Seven years ago my family moved to a home that borders Sugarland Run in Herndon. Our backyard was beautiful with its tall trees reaching up out of mowed green grass. But the grass was thin because it was so shady, and it was difficult to mow the rocky hillside that swept down to the floodplain. I realized that the original owners had removed all of the forest understory and began to research how to properly take care of our land.
My studies led me to return to Meadowlark Botanical Garden where I had often taken my children for long walks when they were younger. There in the native plant gardens I met the conservation horticulturists, began to volunteer with them, became a seasonal staff member, and began the horticulture and landscape design programs at NVCC where many of the park staff had studied. My desire to learn even more led me to volunteer in other parks and attend numerous workshops and conferences. Through Habitat Havens I wish to share my knowledge and design skills with others and help them create havens of their own. It is one more way to help our environment, one yard at a time.
My education: AA Landscape Design, NVCC Loudoun, expected summer 2010
AA Horticulture Technology, NVCC Loudoun, expected spring 2011
BA Mathematics, MS Operations Research and Statistics (former career....)
Here is a list of where I've been employed and where I continue to volunteer.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden (NVRPA) FCPA IMA, invasives removal, EDD/RR programs
currently seasonal staff, native collection Audubon At Home Ambassador
Nature By Design AFF Potomac River Watershed Cleanup site leader
Merrifield Garden Center NVCC Loudoun Horticulture Club
Help in the Garden Fairfax Rainbarrel Workshop
Herndon Middle School
