Ernst & Young Cares Day at Brookside Gardens

WHEATON, MD—Ernst & Young Volunteers made a difference at Brookside Gardens on October 5, 2007! Forty-nine volunteers contributed six hours each, for a total of 294 hours of volunteer service to the Gardens. Volunteers were divided into groups for three separate projects:  Invasive Weed Removal, Stream Clean-up and Light Show Installation.

• The Invasive Weed Removal group cleared a one-acre site of alien invasive weeds from a forest area allowing the native species to return to restore the natural ecological balance in the area.

• Another group tackled a cleanup of a small stream that runs along Glenallan Avenue. Tires, metal rebar, a signpost with concrete base, trash and invasive weeds proved no match for Ernst & Young volunteers who quickly removed these obstacles. Volunteers filled 10 bags of trash and 3 cart-loads with large items from the stream.

• The Light Show Installation group climbed ladders, stretched, reached, crawled under and around trees and shrubs wrapping lights in preparation for the Garden of Lights Winter Garden Walk.  Staff reports that what this group achieved in one day would take the staff 3 weeks to accomplish!

Thousands of visitors will have a cleaner, brighter Garden in which to relax and enjoy nature because of the efforts of Ernst & Young volunteers. Thanks to Ernst & Young for their commitment to the community and to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of the day.

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Contact for media only:
Leslie McDermott
Brookside Gardens
301-962-1427
Leslie.McDermott@mncppc-mc.org