BURLINGTON, NC (May 28, 2009) – Founder & Chairman, Allen E. Gant, Jr. and President, Rett Davis, announce that this week the New Leaf Society is investing over $200,000 in the beautification of Burlington. After a year of planning, the New Leaf Society selected 3 areas that would have great impact and high visibility for our city. The Rockwood O’Neal corridor and University Drive will be the recipients of 292 trees and 1629 shrubs and perennials. Over 3 miles of highway will receive these landscape enhancements. Color Landscapes of Burlington was selected as the landscape contractor to complete this work. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-June.
Additionally, the John A. Bailey Fountain located at Main and S. Church Streets (near City Park) will get a facelift with a marble, three-column, artful fountain for a dramatic gateway entrance to central/downtown area. The fountain was selected to represent the New Leaf Society, our partnerships with the city, NCDOT and others. The new fountain replaces the original John A. Bailey Fountain, which was gifted on August 1975 by his family in honor of his service to the Burlington City Council. The project completion is scheduled for late June with a dedication celebration to follow.
The New Leaf Society was formed in 2007 as a vision of Allen E. Gant, Jr., President and CEO, of Glen Raven, Inc. This society is modeled after the Noble Tree Society in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Using private donations as a source of funding, the New Leaf Society is using landscape plantings to enhance our community and make it a more attractive place to live, work, and invest. Last year, $230,000 was raised from private citizens for this purpose.
The plants selected for these projects have been reviewed by professional horticulturalists from Elon University, N.C. State University, and the City of Burlington. They were selected based on their ability to provide color, longevity, and sustainability. These plantings will include crapemyrtles, magnolias, flowering apricots, hollies, redbuds, roses, India hawthorns, and ornamental grasses. These plantings will serve as a welcome mat for visitors, new homebuyers, and business investors. In addition, it will become a source of pride for local residents.
If interested in contributing to this effort, please contact info@newleafsociety.org or visit our website at www.newleafsociety.org (coming soon).
The New Leaf Society was incorporated in 2007 and is a private non-profit volunteer organization working in partnership with the City of Burlington. Its goal is to bring private businesses, citizens, and community organizations together to conserve and enhance the beauty and ecology of our community. The Chairman is Allen E. Gant, Jr., Board President is Rett Davis, and it has a board of 20 directors.
Media Contacts:
Rett Davis, Board President
Phone: 336-584-4102
Allen E. Gant, Jr., Founder & Chairman
Phone: 336-227-6211