ABOUT
EDUCATION
-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
-Landscape Design/Horticulture ADV Certificate (Berkshire Botanical Garden)
-Masters Degree in Education (Science) (UMASS-Amherst)
-Community Horticulture Training (Peace Corps/Samoa)
-Environmental Education/Outdoor Leadership Progam (Boston University)
-Bachelors Degree in Biology/Environmental Science (UW-EauClaire)
-Art Instruction (Kripalu, UWEC and IS 183 Art School)
-Wisconsin Arborist Association Member
-Middleton Chamber of Commerce Member
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Some of the organizations that we support include: Wisconsin Arborists Association, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Goodwill, National Arbor Day Foundation, Middleton Chamber of Commerce, Holy Cross Pastorate, and many more...(If you are having a fund raiser and would like support please feel free to contact me-I have gift certificates for landscape consultations, workshops, trees and plants, and other items/services/funds available for donation-including some of my artwork)
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein
STORY
My life story is very closely intertwined with my experiences in and around nature. Everything from the Cub Scouts to Teaching In The Peace Corps in Samoa. Being an Outdoor Education Director at a Youth Camp to building a home for volunteers in Mexico.
My Sister and I (1976)
I have always been fascinated with nature. I was the child who always had tree forts and 'secret trails' through the corn fields behind our house. I was the child who was always very active in the Cub/Boy scouts-going away to summer camp to North Woods of Wisconsin every chance I could. I was the child who would come home with a pail full of salamanders. I was the child who wore "tough skins" jeans and could of probably been on one of their commercials for putting those jeans to the test-dirt stains, dirt biking, climbing trees...etc...
I grew up in Madison, WI and while I was there I had the great fortune to have many teachers who saw the importance of taking children outside for classes and field trips. It was my 4/5th grade teachers, Mrs. Sloup and Mrs. Stamm, who really instilled in me a deep appreciation and love of nature. They regularly took our class to a nearby nature preserve to go bird watching, collecting plants and making drawings of things we observed. It was the highlight of my week and set the course for my life in nature.
My Father operated a Tree/Landscape Service for almost 40 years. I worked with him on and off my entire childhood. He instilled in me a love of trees and the importance of working hard/providing for our family.
I traveled,with the Boy Scouts, to the Rocky Mountains, The Boundary Waters and many other amazing places. In addition I got to spend many summers at Scout Camps In Northern Wisconsin which was always a welcome break from city/suburan life in Madison. I found peace in the Northwoods and continue to go there when ever I get the chance.
Father and Grandparents (At their farm In South Central Wisconsin-Arena)
I went to College at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. 1989-94. I earned a Bachelors Degree in Biology and a Minor in Environmental Science. One of the most influential Professors I worked with, Dr. Terry Balding, taught a Ornithology(The study of birds) course. We went on regular outings (leaving at 5am in the morning!) to go bird watching. It was his deep sense of connection with birds and his profound attachment/connection to nature that really inspired me to want to continue on my path in Science/Environmental Education. I learned
the importance of following my own passions and doing what I love.
Chippewa River, Eau Claire WI
I spent the summer after I graduated from College (1994) working as an Integrated Pest Management Scout for Ocean Spray. Scouting the Cranberry Marshes for insect pests, recording numbers and data-that would be used to calculate the most effective time to spray for insects. Seeing the commercial side of agriculture was a real eye opener-challenging at times-yet hugely important in my growth as a scientist and outdoor educator. I purchased my first motorcycle while here and was able to go on some beautiful rides through the Central Wisconsin Area.
Plant/Tree Identification. Being in the Boy Scouts gave me a sense of belonging and direction and helped to set the course for my career. The Scouts gave me a solid foundation in Outdoor Skills and and Leadership.
Both sets of Grandparents lived in rural areas in Wisconsin (Osseo and Arena, Wisconsin) where I could easily go fishing in pristine trout streams, walk in the forests, and swimming in large lakes. Wisconsin is an amazing place in many ways-and for the outdoorsman in me it was heaven. Hundreds of lakes, streams, nature trails. Vast expanses of undisturbed land/forests. Rolling hills. Large fields of Corn and other crops...allowing for amazing views of Sunrises/Sunsets. I spent 10 summers in the Northwoods of Wisconsin-doing everything from taking College courses, working as an Outdooor Education Director at Youth Camps, working as a Camp Counselor, motorcycle tours and vacations in Door County.
I served in the Peace Corps (Samoa 1994-96. High School Science Teacher/Community Horticulture Project Leader) This was my first time out of the USA and it turned out to be one of the most pivotal points in my life. To go to a new place-with a clear palette-with 20 other volunteers-commiting 2 years of my life to service. With out any concern/worry about profit-professional gain-etc. As the saying goes: "Peace Corps-The toughest job that you will ever love. I explored Fiji, Tonga, American Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii during my tour.
Meeting people from all over the world-expanding my world view and experiencing other cultures/land practices. I was awarded a grant to plant a fruit tree orchard on the campus of the school where I was teaching in the Capital City- Apia. We planted mangoes, papaya, avocado, exotic citrus fruits, passion fruit and many other trees.
I moved to Massachusetts in 1999 to go to Graduate School at University of Massachusets-Amherst. Teacher Training Program. Upon graduating I went on to teach for 5 years in various public schools. I have a dual certification in General Science and SPED. The last 2 years of my public school teaching were in SPED at an Elementary School. I worked in the education field for 9+ years and it was an amazing chapter in my life. It gave me the chance to share all that I had learned and in turn it kept me motivated to stay in the field/keep expanding my knowledge.
Umass-Amherst
After some solo adventures in the USA I found my way over Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health located in StockBridge, MA. In 2000 a friend invited me to attend work workshop there shortly after I had moved to Massachusetts and little did I know at the time-that my experiences at Kripalu would turn out to be some of the most pivotal and life changing ones I have ever experienced I volunteered there for 2 sessions during my summer break from Public School Teaching.
I then went on to work at the Healing Arts Desk, at Kripalu, booking massages for guests and later went on took on to lead/teach kayaking, hiking, snow shoeing and biking classes. I got my Massage Certification/License (at Kripalu) and worked as a Massage Therapist for 5 years. I was able to attend workshops from presenters from around the world here further broadening my world view and ability to communicate more effectively.
It was there that I learned the importance of self care and respecting the needs of the body. In my line of work this is critical. Landscaping is hard physical work and anything I can do to help fortify and support my body is a good thing. Working as an outdoor fitness instructor also kept me involved with learning more about flora, fauna, geology, soils, and more.
While working at Kripalu I re-realized the importance of being outdoors and that is when I started to take on odd jobs doing various small projects for friends and people in the area. I had an old Subaru and a few hand tools-I Picked up a used push mower and a chain saw that a friend gave me and off I went. I took gardening work shops and classes when ever I could. Posted flyers in every nook and cranny I could find. I joined the Local Chamber of Commerce became friends with other professionals in the field. I enrolled in the Advanced certificate Program in Horticulture and Landscape Design at Berkshire Botanical Garden. I spent 3 years there and it was during that time that I decided to commit my life to the science and art of bringing people and nature together.
In order to keep up to date on all of the latest developments in the field I attend 4 Arborist Conferences per year. ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)
During this whole time period-from college to the present-I made artwork. Making sketches, taking photographs, paintings, ceramics, and many other creative endeavors. I am an artist I strive paint/create on a regular basis in both in home Art Studio and out in nature. Being an entrepreneur and highly driven/motivated can be challenging at times-Making art helps me to relax and to take break from working. Having an artist eye has proved to be an invaluable asset for me in designing landscapes. Color combinations. Texture. Spatial Relationships.
Through this amazing process I have been able to integrate all of my interests/passions into what I do today. A fusion of Art, Science, Nature and Teaching.
Title: Pause
Medium: Watercolor
Click on either of the images to see more of my artwork on Flickr
I LOVE cats. I adopted my 2 "office assistants" Molly and Buddy from the Madison Cat Project.
I really thrive on interacting with customers and finding ways to help them create places of sanctuary and beauty where they live. I thrive on teaching workshops and consulting with people on how they can best use their resources. I feel a real sense of satisfaction when I drive around the and see all of the trees that I have planted and peoples kids playing in the landscapes that we created.
Title: Winds of Change
Medium: WaterColor
For my next "Chapter" in life I am looking to mentor other entrepreneurs/outdoorsmen/women in the field who are looking to start their own businesses and to encourage the next generation of green professionals here in the community - with a particular focus on Tree planting/Tree care.
Im also looking for a plot of wooded land (approximately 3-5 acres) where I can set up an educational center/tree nursery and a homestead. So if you are aware of any land that may be available please do feel free to pass along that information to me.
Thank you for stopping by
Scott
January, 2025
When you hire me you are enlisting someone who knows and deeply cares about the earth and making it a place of enjoyment and pleasure. While a small company-I believe this makes for a much more personal lasting relationships with clients. I really get to know you and your landscape. Because after all you have invested a lot into your home and I can help you really make it your own by helping to bridge the connection between your home..yourself and your landscape. Many larger commercial companies will take on 5-15 jobs at one time-often speeding through the process and focusing more on quantity rather then quality. Something is lost in that process and I think that its the homeowner who ultimately loses out.
I generally find it best to spend one to two seasons doing maintenance related jobs for clients..before we move ahead with design work-to get to know your landscape and how it changes over the seasons..and to develop a stronger working relationship with you....and what your needs are.
My current fascination and inspiration is in something called PermaCulture. Edible Landscapes. This is an exciting trend right now and more and more people are getting into it.
"Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system."
-Bill Mollison
Umass-Amherst recently implemented some permaculture landscapes and now colleges all over the US are inquiring about what they are doing..and modeling it on their own campus. Check out this short inspirational video (9 minutes) to see what they are doing.
Click on image below to see video.
Founding member/personal friend Ruth Dexheimer
We are proud to announce that we have won the NextDoor Neighborhood Favorite award for our third consecutive year. I have a business page on this application and you can find more reviews of our work there.
ONLINE REVIEWS
"I am so pleased with the landscaping Scott has done at my home. He brings a tremendous amount of energy and stamina to his work as well as great sensitivity and intelligence in determining which plants to prune and what to remove. He understood what I wanted to accomplish and offered many suggestions, including natural, non-toxic treatments for a variety of problems. His work is definitely a cut above."
Laine G.
“Provides excellent and timely lawn service and snow removal. Willing to 'go the extra mile.' J Levitt, Lenox “I would recommend Scott for any Job he may be hired to do. I know him to be a person of integrity.”
Matt A.
“Scott is straight-up guy with a passion for trees.”
Roger P.
“Scott gets things done efficiently, with a friendly, professional, courteous manner. He is very focused and does what he promises. He will offer follow up if needed. I would recommend him without reservation.”
Diana F.
"Scott is a very reliable person, who has expertly carried out several projects for me at my property in Lenox: punctual, fastidious, and thoroughly professional. I intend to keep using him in future, and would recommend him to any other homeowner looking for a conscientious performance. He's also s very nice guy!"
Davd G.
"When a tree fell on our garage Scott was there in a heartbeat to assess the situation and solve it. Whether it's yard work, fall clean up, tree trimming, or building and installing a beautiful bat house Scott can do it all!"
J. Hughes
“Scott Harrington has worked both at my house and business in Lenox. He is always prompt, responsive and responsible. Scott also brings a special eye to his work – he’s an artist and it shows. In my work, there is always a lot of tension about getting a job done in time, and Scott always works quietly, quickly and efficiently. Aside from being good at his work, he is a kind man and generous in spirit.”
C. Hale
“My husband and I have a large lawn and were looking for ways to decrease mowing time and enhance the look of the property. Scott came out to us with his sketch book and spent the afternoon talking with us about what type of lawn and gardens we wanted, the type of plantings we preferred (perennials) and the color schemes we had in mind. He made sketches, taking all of the information we had talked about and we worked with him until we had the look we wanted. Scott came up with a beautiful, workable design for our property. He helped us with plant ordering and delivery, and soil amendments. WE are very pleased with the outcome.”
Barbara S.
“I had the pleasure to know Scott Harrington in a snow stormy week, we wouldn't be able to get to our home without his help. Scott surprised us with his immediate presence. Excellent job, very flexible and extremely fair.”
Ahmed M.
REFERENCES
Scott Harrington Landscape and Tree Service, LLC
Middleton, WI
