Model Greening Program To Help Communities Across U.S.

Philadelphia, Pa. (November, 2009) – The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, perhaps best known for producing the world’s premier gardening event, the Philadelphia International Flower Show, will bring its expertise and award-winning model program Philadelphia Green to the nation’s capital next week to offer insight into its successful practices.

Representatives of Philadelphia Green, one of the nation’s leading urban greening programs, will participate in Keep America Beautiful’s National Conference Dec. 1-4 at the Dupont Circle Omnishore Hotel.

“Communities across America are recognizing that investments in greening such as parks, green spaces, and the tree canopy, pay big economic and environmental dividends and are vital to healthy neighborhoods,” said PHS Executive Vice President Blaine Bonham, who will speak at the conference on Dec. 3. “We look forward to sharing the lessons and best practices of Philadelphia Green with KAB affiliates and other leaders.”

Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is a national organization founded in 1953 to promote litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and beautification. As part of a new KAB/PHS partnership, PHS has provided greening resources, workshops and information, including webinars, to KAB’s 1,000 affiliates and participating organizations.

“The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is a leader in improving the quality of life of people in Pennsylvania and throughout the country," stated Matthew McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “The expertise being shared at our National Conference by PHS executives will make our network of affiliates even greater 'green' stewards of their respective communities."
At the conference, Philadelphia Green presenters will lead a workshop on building partnerships across many sectors, including volunteers, community organizations and government agencies.

KAB affiliates will receive one-on-one counseling along with a PHS greening “Tool Kit.” This spring, Philadelphia Green will hold an educational program for the affiliates at the 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show to be held Feb. 28 through March 7 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Philadelphia Green is known best for engaging communities, revitalizing neighborhoods and creating partnerships to achieve its goals. Through its efforts in parks, gardens, tree plantings, urban agriculture, public landscapes, and educational programs, Philadelphia Green has worked with thousands of people and partners together to transform hundreds of communities. Over the past year, Philadelphia Green has been asked to consult with municipalities across the country including Buffalo, Cleveland, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Richmond and Shreveport.

To arrange an interview with Philadelphia Green spokespersons, contact Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833 or Laura Hoover at 215-988-8836.

 

For more information Contact:
Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833
Laura Hoover at 215-988-8836