Meet , the sustainable horticulture specialist for University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Extension. As an Extension specialist, Heidi both conducts research and helps people to apply scientific knowledge to improve their everyday lives, businesses and communities.
One way Heidi helps ÁùºÏ±¦µä communities is through her low- and no-cost educational programs for beginner to advanced gardeners and landscapers.
Heidi oversees Extension's ; ; ; ; ; Bilingual Landscaper Training; ÁùºÏ±¦µäScapes; and Programs. And, she partners with Extension's .
Heidi said, “I love Extension. I always have. It continues to teach me every day, but some of the important lessons that I’ve learned in my 20-some years of doing Extension work are:
- The power of peer-to-peer learning for adult education. I love adult education, and I have found that when you teach people and allow them to then teach their peers, everyone learns better. They’re more interested and motivated. It’s a great experience for them.
- That I can trust my team. When I let them go and do their thing, they do wonderful things. They do a great job. Kudos to them, I appreciate them, and I couldn’t do what I do without them.
- To respect everybody’s opinion. We don’t always agree on everything. But, everybody’s opinion matters and helps us to make the best decisions for our programs.
- To ask for help when I need it. This was a hard lesson to learn, but I learned to ask for help when I need it, and I often do.”
Heidi earned her bachelor's degree in agriculture from University of Wisconsin-Madison, her master's degree in biology from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and her Ph.D. in plant physiology and horticulture from Iowa State University.
She worked at Utah State University’s Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping, and has been with Extension since 2010.
is a unit of the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources engaged in ÁùºÏ±¦µä communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. It is a county-state-federal partnership providing practical education to people, businesses and communities. To learn more, visit 's website.
