VIDEO: US Capitol grounds team works year-round to maintain iconic landscape

WASHINGTON (7News) — As spring arrives, the task of maintaining the pristine grounds of the U.S. Capitol is in full swing. The dedicated team from the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for keeping the Capitol grounds and its office buildings clean and fully functional.

The U.S. Capitol and its surrounding buildings encompass approximately 300 acres, with 70 acres of turf grass that require year-round maintenance. Katie Serock, Gardens and Grounds Manager for the Architect of the Capitol, highlighted the importance of their work.

"We're at the foot of democracy, and our team helps to ensure that Congress continues to do their work and the public sees that we stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," said Serock. "There's approximately 80 of our employees with Capitol grounds in Arboretum that take care of anything from the hardscapes to the turf grass, the trees, the pavement, all the plant material on almost 300 acres of property that exist on Capitol grounds in Arboretum."

Serock explained that a team of about 40 gardeners, arborists, horticulturalists, and specialists constantly monitors the landscape to maintain safety, beauty, and high standards.

"When people come to the U.S. Capitol, we hope that we inspire them. We hope that they feel a sense of awe and wonder and some pride as well for being in America," Serock said. "We're hosting not only Congress and our American people, but we're also internationally representing our country, so we hope that everyone who comes here feels a sense of pride of inspiration and they're able to make a moment in time and a memory for themselves that will last a lifetime."