This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Renewal & Remembrance event, hosted annually by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Having grown up in the Green Industry, this is an event that our Systems Architect Miles Kuperus has been involved with since his childhood. 

In fact, Miles has been recruited as a Champion for the NALP’s Renewal & Remembrance committee, so he is currently involved in the planning, too.

Renewal & Remembrance is an opportunity for lawn and landscape professionals from across the country to donate their time and expertise to the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to honor the men and women buried there. From the supplies to the labor, it is a 100-percent volunteer event.

Of course, it is a massive undertaking to coordinate all of this work—which is why the NALP Champions, like Miles, are so important. The NALP Champions take on a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that helps an event like this to run smoothly. 

A Chance to Give Back

This year, the event at Arlington National Cemetery is smaller because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, the NALP also recently formed a partnership with the National Park Service and Trust for the National Mall. Approximately 100 volunteers will be spreading wood chips to help preserve the iconic cherry trees near the Washington Monument. 

There is also a turf project that will be completed near the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall—the effort that Miles is leading.

“After having to pause last year because of COVID, we’re excited to be back—even though the event looks a bit different this year,” Miles says. “In the effort that I’m a part of, we will be performing some turf renovations in a highly trafficked area of the National Mall.”

The National Mall area sees literally millions of visitors each year—so it’s a highly visible and incredibly important space. It’s also one that is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Miles says he’s honored to be a part of a project to help beautify this treasured location.

“Having well-maintained outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy at our national monuments is really important,” Miles adds. “There’s also no better feeling than being able to give back in some way. It’s something that we all feel good about.” 

Plus, Miles says that landscapers are perfectly suited to perform this type of work. 

He adds: “Who better to help take care of the outdoor areas at our national monuments than landscaping professionals who know how to do it so well?” 

A Special Opportunity

As a company, Include Software has always been committed to giving back in a variety of ways—and we love when our team members do the same. We’re proud of team members like Miles who value volunteerism and care about giving back to the community in various ways.  

“For me, this is something that I’ve been doing my whole life and that’s really important to me,” he adds. “I’m so appreciative that Include gives me the chance to spend time on this volunteer project, which is close to my heart. I also see it as an opportunity to give back to the country and the industry. I’m really grateful to be a part of the Green Industry and working on this event gives me the opportunity to get out in the field.”

Miles says that he often sees quite a few Include Software clients also volunteering—which is something else he appreciates.

“It’s just so nice to be surrounded by people who really care about giving back,” Miles sums up. “It’s an added bonus that an event like this allows me to spend time with our clients in the field, working side-by-side. There are so many incredible people in this industry and it’s an honor to be able to work with them.”

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