NMNLA President's Message – August 2025

By Kristin Trojanowski

Flaska Landscaping

As we round the corner into the heart of summer, I hope this message finds you thriving in the midst of another bustling landscape season. This is the time of year when our days are long, our crews are busy, and our calendars are packed — we're truly "making hay while the sun shines." The pace is fast, the demands are high, and our teams are hard at work transforming outdoor spaces across Northern Michigan.

With that in mind, I want to take a moment to remind you — and myself — of the importance of pausing every now and then. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, time spent connecting with peers at an industry event, or simply a deep breath at the end of a long day, those small breaks are essential. They help us stay grounded, maintain our health, and keep perspective during our busiest season. We do better work when we take care of ourselves and stay connected to our community.

Speaking of community, a big thank-you to everyone who joined us last week in Marquette for our July Chapter event. It was an inspiring day as we learned about the visionary redevelopment project at the historic Ore Docks. The plans for a public space featuring botanic gardens, a greenhouse, a learning and event center, and vibrant community amenities were nothing short of impressive. It’s projects like these that remind us of the broader impact our industry can have — building not just landscapes, but legacies.

Looking ahead, I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events:

• Annual Golf Outing at Antrim Dells – returning for the 2nd year with several improvements, now that we're more experienced! A great chance to relax, network, and enjoy some time away from the job site. 

• Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium – at the The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. This event is a can’t-miss educational and inspirational event set in one of our region’s most beautiful horticultural spaces. 

Please make sure to register early and bring a colleague or team member along; these events are valuable for both personal growth and professional development.

As we power through the rest of summer and through Q3, let’s continue to support one another, strengthen our Chapter, and represent our industry with pride. Here’s to healthy plants, happy clients, and soaking in the beauty of Northern Michigan.

With appreciation,

Kristin Trojanowski

President, NMNLA Chapter