News Release – February 16, 2012

Tree Care Company is “Crown Sponsor” of the STIHL Tour des Trees

Bartlett Tree Experts, the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company, is pleased to announce its commitment to a three-year sponsorship (through 2014) of the TREE Fund and its signature fundraising event, the STIHL Tour des Trees, which is America’s largest fundraiser for tree research. 

This year marks Bartlett’s third as Crown Sponsor of the Tree Research and Education Fund (TREE Fund) and   the STIHL Tour des Trees, a weeklong cycling event which to raise money for the TREE Fund’s research and education programs. Included in Bartlett’s commitment is recognition as Educational Programming Sponsor for the 2012-14 Tours. In 2011 Bartlett’s sponsorship funded the purchase of 500 copies of “I Can Name 50 Trees Today!” a Cat in the Hat Learning Library book by Bonnie Worth. Copies of the book were distributed to schools and public libraries along the Tour route.

“Caring for trees is the foundation of the Bartlett Tree Experts company. By supporting the TREE Fund and the STIHL Tour des Trees, we’re able to do just that,” said Greg Daniels, President of Bartlett Tree Experts. “We’re proud to help fund critical research and education efforts that sustain our urban forests and the trees we love.”

The 2012 STIHL Tour des Trees marks the 20th anniversary of the event, which has raised more than $5 million for tree research and education since the first Tour rolled from Seattle to Oakland in 1992. This year’s cyclists will tackle a 585-mile loop through Oregon Aug. 5-11, a “life list” ride that will showcase the region’s iconic scenery and diverse eco-zones. The Pacific coast, Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge and Oregon’s vineyards, orchards and high desert will provide spectacular backdrops for a week of challenging cycling, educational programs, community engagement and fun. The Tour will return to Portland August 11 for a one-day recreational Ride for Research, and conclude with a Finale Celebration at the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual International Tree Climbing Championship.

“Our sponsors make the continued success of the TREE Fund and its fundraising events possible,” said Janet Bornancin, President/CEO of the TREE Fund. “With the support of partners like Bartlett we are able to reach more and more people each year and raise awareness of the importance of trees and tree care in communities across the country.”

Additional information regarding sponsorship, rider registration and opportunities to support the STIHL Tour des Trees and the TREE Fund are available at www.stihltourdestrees.org. 

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