The VTC-EI envisions a world where government officials, environmental groups, and the turfgrass and landscape industries collaborate to enhance and restore the outdoor environment. Furthermore, we envision robust career opportunities in the green industry filled with trained employees. We support partner organizations for invasive species removal, the installation of green space, and the enhancement of public parks and gardens. In furtherance of that vision, the VTC-EI:
- initiates and promotes careers in environmental sciences among middle and high school students;
- represents the entire green industry;
- works with all aspects of elected and regulatory agency leadership to advocate for industry and environmentally friendly legislation and regulations;
- provides education for industry professionals and the general public on proper practices for environmental protection;
- provides opportunities for industry professionals and the general public to partner with environmental groups and municipalities to protect and restore sensitive environmental areas;
- encourages and provides support for environmental research; and
- educates decision makers about proper industry practices that enhance and protect the environment.
Our endeavors are bearing fruit. In just the past two years the VTC-EI has:
- organized meetings with local government officials to discuss valuable collaborations across the Commonwealth
- provided and planted 21,000 American Beach Grass plants on oceanfront sand dunes and on other sensitive environmental areas
- restored a 1,700 square foot bioswale at Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Beach facility
- participated in dozens of high school and community career days
- formed strategic alliances with prominent environmental groups
- developed and distributed 50,000 Native Flowering Pollinator Seed packets
- received a grant to partner with Virginia State University in restoring eroded areas in the City of Petersburg
And we have just begun! Thank you for supporting the VTC-EI.