Beautifying the Locks!

BOSTON–On Tuesday June 14, 2005, at 12:00 p.m., the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Home Depot, and Boston Duck Tours worked together to beautify the locks at the Old Charles River Dam. Boston Duck Tours carries over 500,000 guests through the Old Charles River locks and will help maintain the project with the assistance of the Home Depot and the DCR.

Key Players:
-- Jody Johnson (AKA: Pennywise): Boston Duck Tour Captain of 4 years who came up with the idea of turning this area of the Charles River into a more beautiful and scenic spot. Jody has contributed countless hours of preparation and planning to this beautification project.

-- Matt Thurlow, Chief Landscape Architect for DCR’s Planning and Engineering division whose cooperation and coordination helped make this event possible. DCR has donated a truck to pick up and deliver all of the soil and plants that the Home Depot has donated to the project.

This project would not have been possible without major support from the Home Depot. Particular appreciation is extended to John Carr, District Manager for Home Depot, who has assisted with several beautification projects in and along the Charles River Basin. His generous donation of flowers, plants, potting soil and whiskey barrels will help make the Locks at Charles River more enjoyable for all those who pass through them this year.

Boston Duck Tours will care for and maintain all of the new vegetation.

DCR’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational resources in Massachusetts for all who live in and visit the state. DCR is committed to delivering world-class conservation and recreation services, demonstrating progress toward world-class parks, and generating public appreciation and support for the resources managed by the Department.

The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer and second largest retailer in the United States. They help their customers build their dreams by being more than a store. The Home Depot strives to have a positive impact on communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Land and water tours given by Boston Duck Tours average one hour and twenty minutes in length and tickets may be purchased at the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, Faneuil Hall or online at www.BostonDuckTours.com Contact Bob Schwartz in Media Relations at 617-450-0068 or 800-226-7442