Village Nurseries donates excess stock to local schools

ORANGE, Calif. – It was a simple equation. Village Nurseries, a specialty grower for landscape professionals, had a surplus of large trees in inventory. Public schools had no money to beautify their campuses. The result was Village Nurseries’ “Helping Our Local Communities Grow Green” tree giveaway for local schools.

Village Nurseries’ management had been discussing ways to get involved with their local communities. Terri Cook, vice president of human resources and risk management, suggested donating trees to local schools. Cook had become involved with nearby Nohl Canyon Elementary where her daughter attended. She spoke with the school’s principal, Dominique Polchow, who was thrilled with the idea.

Mona Lisa Borad, manager of the Village Nurseries Landscape Center in Orange, took control of the project. Village Nurseries would supply 6- to 12-foot trees in 15-gallon containers, mulch, stakes and snacks for the volunteers. The school was responsible for digging the holes and organizing families to plant the trees.

Steve Williams at the Orange Unified School District office supplied equipment to dig holes at every school involved in the program. When Borad arrived at Nohl Canyon with the trees, everything was prepared. She instructed the volunteers on how to plant and maintain the trees, and the plantings began.

“This was a great opportunity to get families involved with our school,” Principal Polchow decided. “We were very pleased with the turnout. Each family chose an area to plant. And everyone who participated got a free plant coupon plus a discount card good at any Village Nurseries location for a year. It was a wonderful event. The families and students took great pride in beautifying our campus.”

After the success at Nohl Canyon Elementary, Borad and Polchow contacted other schools in the Orange USD, and four more signed on: Jordan Elementary, Imperial Elementary, Canyon Rim Elementary, and McPherson Magnet Elementary. Tustin Memorial Academy signed on as well.

"Our campus needed sprucing up, but in this economy, we must find creative ways to improve our schools," explained Principal Jeanne Bentley of McPherson Magnet Elementary. "Village Nurseries' Grow Green program was ideal. We consider family involvement essential for student success, and through this program, we were able to bring both school and business together to improve our community. And because it was held on a Saturday, parents who work during the week had the opportunity to participate together with their children on campus. Village Nurseries’ Grow Green program was a fun filled family event, and our school looks more beautiful."

Village Nurseries’ initial “Helping Our Local Communities Grow Green” tree giveaway program ended with the school year. However, Borad is now preparing for the 2010-2011 school year and hopes even more schools will get involved.

“The Grow Green program helps Village Nurseries in two ways,” Borad says. “It allows us to reduce older stock in our inventory to make room for new trees. And, it demonstrates our commitment to the local communities where we do business. It’s something we can do. It’s something we’re good at. And it’s something our people can be proud of.”