Official Publication of the Nevada Landscape Association | www.nevadanla.com
IN THIS ISSUE... 2016 Special Awards Vote p. 2 ISA Certification and Credentials p. 6 Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Board Member Profiles p. 9 New Member Profiles p. 10 Calendar of Events p. 10 Alert! p. 10 Landscape Industry Certification p. 11
p. 8
2016 — NLA Celebrating 25 Years of Landscape Excellence
SEPTEMBER 2016
VOTE NOW FOR 2016 SPECIAL AWARDS AS YOU KNOW we have four special awards that are given out each year as part of our Trophy Awards. These awards are not connected to Trophy Award entries but to deserving individuals within our industry. We would like the membership to assist in deciding who should receive these prestigious awards. If you know someone you feel is deserving of one of the awards below, please write in their name and email at president@nevadanla.com or fax it back to (775) 673-5828 by October 18th. Please take the time to help us with these nominations—it is very important!
SPECIAL AWARDS 1. TONY ARMSTRONG HUMANITARIAN AWARD – Given to an individual or company who has given unselfishly of their labor or materials to benefit the community. I nominate _____________________________________________________ 2. EDUCATION/RESEARCH AWARD – Given to the individual or company who has contributed to the education of the members of the Green Industry. I nominate _____________________________________________________ 3. AMBASSADOR FOR THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY – Given to the individual that has best served as a representative for the Green Industry.
4. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Given to an individual who has devoted many hours throughout the years to the Nevada Landscape Association to strengthen not only our organization but the Green Industry as a whole. The following are the Nominees for 2015. They have all served on the Nevada Landscape Association Board of Directors. They have all given unselfishly of their time and money to support the Green Industry. Jason Perry
John Giossi
Tim Laskowski
Steve Packer
Ron Gustafson
Joe Gilbert
I nominate _____________________________________________________
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call at (775) 6730404. Thank you!
I nominate _____________________________________________________
For All Your Specialty Turf and Ornamental Needs. Matt Melarkey | Christina Volsko | Nate Weber 855 East Greg, Sparks, NV
775-358-6166 2
Landscape Nevada
www.nevadanla.com
SEPTEMBER 2016
A Letter from the President Dear Members,
I
want to invite you to accompany myself and the Board of Directors in celebrating the quality workmanship that our members provide to the Green Industry at our Annual Trophy Awards that will be held on Friday, November 4th at the Silver Legacy. I am thrilled at the enormous number of entries we received, as well as the vast representation of landscape construction and landscape maintenance companies that sent in entries. I encourage you to look at the Special Awards ballot, located on page 8 of this newsletter. It is important to recognize those extraordinary individuals that help our Association to flourish and achieve within the Green Industry. The Licensed Industry Certification testing we provided at the end of August was immensely prosperous. I want to say thank you each and every one of the judges that volunteered their precious time to support the success of the Certification Program. Your dedication and expertise is vital to the continued accomplishment we attain from having individuals certified in the program. We will be recognizing the newly certified individuals at the Trophy Awards Banquet. We have started to take applications for booth space at our Annual Trade Show and Conference that is taking place in February. This year’s theme for the Conference is “Education is Our Business”. Vendors will have opportunities to use the floor space in order to demonstrate their products and equipment. The educational tracks will include pesticides, arboriculture, turf and irrigation management, paver and hardscape technology, nursery, and certification training. Attending educational conferences and seminars promises continued expertise of the professional within the Nevada Landscape Association and the Green Industry. I will say it again, GREAT things are happening in our industry. I would encourage you as an individual, or as a business owner, to join the membership and the Board of Directors and get involved. We meet the first Tuesday of each month. We will be sending ballots for the 2017 Board of Directors out soon. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please let me know. Feel free to email me at president@nevadanla.com to ask questions, or provide feedback.
Pamela C. Bedard
NEVADA LANDSCAPE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pamela Bedard, President — Horticulturist
(775) 560-5192
Rick Clark, President Elect — Omega Environmental Solutions (775) 376-3334 Heidi Kratsch, Past President — University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (775) 784-4848 Debbie Jones, Secretary/Treasurer — Moana Nursery (775) 825-6020 Christina Volsko, Director — Crop Production Services (775) 358-6166 Robert Kelly, Director — Robert Kelly Tree Care (775) 737-3530 Leslie Lyles, Director — Stewardship Horticultural (775) 849-1215 Brian Dean, Director — Gail Willey Landscapes (775) 853-8733 Tricia Strouse, Director — Legends Landscaping (775) 829-2468 LANDSCAPE NEVADA is the official publication of the Nevada Landscape Association, P.O. Box 7431, Reno, NV 89510-7431, phone 775.673.0404, fax 775.673.5828, website: www.nevadanla.com, email: info@nevadanla.com. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS & SUBMISSIONS Write to Landscape Nevada at the address above or contact Julia Gardner at info@nevadanla.com or (775) 673-0404. SPECIAL THANKS Leslie Lyles for newsletter submissions and editing.
Official Publication
.com | www.nevadanla pe Association of the Nevada Landsca
With the arrival of fall color our ‘Slow season’ is just around the corner. Fall is a great time to start planning for the off-season. Many certification classes are held in the winter months when employees have down time. Also, don’t forget that there are always on-line sources to help study for certifications and fulfill CEU requirements. Photo by Leslie Lyles.
IN THIS ISSUE... ds Vote p. 2 2016 Special Awar Credentials p. 6 ISA Certification and ent Landscaper Qualified Water Effici es p. 9 Board Member Profil es p. 10 New Member Profil p. 10 Calendar of Events Alert! p. 10 Certification Landscape Industry
SEPTEMBER 2016
p. 8
p. 11
MISSION STATEMENT The Nevada Landscape Association provides leadership by promoting professionalism and integrity within the Green Industry through education, high standards and community involvement. We guide policy and uphold responsible resource management for the beautification and enhancement of our community.
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rating 25 Years of
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www.nevadanla.com
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Come and Celebrate the Nevada Landscape Association’s 2016 Trophy Awards Winners NLA Trophy Awards encourage interest in landscaping; recognize Craftsmen producing outstanding landscapes; create pride in superior Workmanship and bestow public recognition to companies for their interest in building prestige in the Green Industry and keeping Northern Nevada beautiful. The awards acknowledge these individuals and companies and their dedication to excellence and professionalism within the Green Industry.
Award Cermony will be held at the Silver Legacy November 4th, 2016 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm $50 per Attendee | $450 for a table of 10 RSVP: The Nevada Landscape Association PO Box 7431 Reno, NV 89510 Email: president@nevadanla.com Attendees:__________________________________________________________ Company:____________________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed:__________________________________________________
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ISA Certification and Credentials
T
here are six ISA certification credentials, each of which is earned by passing a different exam. The explanations below identify the different credentials and the basic requirements for each. ISA commits itself to impartiality in its certification activities. ISA understands how critical impartiality is to carrying out its certification activities. ISA manages conflict of interest and ensures the objectivity of all certification activities. All persons involved in certification activities including Headquarters staff and member volunteers accomplish this through compliance to ISA’s structure, policies and procedures related to certification activities.
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST® To earn an ISA Certified Arborist® credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborist® have met all requirements to be eligible for the exam, which includes three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute. This certification covers a large number of topics giving the candidates flexibility in the arboricultural profession. A code of ethics for ISA Certified Arborists® strengthens the credibility and reliability of the work force. This certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, meeting and exceeding ISO 17024.
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST UTILITY SPECIALIST™ An ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist™ has a minimum of 2000 hours experience over two years in electric utility vegetation management or has served as a consultant to a utility, with a minimum of 4,000 hours over a maximum 10-year period. The candidate must work in utility vegetation management. They have been tested on topics such as electric utility pruning, program management, integrated vegetation management, electrical knowledge, customer relations, and storm response.
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST® ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist® credential holders are current ISA Certified Arborists® who have chosen municipal arboriculture or urban forestry as a career path. They have obtained a minimum of three additional years of work experience managing the establishment and maintenance of urban trees. Experience requirements include communication skills, public relations, administration, risk management, arboricultural practices, and policy planning in a municipal setting.
ISA CERTIFIED TREE WORKER CLIMBER SPECIALIST® To be a ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist®, candidates must have the skill and endurance to climb trees, demonstrate high regard for safety, and be able to get the job done off the ground. This credential is different from the other certifications because you are tested in both a classroom setting and a field setting. Candidates must have training in aerial rescue, CPR, and First Aid to obtain this certification.
ISA CERTIFIED TREE WORKER AERIAL LIFT SPECIALIST® The ISA Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist® certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform as a competent aerial lift operator. The knowledge gained with this certification can improve the productivity, quality of care, and safety practices of those who earn the credential. Along with proven knowledge of CPR and first aid, candidates have been tested on safety procedures, and must be able to complete thorough truck and tree inspection.
ISA BOARD CERTIFIED MASTER ARBORIST® The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® credential is the highest level of certification offered by ISA. This credential recognizes ISA Certified Arborists® who have reached the pinnacle of their profession. In addition to passing an extensive scenario-based exam, candidates must abide by a Code of Ethics, which ensures quality of work. Fewer than two percent of all ISA Certified Arborists® currently hold this certification.
LEARN MORE AT: www.isa-arbor.com Learn more about ISA Certification and Credentials by viewing the exam study materials or downloading the ISA Certification Handbooks with detailed information about each of the six credentials.
6
Landscape Nevada
Nevada Landscape Association’s 26th Annual Trade Show and Conference
“Education is our Business” February 23, 2017
24 Seminar Opportunities 5 Conference Tracks CEUs available for: Landscape Industry Certified ISA, ICPI, GCSAA, and Pest Control Operators for Nevada and California Landscape Industry Certification Testing February 23, 2017 at 2pm
Nevada Landscape Assoc.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center 4590 S. Virginia Street Reno, NV 89510
PO Box 7431 Reno, NV 89510 Ph:775-673-0404 | Fax:775-673-5828 Email: president@nevadanla.com
Qualified
Water Efficient Landscaper
A The program provides 21 hours of training in irrigation system design, maintenance and scheduling, along with instruction in soils, landscape plants, performance of water audits and developing water budgets.
8
Landscape Nevada
re you interested in professional certification to enhance your career? Do you agree there is a need for greater levels of water conservation in western Nevada urban landscapes? If you answered yes to both questions, then you will be interested to know University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is collaborating with Nevada Landscape Association, Truckee Meadows Water Authority and Wilbur D. May Arboretum in applying to be an approved provider of the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) professional certification program for our region. QWEL is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a WaterSenseÂŽ professional certification program. It provides comprehensive training for landscapers on how to use water efficiently in landscapes. The program philosophy is that efficient water use should permit us to maintain landscapes to enhance our quality of life AND conserve water. The program provides 21 hours of training in irrigation system design, maintenance and scheduling, along with instruction in soils, landscape plants, performance of water audits and developing water budgets. Participants who complete the program must complete a 120-question exam with a passing score of 75% to receive their certification. Once certified, Nevada Landscape Association will maintain a searchable database of certified professionals on their website, along with contact and business information. Two hours of continuing education units (CEUs) will be required each calendar year to keep your QWEL certification current. A question that is often asked about QWEL is how it differs from the Licensed Industry Certified (LIC) program offered by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) or certifications offered by the Irrigation Association. QWEL is unique in its emphasis on water efficiency. It does not replace nor is it as rigorous as many of the Irrigation Association certifications. QWEL is focused more on general landscape water use than the specifics of irrigation system design, auditing or other specialties. The date of the first offering of QWEL in Nevada is yet to be determined, pending approval by our parent professional certifying organization: the Sonoma-Marin Water Saving Partnership in California. For questions about the QWEL certification program, please contact Heidi Kratsch at University of Nevada Cooperation Extension. Reach her at (775) 336-0251 or kratschh@ unce.unr.edu.
Board Member Profiles Robert Kelly
Christina Volsko
ROBERT KELLY TREE CARE
CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES
B
ob’s career in arboriculture began in 1973 working with his Dad’s company, Joe’s Tree Service, in Tahoe City, CA. Bob started Robert Kelly Tree Care in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in 1979. While in Chicago he took advantage of every course available to a working Arborist, including programs at the Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Botanical Garden, Purdue University, and Illinois State University, just to name a few. Bob moved back to the Reno area in 2004. The highlight of Bob’s career was being recognized by the Smithsonian Institute for projects preserving a historic estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois founded by the family that founded Grey Hound Bus lines.
C
hristina has been employed with Crop Production Services for nine years. She obtained an A.S degree in Business from Truckee Meadows Community College. Christina has served on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Landscape Association for two years as well as serving on multiple Committees.
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At FreedomCare, we have unique solutions that allow our clients to gain control over their healthcare expenses and lower their costs now and for years to come. Choosing a self-funded plan that works for their business will allow more flexibility to build a plan that benefits their employees. We’ve combined our years of experience and assembled everything a business owner needs. We give our clients the ability to choose from multiple plan designs to create a plan that meets their needs and budget while providing exceptional customer service.
Whether you are a Landscape Contractor, Retailer, Wholesaler, Landscape Architect or Designer, you know the importance of a reliable wholesale nursery supplier and how that leads to better value for your customers. As wholesale growers of plants, trees and shrubs, we understand how important it is for you to find the exact materials you need quickly and economically. Our mission is to “Deliver unsurpassed quality, selection and service to our customers to create value and build long-lasting relationships”. Through our strategic alliances and quality growing practices, our wholesale plant nursery offers the largest array of products and services anywhere. You can rely on Village Nurseries to meet your nursery needs in California and throughout the western United States
HARRIS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION 1040 Matley Lane, Suite 4 Reno, NV 89502 (775) 747-3100 www.harrislandscapeconst.com Serving the Reno area since 1973, the staff at Harris Landscape Construction has over 100 years of combined experience in landscaping. We emphasize quality, and our workmanship is unmatched. The owners are native Nevadans who know what will work best for your landscape.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 20–21 20TH ANNUAL DESERT GREEN Las Vegas, NV www.desert-green .org
November 4 2016 NLA TROPHY AWARDS WINNERS Silver Legacy, Reno, NV www.nevadanla.com
November 14–16 ARBORIST CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP/ CERTIFIED ARBORIST REVIEW CLASS Rancho San Rafael Ranch House, Reno, NV 21 CEU’s available for certified arborists
November 17 ISA EXAM Rancho San Rafael Ranch House, Reno, NV
Participation in industry certification programs helps your business! REMEMBER! 3 Having certified employees boosts customer confidence in your company 3 CEUs are a valuable requirement of certification programs to ensure members stay current on the latest standards and information 3 Certification builds employee confidence and loyalty 3 Certifications belong to individuals, not companies 10
Landscape Nevada
G
reetings Fellow Earthlings! I hope this publication finds you well and prosperous. We at the NLA thought it was due time we published an article on Landscape Industry Certification (LIC). On August 27, 2016 we concluded our fifteenth running of the LIC Exam. It is due time to publicly thank the industry leaders for their support of this program; this includes those companies and individuals who have the foresight to see the positive benefits of the program, as well as those who have volunteered their time and money to see that the test operates successfully. Thank you! At this point I would like to address those NLA members, and non-members for that matter, who may be on the fence about the benefits of Landscape Industry Certification. Why certify you ask? Well, the benefits are simple and important for our businesses, our community and our customers, and for the Industry as a whole. For our businesses: we need to know that our Technicians can function at a certain level before we send them into the field.
We need to be assured that they can troubleshoot, diagnose, adjust, repair and program irrigation controllers at or above industry standards. Passing the LIC exam proves that our Technicians are capable of doing so, and gives our customers higher confidence in the services we provide. The biggest and most important issue in our industry is, and will always be, how we manage water usage. Irrigation Technicians are responsible for millions of gallons of water usage every year. Shouldn’t we, as responsible stewards, do everything we can to effectively manage our resources? I think so and so do many others. Our Community and Customers deserve the same assurances. Furthermore, there are Landscape Architects and Municipal entities that now require, rightfully so, a LIC Technician on site at all times. As far as the Green Industry itself is concerned, it is important to continue to raise the bar; nothing could be worse than to become stagnant and fall behind as this industry grows. The Nevada Landscape Association volunteers work diligently to see that our Local Industry stays abreast of the challenges we all face, the new and advanced practices and technology available and that the training and testing we provide is the best available. THE NLA also provides training and testing in Hardscapes and Landscape Maintenance. For more information: contact us (Nevadanla.com), or attend our monthly meetings—at noon on the first Tuesday of each month, UNCE offices, 4955 Energy Way. Blessings and good fortune to you all! Rick Clark
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Nevada Landscape Association P.O. Box 7431 Reno, NV 89510-7431
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