been a PLCAA member since 1987 and served as President in 1993-1994.

PLCAA represents lawn and lanscape companies, industry suppliers, grounds managers and students worldwide. Founded in 1979, PLCAA's mission is "Growing Leaders" in the green industry. The Association offers educational programs, member benefits, legislative support and consumer outreach programs on the benefits turf.