Membership

We are diverse in many ways but united in common purpose.
Our members align around these fundamental principles:

• We believe in using landscaping practices that are environmentally safe.
• We understand that natural systems are the best guide for learning how to develop and maintain healthy landscapes.
• We value landscaping methods that are based upon scientific studies and practical experience.
• We are committed to educating ourselves and others about ecological landscaping methods.
• We strive to create a network of dedicated people who can be a powerful agent for change.

Meet some of our ELA Members

Bob Oelberg, Robert N Oelberg ASLA PA

Landscape and hardscape design for residential and commercial properties in the mountains of NW NC, using sustainable landscape practices and mostly (about 90%) native plants on most projects. I source plants from native plant growers as well as the native plant selections from conventional growers. In any case, I favor growers who propagate with environmental benefit in mind.

Mark Highland, Organic Mechanics Soil Company

Organic Mechanics is a wholesale manufacturer of premium, organic, peat-free potting soil, soil amendments, biochar, stormwater soils, including soils for rain gardens, bioswales, and more. Our philosophy embraces environmental sustainability as a core value. We are pursuing the dream of producing the most environmentally friendly, highest quality soils on the market.

Leslie Pilgrim, Neighborhood Greening

Neighborhood Greening is dedicated to Community Environmental Education and Stewardship by harnessing the spirit of community to make small but impactful efforts that will make a greener neighborhood for both humans and wildlife. One of Neighborhood Greening's primary educational initiatives is the publication of the e-journal, The Butterfly Effect, twice each year.

Amanda McClean, Izel Plants

Izel Native Plants is a marketplace and unique e-commerce solution to the challenge of sourcing native plants. By combining the inventories of wholesale growers and nurseries from the East Coast to the Midwest, we offer an unparalleled selection plants sold as plugs, and the convenience of a fully functional shopping cart with upfront pricing. Trade and non-trade customers are welcome!

Heather McCargo, Wild Seed Project

Wild Seed Project encourages the use of native plants in all landscape settings to conserve biodiversity, support plant adaptation in the face of climate change, safeguard wildlife habitat, and create pollination and migration corridors for insects and birds. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Wild Seed Project sells seeds of locally grown native plants, produces an annual publication called Wild Seed, and educates the public so that a wide range of community members can help foster native plant populations.

Tony Somers, SWCA Environmental Consultants

Since 1981, SWCA has offered comprehensive environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and natural and cultural resources management services. SWCA's dedicated ecological restoration, landscape architecture, and engineering team designs, permits, and builds environmentally responsible projects ranging from multi-mile stream restorations and wetland enhancements to pollinator friendly solar sites and municipal park and trail designs.

David Little, Kaw Valley Organic Lawn Care

Kaw Valley specializes in both suburban and rural lawn care. We learned lawn care by being rural property managers and keepers, realizing that larger lawns and acreages require a different approach to be cost effective. We apply a sensible, organic approach to any size lawn, giving you the results you expect by applying solid land-management principles.

Darryl Newman, Planters' Choice Nursery

Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, Planters’ Choice Nursery has been growing and sourcing beautiful plant material for discerning professionals for 50 years. Since 1970 we continue to support the ever-growing demand for quality nursery stock, always increasing and improving our native plant offerings together with exceptional customer service!

David Tuch, Equinox

Equinox is an award winning firm that provides sustainable solutions for a full range of planning, design and ecosystem services in the southeast. The principles of environmental stewardship, ecology, and resource conservation are deeply embedded into all aspects of our work. Equinox provides the tools and expertise to help our clients protect land and water resources, implement sustainable strategies, create healthy living opportunities and develop land in an environmentally responsible way. Whether its helping to conserve land and water resources, restore a damaged stream, design an ecologically based landscape, or develop a management plan for the long term. Its by first assessing the natural assets and resources of a property that we can best inform the planning and design of our projects. From a watershed to a backyard landscape, we embed environmental science and ecology into our planning and design solutions to help build landscapes that are resilient to climate change and other environmental pressures facing our region.

Bevan & Holly Shimizu

Design/build company that likes to incorporate Japanese garden principles with sustainable practices and native plants.