The group of landscape companies that beautified and maintain the Ohio 41/Interstate 75 interchange in Troy through Operation Cloverleaf wants to expand to include a similar project for the Miami County Courthouse grounds.

Representatives of the companies proposed Operation Courthouse to the county commission last week. The commission was expected to accept the proposal for the program to maintain and enhance the lawn, trees, shrubs and landscape beds at its March 17 meeting.

“We want to keep this looking crisp and clean. That is our goal,” said Ted Mercer of Mercer Group, Inc. Turf Grass Specialists of Troy. Joe Duncan of Ever Green Turf & Landscape of Troy joined him at the meeting.

The service would be provided free to the county under a private public partnership, with the county asked only to buy hardwood mulch that would be installed by the companies.

The commissioners said they have discussions about how to enhance the area outside the Courthouse the past few years.

The Operation Cloverleaf project has been under way caring for 18 acres at the interchange since 2003.

“It has been a challenge, but it has been awful rewarding to bring these companies together that go out there each week,” Mercer said. “It is something that we are very proud of as far as giving back to the community.”

The group met and decided to propose a new project, Operation Courthouse. “We chose this building, the Courthouse, because it is an iconic building in the county,” Mercer said.

The project focus would be the Courthouse area with donated labor, equipment, materials and expertise. The area would not include the Safety Building to the east.

“I want to thank you ... to offer this to us. I can’t see a downside to it,” said Commissioner John “Bud” O’Brien.

The annual cost for the donated services would be around $12,000 a year, according to figures provided to commissioners. To let people know about the project, the group asked the county for a sign to recognize the partnership and the companies, Mercer said.

Other corporate partners, in addition to Mercer Group and Ever Green, are: GreenTech Lawn and Irrigation, Tree Care Inc., All-Pro Turf Landscape Ponds, Shields Lawn Tamers, Anderson’s Tree and Turf Tech, Quality Lawn, Landscape & Fence Inc.; and Cooper Landscaping.

A charitable checking account is available through The Troy Foundation for people who want to support the Operation Cloverleaf project.