Texas Nursery and Landscape Association receives AgriLife Extension Partnership Award
The award was presented Jan. 10 during the Texas A&M AgriLife Conference on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.
AgriLife Extension first conferred its Partnership Award to the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, or TNLA, in 2000. Since then, the association and AgriLife Extension have embarked on new endeavors to educate green industry growers, retailers, service providers, consumers and students.
Dr. Doug Steele, AgriLife Extension director in College Station, said the association has been a model recipient of the award, which recognizes vital alliances with agencies, organizations and others beyond the Texas A&M University System.
“The Texas Nursery and Landscape Association has exemplified the Partnership Award’s mission by enhancing AgriLife Extension’s outreach and education programs,” he said. “The association’s board of directors, staff and members around the state have been true collaborators with AgriLife Extension by providing money, volunteer hours and other support for programs and projects that inform and educate students and the public.”
In 2004, TNLA funding and support helped make the Ellison Endowed Chair in International Floriculture a reality, according to the nomination. Additionally, since 2005, the association has provided annual funding for a wide range of AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research activities, including Earth-Kind programs and the study and introduction of Texas Superstar plants.
TNLA and its regional divisions provide additional support through in-kind commitments and event sponsorships that help power county-level program delivery, according to the nomination. Collaborations include the development of professional certification and continuing education programs, both on the ground and online, covering best practices for horticulture, irrigation, pest management and more.
As a founding donor for The Gardens at Texas A&M University, TNLA gifted $100,000 for the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Outdoor Classroom, to open in Spring 2018 as a learning venue for both students and AgriLife Extension clientele, according to the nomination. TNLA’s commitment also shows through its significant support for the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program and its recognition of four esteemed AgriLife Extension horticulturists with the association’s highest award of excellence.
“In this partnership, achieving excellence is more than a goal, it is a hallmark,” Steele said. “AgriLife Extension appreciates the enthusiastic collaborations with and support provided by the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association over the decades. They are true partners, and we look forward to future endeavors that will enhance our combined efforts around the state.”
The Partnership Award recognizes those partners whose dedicated collaboration and support have significantly enhanced the outreach and impact of AgriLife Extension programs for the people of Texas.
Capital Farm Credit and the Texas Association of Dairymen also received 2017 awards.