MIAMI, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA), the leading organization for the economic and professional development of the landscape industry’s Hispanic American workforce, will participate in a Day of Service initiative on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2014. The event, hosted by the Trust for the National Mall, will count on services offered by volunteer representatives from the NHLA, John Deere, PLANET, OPEI, the Irrigation Association, and other industry leaders, who will work on improving the space just north of the Lincoln Monument Reflecting Pool.

A total of 82 volunteers from across the country have signed up to participate in this year’s Day of Service at the National Mall, including RulyScapes Inc. and NHLA President, Raul Berrios, NHLA President Elect and VP of Operations at Total Tree Care, Juan Torres, NHLA Secretary-Treasurer and President of Alexandria Lawn Service, Pam Berrios, and NHLA Executive Director Ralph Egues.

“We look forward to being part of this industry wide effort, not only because it beautifies such an important site in our nation’s history, but also because it serves as a great opportunity to emphasize the important environmental and human health benefits of professionally maintained landscaping and green spaces,” said NHLA President Raul Berrios.

A study by Marc Berman of the University of Michigan found that natural environments can have a significant positive effect on physical and mental health as well as the environment. Turf grass provides plenty of environmental benefits as it captures dust, smoke particles and other pollutants, as well as producing oxygen.

By carefully refining the scale, shape, and function of each component of the landscape of the National Mall’s Constitution Gardens — landform, soils, plant materials, water flows, and paving — the 82 volunteers aim to create a visually appealing, sustainable environment which will thrive for generations to come.

About NHLA
The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance is an association that facilitates and promotes the advancement of Hispanics as landscape industry professionals and leaders and provides the nation’s half million Hispanic-American landscaping professionals a voice in the national dialogue on environmentally responsible landscape practices, and a means through which to advocate on behalf of their businesses, the livelihood of their employees, and the quality of life in their communities.