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Project GreenShape

By Kelly Townsend
The Times-Journal

Published March 8, 2008

Passionate about enhancing the beauty of Fort Payne, a local businessman has designed a plan and hopes to see the same enthusiasm spread throughout his hometown.

“At Turf Tamer, Inc., we live by the motto that there is passion in every project,” said Lee Buffington, owner of the landscaping company.

With enthusiasm and a desire to enhance the beauty of local creeks and streams, city and walking parks, public right of ways and other local attractions, Buffington has put “Project GreenShape” into action.

“We live in an area that already has natural beauty, and I believe it is our job to do everything we can to protect it and enhance it,” Buffington said.

He said Project GreenShape is a community enhancement project faciliated by Turf Tamer Inc., and is made up of many associates.

Project GreenShape, according to Buffington, is for the enrichment of all who are involved.

“The first thing that we would like to see done is that our community comes together to clean up the creeks and streams in DeKalb County, but primarily the Fort Payne area,” he said.

He said his passion falls with the creeks and streams in the area because he wants the community to help clean them up.

Buffington has agreed to donate the equipment, manpower and time needed to preserve the beauty in the area.

“When you drive around this area, you see many creeks and streams that are in desperate need of being cleaned up,” he said. “So that is why I feel this will make a great project for the first year.

Buffington also said they are currently looking for community leaders to provide them ideas for the enhancing the beauty of the Fort Payne area.

“We will remove debris from the creek, stablize the banks, remove invasive species of plants, and introduce some native species ditions,” Buffington said.

“With Mayor on board we will work closely with the city to enhance as much of the area as possible.

“I’m excited about the enthusiasm shown thus far by our community leaders that truly speaks volumes about the people promoting our community,” Buffington said.”I Know that this is a great thing when your team donates their time to this cause.”

He said that all of the employees have donated 16 hours of their time to this project. “We are excited about that and feel that it will spark some interest with the rest of the community.”

So, with that in mind, Buffington has agreed to donate the equipment, the manpower, and time needed to preserve the beauty in the area.

“When you drive around this area, you see many creeks and streams that are in desperate need of being cleaned up,” he said. “So that is why I feel that this will make a great project for the first year.”

Buffington also said that they are currently looking for community leaders to provide them ideas for enhancing the beauty of the Fort Payne area for future projects.

“It is our goal to perform one project annually for the enhancement of our community,” he said.

Fort Payne City Mayor Jordan was supportive of Buffington’s efforts.

“I think anything we can do to clean up beautify our ditches and streams is wonderful,” Jordan said.

Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Beddingfield said she is also excited about Buffington’s plans.

“I have known him a long time, and he has always been passionate about our community, “Beddingfield said. “I think it is just wonderful that he is donating many hours, equipment to help the community out as a whole.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about Project GreenShape, can do so online at turftamerinc.com

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811 Greenhill Blvd.NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 | Tel: 256-845-2550 | Email