Late Spring is always a beautiful time of year at the Holden Arboretum. The same is true for our nursery production area. The rains and warmth have ushered in blooms and new growth.

Like the rest of the arboretum, the nursery exists within natural areas. The animal visitors are good reminders of why my role in the nursery is a worthwhile one. I am developing an integrated pest management program to help protect our plants from harmful pests. This program also incorporates lower-risk practices and eliminates the use of particularly harmful chemicals. By using these strategies to manage plant pests, we can minimize harm to the surrounding natural areas.