Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.’s Post

I was featured this morning in The Associated Press for Green Jobs Board about my views on the conversation field/ industry and the barriers the industry presents to people of color who may want to build a career in this space, but come to realize/ find that many of these predominantly white-led organizations create work cultures not conducive to the growth of employees of color. How can we fix this? -More trainings on cultural competency / bringing in JEDI experts -Creating accessible avenues for BIPOC to be on / lead boards (shout out to Green Leadership Trust for leading that initiative) -And more accessible materials for training and education (multicultural, multilingual documentation)

Growth can only occur when someone is ahead of the employee to be developed because someonemust be setting the pace for production and sharing knowledge. Get insights on cultivating a culture of development in North Carolina Turfgrass > https://lnkd.in/esH6Pv45

Every year, we take some time to reflect on CLEE’s mission and what we have accomplished towards that end. Our 2023 Snapshot report showcases our work over the past year and our strides in three strategic areas: Actionable Research: Developing and disseminating research that directly informs and influences policy and practice. Training and Education: Equipping current and future environmental leaders with the knowledge and skills to make a difference. Communication and Engagement: Nurturing the continued growth of an informed and engaged community. These are the pillars of our new strategic plan, providing a structure for building on CLEE's 18 years of expertise and experience. Your partnership and support have been instrumental in our journey and will remain so in the months and years to come. The challenges we face are daunting, but we are optimistic that together, we can create an even more meaningful impact. Please join us in celebrating our achievements and recommitting to the pursuit of sustainable and equitable environmental solutions. Read our Snapshot here: https://lnkd.in/ggCXCjF4

Hot off the press - via Winston Churchill Trust (Australia) MEDIA RELEASE 25 January 2024 Churchill Fellow Nick Rose calls for $500mn edible garden fund in the wake of #costofliving and #supermarket pricing enquiry   Following today’s announcement by Prime Minister Albanese addressing the escalating cost of living and concerns over supermarket pricing, Churchill Fellow Dr Nick Rose advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes increased support for #communitygardens and urban farms as a sustainable solution.   Nick has called for a major expansion of community gardens nationally as an investment in #foodsecurity, but also as a preventative #publichealth measure, calling for a $500mn Edible Gardening Fund.   "Community gardens are literally the grassroots solution to the challenges posed by market concentration and rising food prices. They empower individuals, strengthen local communities, and contribute to food security," Nick adds.   Nick asserts that community gardens play a vital role in addressing not only the economic challenges faced by citizens but also the broader issues related to health, environment, and community empowerment.   "Community gardens are not just about growing food; they are about growing resilient and connected communities," states Nick. "In the face of rising costs and concerns over supermarket practices, community gardens present a practical and empowering response."   In a recent conversation addressing these critical issues, Nick underscores the importance of community gardens and urban farms, particularly in the context of the ongoing review led by Craig Emerson.    Nick acknowledges the significance of the supermarket review, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the challenges faced by consumers. He suggests that community gardens, operating on a non-commercial, volunteer-led basis, can and do provide a sustainable alternative to traditional food supply chains.   Nick draws parallels between the review's focus on supermarket pricing and the impacts of market concentration on farmers. He points out that community gardens represent positive and democratic community-led responses to market failures and government inaction in various sectors.   As part of their strategy, Nick and his team at Sustain: the Australian Food Network call upon key decision makers and government figures to advocate for the funding and support of a nationally coordinated network of community gardens and urban farms. Nick also continues to engage with influential figures in the media to amplify his messages and raise awareness about the importance of community-led initiatives.   Nick’s Churchill Fellowship report can be read here: https://lnkd.in/g3PFP-uA.   Contact for interviews:  Rachel Sirr, Media Officer, Phone: 0410 881 775 | 02 6247 8333  Email: Rachel.sirr@churchilltrust.com.au    

Growth can only occur when someone is ahead of the employee to be developed because someonemust be setting the pace for production and sharing knowledge. Get insights on cultivating a culture of development in North Carolina Turfgrass > https://lnkd.in/eMTdgq79

🌳 Beechwood: Growing Stronger Together 🌳 At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we're more than just tree surgeons; we're dedicated to making a positive impact on our community. Here's how we add value beyond our contracts: 🤝 Community Engagement: We attend open days and public forums to listen, share insights, and offer advice on tree care. 🌿 Education Initiatives: We inspire the arborists of tomorrow by participating in career days at local schools and colleges. 🌱 Apprenticeships: Our mentorship and hands-on training create opportunities for future arborists. 🏘️ Local Sourcing: We support local suppliers, minimizing our carbon footprint and contributing to regional growth. ♻️ Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainability is key, and we prioritize eco-friendly tree care and responsible waste disposal. ⚖️ Safety & Compliance: Safety is paramount, and we adhere to the strictest protocols, ensuring a safer environment for all. 💼 Reliability: We deliver on time, within budget, and with the utmost professionalism. 🤜🤛 Collaborative Approach: We work hand in hand with local authorities to understand their unique visions for the community. 📣 Transparent Communication: We keep our clients informed throughout each project's lifecycle. 🌟 Innovation: Embracing the latest technology and equipment ensures better outcomes for our clients and the community. Read our blog for more: https://bit.ly/3QuAinE Choose Beechwood for not just tree services but to partner with us in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Together, we grow stronger! #CommunityFirst #TreeCare #BeechwoodDifference

Today the Federal government provided some vital relief to low and middle income earners in Australia, through a long overdue revision of the deeply unfair #Stage3 tax cuts. As the #supermarket pricing inquiry begins and the Government considers its response to the national #foodsecurity parliamentary report (Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond), I reiterate the call we made two and a half years ago following the 9,140 responses to the Pandemic Gardening survey: for the establishment of a $500mn national Edible Gardening Fund to massively expand #communitygardens and #urbanagriculture across Australia. We spend more than $200 bn every year on dietary-related ill-health and declining mental health. Why don't we spend a tiny fraction of that - less than 1% - investing in positive, community-led, preventative health programs and projects? $500 mn would create over 3,000 meaningful jobs, provide dignified food security with high quality food to tens of thousands of Australians, build community and create urban infrastructure for climate resilience. It's a no-brainer!

It has taken me some time to get my thoughts down on the departure of Phil Roos from UPLAND. I’ve worked with Phil on and off, at various organizations, for more than 20 years. Sometimes as freelancer, sometimes as employee, but always in a collaborative and caring (but still performance-driven) culture that enabled my professional growth and aspirations. We first met for a networking lunch at Good Time Charley’s restaurant (and bar, if you’re a local college student) at the suggestion of our mutual accountant. All I can say now, all these years later, is I am forever grateful for the introduction. Rather than waxing on about the tremendous impact Phil has made on my life – which he has – I’d like to share my two cents on mentors and highlight some of the skills that Phil brought to that role in his relationship with me. I am a believer in organized mentor programs around development and senior guidance. But maybe the best mentor/mentee situations are those that develop a bit more organically, as my relationship did with Phil. If I were in the early stages of my career, I’d be proactively looking for an inspirational mentor with some of the following characteristics: ▶️ Authentic and “attracts” people – they have good rapport with and respect for people from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, etc. These mentors tend to be more open minded, humble, and support others more readily.     ▶️ Freely shares knowledge and is a bit of a teacher at heart – avoid the knowledge hoarders and those who don’t really have an enthusiasm for the role of mentor ▶️ A willingness to listen but also ask the right questions –  that can often be as important as giving the right answers ▶️ Gracious while being honest and realistic with feedback – it won’t help if you don’t learn and grow ▶️ Aligned on core values – you don’t have to be simpatico on every issue, and maybe you shouldn’t be, or you may miss other valuable, differing perspectives. But shared principles can help foster respect and trust. ▶️ Cares about you as an employee AND as a person – they thrive on your success. It is their bottom line. Many heartfelt thanks, Phil, for being an advocate, teacher, and friend through the years. Best of luck with the important work you are doing for the people of Michigan and beyond! And thank you for leaving Upland in such great hands, with Jacqueline Holliday at the helm and a consulting team that continues to do amazing work on behalf of clients, while advancing the mission of our organization. #mentoring #team #gratitude #strategy #marketing #innovation #thankamentor

Did you know snakes are crucially important much as biblically they're cursed creatures by God. Snakes serve as predators and preys in an ecosystem. So, they make biodiversity. Also, there is a potential medical role in a venom, like having anti-tumor and antibacterial property. Snakes are pets for some people and are tourist attractors for economic purposes. Today, I learnt how important are snakes, we should reduce our fear with them, but rather know how to manage them. Don't hurt a snake, it will not hurt you. Thanks Young Professional Mentorship Program (YPMP) for today's guest.