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The MNLA Foundation, in partnership with 18 members, presented 26 academic scholarships for the 2012-2013 school-year. The MNLA Foundation matches MNLA member-sponsor dollars up to $500 toward each scholarship.
School: Dakota County Technical College
Major: Landscape Horticulture
Expected Graduation: December 2013
Sponsored By: Gertens
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My inspiration to pursue an education in Landscape Horticulture stems from my childhood. I am one of eight children so it’s only natural that my parents turned our yard into an urban agriculture oasis. Green bean trellises, raspberry bushes and raised vegetable garden beds dominated our property.
After leaving my sales career to be a stay-at-home mom, my desire to further my education grew. It was a perfect stranger who shared his knowledge of the Landscape Industry and the program at DCTC with me which helped me realize this was the perfect field of study.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My education and childhood have helped me realize the strong potential I have in promoting the concepts of permaculture to others in my community. I have chosen to specialize in permaculture design so I can educate others on the importance of conserving our earth’s natural resources while rebuilding what we have depleted, and at the same time, take advantage of the beauty and bounty our earth can provide.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Urban Forestry Technician
Expected Graduation: December 2013
Sponsored By: MNLA Commercial Arborist Committee
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I discovered the world of arboriculture by chance after responding to an ad on Craigslist. A guy needed help for a day removing a tree, and after that I decided this was the career for me. I did a lot of research on the internet to find out more about the industry. In my search I discovered that Hennepin Tech had an urban forestry program, so I decided to go to school.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I am currently working in the tree care industry, so after I graduate I hope to gain more responsibilities. Once I feel like I have enough experience and knowledge, I would like to start my own business.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Horticulture and Spanish
Expected Graduation: May 2015
Sponsored By: Bachman's, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I have always had a love for plants and all things green. When I was in high school, I took a class on horticulture, and was immediately sucked into the industry. My teacher at that time saw my passion and told me about River Falls, a school she recommended highly for horticulture. It did not take much to convince me. Once at UWRF, I only felt more and more that I was in the right industry.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? As of right now, I am simply trying to learn. I have dreams and things I want to experience. I hope to study abroad to Spain. I would love to get two internships to gain work experience, and I would really like to look into graduate school. I think I would love to be able to teach, and give the same knowledge and passion to my students that my professors today are giving to me.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Greenhouse Management Technician, A.A.S.
Expected Graduation: December 2013
Sponsored By: Malmborg's, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I love plants. When I am “playing in the dirt,” I feel very much at peace. Being in the Greenhouse Management Technician A.A.S. program just feels right. I want to start my own business some day and also inspire community gardening projects. I was impressed when I first heard of HTC through a friend, and doubly so when I finally toured the campus and the greenhouses. The excitement in the air around the greenhouses was contagious, and I knew I had come to the right place.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My short-term goal is to become competent and proficient in my field of study and to achieve my degree in Greenhouse Management. My long-term goal is to use my education to start up a green business. With that business I hope to pursue community education programs teaching others the joy of growing and caring for their own plants.
School: Rochester Community and Technical College
Major: Horticulture/Landscape Design
Expected Graduation: May 2015
Sponsored By: Rochester Arborist Workshop
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I grew up on a hog and crop farm. I have always been interested in agriculture, but It wasn't until high school that i really took note of horticulture and landscaping. I was part of the FFA at Southland High School. The ag teacher Mr. Brown gave students the knowledge about greenhouse crop production and taught us how to grow annuals and vegtable plants that we later sold in the spring time and used the profits to fund our FFA organization.
What really got me into the green industry area of study was all the hard work my classmates and I did really payed off and it was extremely rewarding to watch something from the start to the finish product.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My future plans in the industry is to stay employed with Weis Landscaping and Design. I would like to put my education to use by interacting with customers more and coming up with designs, solutions, or ideas for home owners and their landscaping needs.
School: Dakota County Technical College
Major: AAS in Horticulture and Landscape Design
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I have always had an interest in the green industry with gardening for years. With a job loss in 2011 and not finding a job right away, I decided to look into a new career and go into something that I always enjoyed for fun. After my first year of studies, I worked for Knecht's Nursery and Landscape and knew that I had made the right decision. I just love working outdoors and helping people with their yards.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I am currently employed and plan to continue there for a while, but would set my goals on putting up my own greenhouse and doing perennial garden design. If it grows from there, I will see what the future holds. One door closed and this is now my new open door and I love where it is leading me.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2014
Sponsored By: Rush Creek Growers Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in the green industry began when I was a little girl. Being raised on a small dairy farm, I quickly learned to love and appreciate nature and all of its beauty, including various flowers growing around the farm. After noticing how beautiful the flowerbeds were near the farm, I started becoming interested in planting and growing flowers with my mom and grandmother. When I was older, I started my own flower garden. I developed a strong passion for plants and eventually realized that I would like to pursue a career in the green industry.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After I graduate from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, I would like to pursue a career as a horticulturist so that I can work with people, educate them and most importantly, promote the green industry and horticulture in general. I would like to grow and maintain healthy plants and educate others about the importance of using integrated pest management (IPM).
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Greenhouse Management Technician AAS Degree
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Countryside Gardens, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: In 1993 when I was 23, I was offered a job by a woman named Valerie Thompson of Medi-Plant. I went into it knowing nothing about horticulture, but soon knew it was the career path for me! After Valerie's passing in 2000, I started my own company, Botanicoles. Recently I became interested in pursuing an education in Greenhouse Management, and started at Hennepin Tech in 2012. I could not be happier with my decision!
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My plan for the future is to continue learning as much as I can, to secure a job in a greenhouse year round, and to grow high quality plant material for the industry.
School: University of Minnesota - Crookston
Major: Production Horticulture and Environmental Landscaping
Expected Graduation: December 2013
Sponsored By: Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in the green industry first started with my experiences in 4-H while competing in areas such as containerized gardens and flower gardens. From there my interest only grew with the high school ag classes that were available to me. During my time in high school I was able to take a class in Greenhouse Management which had the class growing plants from plugs and seed. The class then had to grow the plants through until the finish products of hanging baskets and 4 ½” pots. We then took part in the sale of the plants. Another class that I was able to take in high school was a class called Landscape Installation. This is where I had my first experience with landscape design. In this class we participated in the design process of a home and the installation of that design. In addition I also learned about general landscape maintenance such as pruning and fall clean up. The classes I took in high school along with my 4-H experiences are what I believe have led to my interest in the green industry.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My plans after graduation include finding a position at a greenhouse or nursery to begin my career in the green industry I would like to work in the green industry and learn from my work positions. The number one career goal I have for myself in this industry is to become a greenhouse grower. Becoming a greenhouse grower is a position that requires many years of experience. This is something that I know I will have to work for, but I want to work my way up in the industry. Once I am further in my career I one day I would like to own part of a greenhouse operation.
School: Century College
Major: Greenhouse Certificate
Expected Graduation: 2013
Sponsored By: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: Growing up in the greenhouse business I have always had a fascination with plants and as I got older I quickly discovered my passion for them. I have been working in our greenhouses for six years now. I really enjoy meeting new people, helping customers and learning new things about the industry.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After graduation I plan to continue working at our garden center and further my knowledge in the business. When my parents retire I would like to continue the tradition of a family owned and operated establishment.
School: Rochester Community and Technical College
Major: Associate in Applied Science Degree in Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Rochester Arborist Workshop
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My passion for horticulture started as a young child when my great-grandmother would give me cuttings from her plants to take home and grow on my windowsill. This fascinated me and sparked my interest in plants at a very young age. Growing up on a farm, I was constantly involved in crop production along with vegetable and flower gardening.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? Upon graduating from Rochester Community & Technical College, I plan on pursuing a career in organic greenhouse crop production. I would love to teach younger generations where their food comes from, the science behind plant growth and development, and the options available for sustainable food production.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Landscape Construction and Design
Expected Graduation: 2014
Sponsored By: Natural Creations
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I have always enjoyed nature and the outdoors. I helped landscape at my parent's and grandparents' homes over the years. I had the opportunity to work with Natural Creations fall of 2011 and was encouraged by them to continue studying and building my knowledge base as well as practical skills.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I truly enjoy working in this field and helping to create and maintain healthy landscaping. I am excited about continuing in this industry and learning as much as I can so that I can contribute to my current employment with Natural Creations. Eventually, I hope to begin my own landscape design and construction business.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Urban Forestry
Expected Graduation: 2014
Sponsored By: St. Croix Tree Service
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I have always had a love for the outdoors. After high school I took a year off to decide which way to go in life. I ended up with a summer job at a garden center. I had an amazing boss who informed me that she went to HTC and that if I got formal education I too could get a job doing something I loved. I was immediately sold on the idea and signed up right away.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? Since beginning my education I have had the opportunity to explore many areas of the green industry and the possibilities of employment. After spending the last summer with a tree company learning how to climb professionally I have decided to continue on the path of becoming a certified arborist. I believe becoming the best arborist possible means getting involved with every facet of the green industry I can and taking every opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience.
School: University of Minnesota-St. Paul
Major: Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Bailey Nurseries, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in the green industry is deeply rooted in my upbringing and has not faltered as I have grown. I have always been passionate about the world around me and being able to shape it or create a space for others to enjoy is what I would like to do. As a kid, I spent most of my time outdoors exploring or climbing. There was always a relaxed tone to the woodlands and fields surrounding my family’s home, and running across rolling fields of alfalfa was the perfect way to exhaust all of my pent up energy. Growing older, I enjoyed long walks throughout the woods where the only things I heard were the winds and the conversations between the birds. Any stresses or worries were alleviated along the paths through the forests of birch and white poplar, and the connection I felt with nature is what drives me to share it with others. I believe that people need to experience something that I was lucky to grow up with.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and obtain a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture. I want to help people construct their own personal escapes, and I would like to do mostly residential landscaping for that reason. Additionally, owning my own landscaping business would allow me to do many of the things I enjoy most such as working outdoors and hands-on with the plant materials. I would like to utilize the information I have learned and be able to educate my clients on sustainable landscapes and incorporating native species.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Horticulture, Agricultural Education
Expected Graduation: December 2015
Sponsored By: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: When I was little, I would follow my Dad around as he worked on cars, fixed tractors, and took care of the farm animals, but where I really loved to follow my father around was in the garden. My Dad would patiently answer all of my questions and teach me the proper way to plant and care for all of the plants. His passion for caring for plants began to wear off on me.
My love for plants continued through my Godfather, Rick, who had his own floral shop in town. Every birthday, Valentine’s Day, and just random days, I would get flowers sent to me from him. I remember the joy I felt when my name would get called to the school office and there waiting for me would be a bouquet of flowers. I always found it amazing how something so small could make such a difference in someone’s day, and I wanted to be a part of that, I wanted to help make someone’s day.
Going into high school, I decided that I really wanted to look into becoming a florist when I grew up, so I decided to take an introduction to plant science, which is how I met my Agriculture teacher and future boss, Art VanderWaal. When he heard of my love for plants, he immediately began to encourage me to join FFA and be on the Floriculture team. I was also fortunate enough that Mr. VanderWaal was not only an Agriculture teacher, but that he owned his own greenhouse on the side name Millhome Nursery and Greenhouses. I started working there my sophomore year of high school. I learned a lot over the four and a half years that I worked there. I kept track of all of the skills I learned and the hours I worked and was able to apply through FFA for my proficiency in Diversified Horticulture. My first year that I applied I took sixth at state. The second year I took first at state and moved onto Nationals where I received a gold rating for my proficiency. It was also Mr. VanderWaal who encouraged me to attend UW River Falls, because of their strong Horticulture program.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? In the future, I would love to either work in a botanical garden, possibly the Sarah P. Duke Gardens down in North Carolina where I had the privilege of interning this past summer, or to open my own greenhouse. I would love to keep the love of plants going, So I am also currently going to school to become an agricultural teacher, so that I, like my agricultural teacher could have my own greenhouse business on the side and be able to give students the same opportunity he gave me; the opportunity to discover their love for horticulture.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Landscape Design/Construction
Expected Graduation: Spring 2014
Sponsored By: Otten Bros. Nursery and Landscaping, Inc
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My Dad is the owner/operator of our family business, Norling’s Lake Minnetonka Landscapes. I have been with the company for 2 years now managing the maintenance department and designing seasonal containers and perennial gardens. With a fascination for horticulture I took the Pro-Hort Master Gardener core course offered by the U-of M and realized I wanted to continue to learn more about the industry. I love my program at Hennepin Tech and am grateful to my instructors for all I have learned so far and the knowledge and inspiration to come.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I would love to continue my career with a heavier influence in design. Learning to design with CAD, as well as hand drafting, I am establishing a respect for the pros and cons of both art forms. I look forward to designing larger projects with sustainability, function, as well as aesthetics in mind. I am very interested in how the times are bringing homeowners to urban farming. This is a more than just a trend, and I believe it will be heavily influencing the landscape industry. Homeowners are now needing more from their outdoor spaces than just a beautiful view. I am excited to be a part of the future of landscape design, it is going in a really cool direction. Upon graduation I would like to continue my education at the University of Minnesota.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Greenhouse Managment Technician (A.A.S)
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: It could be said I have always been interested in the green industry. As a child holidays were spent on my grandparent’s tree farm. When I grew up I had the oppurtunity to take my first botany class in my sophmore year of high school. I found it so fasinating that the following year did an independent study of botany and plant propagation. When it came time to go to college I knew that I wanted to learn more about plants and their proper care and functions in the landscape.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I am looking to become a working professinal after graduation. I hope to find work at a nursery, as a grounds keeper or working to restore native forests and praires.Also I would love to grow sustainable food crops for local communities. Most of all I am looking for employment that will continue to educate me and best allow me to put my vast skill set to work.
School: University of Minnesota-St. Paul
Major: Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in turfgrass management began five years ago. I secured my first job at private golf club near my home town on the groundskeeping crew. Immediately, I was in awe of the multifaceted skill required to maintain a healthy turf landscape. Over the years I grew very fond of the job and became proficient in my position. When it came time to make career decisions—I knew my calling.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After graduation in spring 2013, I plan to begin a Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota. My degree will be in Applied Plant Science and my research thesis will be evaluating fine fescue species for golf course fairways. My desire is to improve the game of golf and ensure the industry continues to prosper. After a Master’s degree, I will begin a PhD program or pursue a career in turfgrass management. My investments in the future of golf, sustainability, and lifelong learning, are an influential force in my aspirations.
School: Iowa State University
Major: Agriculture & Life Sciences Education (teacher certification option) and Horticulture
Expected Graduation: December 2014
Sponsored By: Bailey Nurseries, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I unknowingly became interested in the green industry while growing up on my family's grain and livestock farm. Each year I helped my mom plant the flower beds and the garden; when I became a member of the Denison FFA Chapter I participated in the Floriculture and Nursery/Landscape career development events. These two competitions made me realize how much I enjoy learning about plants found in the landscape and how to care for them. In elementary school I always thought I would grow up to be a musician, an artist, or a veterinarian, but I have found that I can continue with my passion in each of these areas while focusing on horticulture, which has always been a part of my life. I have particularly enjoyed the design and identification aspects, which I have become more acquainted with through coursework. My activities and classes at Iowa State University have assured me that a degree in horticulture and a degree in agriculture & life sciences education will enable me to do what I love: advocate the agriculture industry and continue to help improve the industry.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? My future aspirations are to become an educator, beginning at the high school level as an agriculture and life sciences instructor. I feel that being able to introduce young people to all aspects of agriculture and the careers involved with them not only makes them well-rounded individuals, but it also makes them informed citizens and can assist them in their career choice; therefore it is important to have knowledgeable educators. By being an educator I will be able to keep up with and practice the new techniques brought about in the industry as well. Eventually I would like to attain my doctorate degree in order to become a professor at a university.
If teaching is not an option, I plan to seek employment at an extension and outreach office, a landscaping/nursery company, or a public garden. No matter what career I end up with, I will always be advocating agriculture and the green industry because they have an enormous impact on everyone's lives.
School: University of Minnesota-St. Paul
Major: Landscape Design & Planning, and Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Tangletown Gardens LLC
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in the green industry began at a very young age, in the midst of following my father around his vast gardens of flowers, trees, and produce. At the age of twelve I launched my own business providing full-service lawn mowing and landscaping services to several neighbors. Through numerous circumstances I quickly learned that life can be rough, but I also learned to take control and contribute to the solutions through an innovative, entrepreneurial mind.
At the age of sixteen, I was fortunate enough to obtain the entry level position of cart attendant at Mississippi Dunes Golf Links in Cottage Grove, MN. This opportunity challenged my skills, thus allowing me to expand on new accomplishments while also teaching me to respect others as individuals in their own right. Through this time I developed a growing love for landscape design and horticultural related activities, as well as a strong desire to improve and protect the quality of the environment.
Two summers ago (2010), I had the remarkable opportunity to travel to China for the study of the Chinese language alongside mission work geared towards serving the Chinese people. I was amazed to put together my studies in landscape architectural history with tangible experiences interacting with and walking through famous landscapes in Hong Kong and China.
Last fall (2011) I was granted an internship position in Hong Kong at The Hong Kong Golf Club. The opportunity to interact with and observe the inner workings of a private club with this stature was a golden experience to build on. In a sense this was a trial run for what it is like to be in a position that includes landscape architecture, horticulture, botany, ecological restoration, garden history, turfgrass research, and design all fused into one.
With a growing conviction for sustainability and an overwhelming thankfulness in opportunities I have been given, I developed a passion to give back to the world that has been so instrumental in my development into a man of integrity and great character. My growing interest in the field of becoming a landscape designer with a horticultural accent builds on many of my past and present experiences through work, education, and volunteering. Thus, I see further graduate studies in both landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning as a way to be involved equally in innovative design and creative policies to ensure the future of an industry so necessary to the health and welfare of our nation’s citizens.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? Upon graduation I plan to take a one year travel and study tour of gardens in and across Europe, pending the 2013-2014 Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship award through the University of Minnesota Honors Program. This scholarship is intended to enhance a student’s understanding of their particular field of interest through advanced undergraduate studies in a country or countries of the recipients’ choice. During my studies at the University of Minnesota thus far, I have been richly blessed to visit and/or study many gardens in and around the United States, as well as Asia. Thus, my desire is to continue studies through further comprehension of gardening styles and methods from where it all began, Europe. Once this year of studying and travel is over I would return to the United States in order to begin a master’s degree program at one of the following universities: University of Minnesota, Cornell University (Ithaca, New York), University of California-Berkeley, or Harvard University. This program would be a dual master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning. My long term goal is to be involved with landscape development through design innovation and policy reformation at a state and/or federal level.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Professional Horticulture, Minor in Outdoor Education
Expected Graduation: May 2015
Sponsored By: Bailey Nurseries, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I started working at Stuart's Landscaping and Garden Center the summer following my freshman year of high school. I worked under some very inspirational people that sparked a a passion for me. There has always been, and will always be more to learn. It has kept me driven to work hard and always study more. In addition, I absolutely love to have my office amongst a field of potted shrubs!
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? I plan to investigate all of the options I have available to me. I would like to attend graduate school in order to earn my Masters in Horticulture, and Doctorate as well. I am very interested in the collection and preservation of new, or endangered species. I have loved my time in the Industry and hope to spend many more years working in it. If possible, I would like to someday teach, to help inspire a passion in future generations, the same way it was sparked in me.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Horticulture
Expected Graduation: May 2014
Sponsored By: Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My father owns a landscaping business, called Associated Landscape Services (ALS), so I have been around plants and landscaping for most of my life. In high school I loved art classes, and my senior year I discovered that I could combine plants and art and make something beautiful. Landscape Design is such a mental and creative challenge that I truly enjoy it, and it gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction to finish a design.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After graduating from UWRF with a Bachelor of Science degree, I plan to attend graduate school at the University of Wisconsin for Landscape Architecture, and then work at either a company or owning my own business as a landscape architect.
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Landscape Design
Expected Graduation: 2015
Sponsored By: Mickman Brothers, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: My interest in the green industry really took off when I obtained a job at a nursery and landscaping company. While at Willow River Nursery and Landscaping Company I have been able to gain many great experiences in landscape design and installation. These experiences and the encouragement from my friends and family are the main reasons why I am pursuing a degree in Landscape Design.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After graduation I plan to one day open my own landscaping company. Until then I hope to continue working at Willow River Nursery and Landscaping Company.
School: University of Minnesota-St. Paul
Major: Horticulture Major, Entomology Minor
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I first started at the University of Minnesota with an interest in organic farming, planning on a career in Agricultural Education. In my first year at the University 2 of my teachers were most inspirational. They were Bud Markart and Bill Peters. Gently sharing their love of plants they unwittingly changed my destiny. I enrolled in more classes and soon changed my major. I now study horticulture, with a concentration on Chinese Herbology and a minor in entomology.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? When I graduate I hope to work for a greenhouse that is interested in complimenting their practice with renewable energy and organic certification.
School: Hennepin Technical College
Major: Landscape Design/ Construction, AAS
Expected Graduation: 2014
Sponsored By: Mickman Brothers, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I first became interested in the green industry in high school, when i took my first horticulture class. after taking most all the classes my high school offered for horticulture i had a desire to do more and learn more. being a hands on outdoorsy person i knew that sitting behind a desk or inside was just not for me and I had to do something I really was going to enjoy. After starting college in a completely different direction i found my way back to what i enjoyed doing and had a passion for. I decided to turn this in passion and enjoyment for the Green Industry into a career.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? After Graduation I would like to find a job as a landscape designer specializing in sustainable design . I am interested in so many aspects of design, but i truly enjoy the concept of being sustainable and designing for function and low environmental impact. I Hope that my work will motivate people to spend more time outside with design that is comfortable and inviting, and create places that draw people to be outside and enjoy outdoor spaces!
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Major: Landscape Horticulture and Community Planning
Expected Graduation: May 2013
Sponsored By: Law's Nursery, Inc.
Please explain how you got interested in a green industry area of study: I grew up working on a neighbor’s dairy farm and thoroughly enjoyed the various components of the agriculture industry. From this experience I learned to appreciate the benefits of working outside. While volunteering at Camp Daniel, a camp for people with disabilities, I had the opportunity to work with a handful of individuals with cognitive disabilities plant a large donation of trees, shrubs and perennials. This experience provided me with inspiration to pursue a satisfying career where I would be able to work with people, work outdoors, and create an improved environment in which to enjoy and celebrate both.
What are your future plans in the industry after graduation? Combining my learning experiences from Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, as well as real world job experience, I plan to eventually partner with an Architectural Design/Build firm, which would allow me the financial capability to run two inter-connected horticultural businesses.
The first business would be a self-contracting landscape crew consisting of people, with or without disabilities, along with several project managers. Project managers would work alongside the employees to provide steady direction to get the tasks done with precision. The self-contracting crew would be hired by the firm for select projects such as installation of shrubs, trees, perennials, sod, etc. at specific job sites.
The second business would be a greenhouse and nursery stock supply company for the self-contracting crew, as well as a greenhouse that propagates plants for resale to the general public. The greenhouse’s employee salary fund would be generated by the purchases made by the self-contracting crew, as well as the monies gained from the retail aspect of the business. Again, production managers would work closely with employees teaching the proper tips and techniques of successfully raising good, healthy, high quality plants.
When looking at my career goal as a whole, I realize the importance of my performance on a day to day basis, as it will directly affect not only my future, but the future of others as well.
 These scholarships are made possible through cooperation between the MNLA Foundation and MNLA-member-company sponsors. Sponsors are recognized at the Summer Garden Party, in the Scoop, on MNLA.biz and MNLAschoolhouse.org, plus in their own local newspaper and the campus and hometown publications of each of the students they sponsor.
If you are interested in becoming a scholarship sponsor, or in finding out more about the MNLA Foundation, please contact Program Director Jodi Larson; by email jodi@MNLA.biz or by calling 651-633-4987.
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