Collected, propagated, and managed a vast collection of tree crops including but not limited to chestnuts, hickories, walnuts, oaks, persimmons, mulberries, and pawpaws. Developed a deep understanding of both bare root and containerized tree growing, grafting techniques, greenhouse management, as well as tree crop breeding through mass selection and keen observation. Traveled throughout the Northeast to collect seed and scions from both individual wild trees as well as historic orchards and nurseries, many of which have been abandoned and are now under threat of development.

Managed 350 acres of Eco certified apple, pear, and stone fruit production, including over 150 varieties of apple and a number of training systems, from free standing modified central leader to multi-leader trellised fruiting walls. Oversaw pruning, crop load management, and integrated pest management, taking over insect monitoring responsibilities for all orchards. Executed a fertigation program for newly established orchard blocks as well as an in-house nursery. Maintained records for all spraying in compliance with Eco certification, and even helped install infrastructure for a 1500 tap sugarbush!

Transplanted, cultivated, and harvested a diverse assortment of vegetables as part of a year-round, full-diet CSA program operating on 2000 acres. Coordinated and executed bulk harvests of storage crops within restricted time windows. Managed front-of-house activities, logistically and physically navigating the transport of produce, dairy, meat, and value-added products from storage facilities to both local and long-distance CSA members. Produced value-added products in collaboration with the local community food hub.

Managed 60 acres of apple, pear, and stone fruit orchard consisting of both newly established semi-dwarf trees and venerable, century-old standards. Planted, pruned, grafted, and maintained trees, monitoring for and treating disease. Established and maintained a diverse collection of berry producing shrubs, including blueberries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Constructed trellising for grape vines and kiwifruit.

Participated in environmental restoration projects throughout Arizona’s public lands. Developed skills in dry-stone masonry, trail building, timber felling, and tool maintenance and repair. Performed in small teams and lived on-site, camping in wilderness areas. Assisted with crew leader activities and participated in leadership training as part of the selective ACE Leadership Development Program. Gained Wilderness First Aid certification and NWCG S-212 equivalent chainsaw training.

Devised street tree planting plans for major roadways in New York City. Designs responded directly to climate disruption, utilizing data from sources such as Hurricane Sandy flood zone mapping and the HVI or Heat Vulnerability Index. Plans were intended to increase diversity and resilience in the urban ecology.

Built fine furniture using sustainably-sourced urban street trees. Worked in an intimate workshop setting, gaining proficiency with tools ranging from the smallest chisels to portable sawmills.

Practiced various elements of residential construction including demolition and basic carpentry.