Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
The 2015 STIHL Tour des Trees kicks off from Orlando on Oct. 25 and heads west, stopping overnight in Ruskin, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers Beach, Everglades City and Miami and visiting dozens of other communities along the way. The ride concludes Oct. 31 in Ft. Lauderdale.
During seven days on the road, Tour participants will cycle as many as 560 miles, though this year’s Tour offers shorter-mileage options on three of the seven days. Now in its 23rd year, the Tour has been featured in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, American Airlines’ in-flight magazine, the Huffington Post, and CNN. Recent Tours have explored Wisconsin, New York, Ontario, Oregon and Virginia, raising money, educating the public about the importance of urban trees and planting dozens more along the way.
“The STIHL Tour des Trees is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Teaching kids about trees and educating communities around the country on their importance makes a real impact, and I’m proud to have been part of it,” said Justin Espy, a field testing technician at STIHL Inc., certified arborist and three-time Tour rider. Cyclists come from a variety of professions but are united by their enthusiasm for cycling and trees, their sense of adventure and the friendships they share with fellow Tour riders.
Since 1992, the Tour has raised more than $7.2 million for tree research and education programs. Proceeds from the event support research projects dedicated to caring for urban trees and keeping the tree care workforce and the communities they serve safe. The Tour also funds arboriculture education programs for children and communities and scholarships for aspiring tree care professionals.
Support the work of the cyclists and the TREE Fund with a donation today at stihltourdestrees.org.