[{"type":"paragraph","nodes":[{"type":"text","ranges":[{"text":"The TREE Fund traces its roots back to 1976 when a group led by then Asplundh executive Hyland Johns founded the ISA Research Trust. He and others at the time recognized that arboriculture lagged behind other industries in funding basic and applied research. Money was raised, grant programs were developed to award funds, research results were published, and practices improved. The organization grew steadily. In 2002, the Trust absorbed the NAA’s Arborist Foundation to form the TREE Fund. Over its history, the TREE Fund has funded millions of dollars in basic and applied research. Asplundh supports this research as a Crown Partner and through ongoing support for the 70-year Game Lands 33 research and demonstration project. Asplundh personnel, including executive management, have participated in the Tour des Trees since the beginning. This year, Asplundh is excited to have a team of riders to represent the company's continued support of the TREE Fund and its critical mission. "}]}]}]