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Pete Widin, MLA

Pete Widin, MLA

Site Assessment Kit Development

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location of Pete Widin, MLAStillwater, Minnesota, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Edible + Native Landscape Designer

  • Education

    • University of Michigan

      2012 - 2015
      Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) regenerative landscapes

      Activities and Societies: Treasurer, Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects University of Michigan Beekeepers U of M Campus Farm I am focusing on creating regenerative landscapes for cultural, economic, and ecological integrity in both urban and rural areas. Bridging the gap between conventional separation of "wild" and "urban", green infrastructure showcasing ecosystem services is a great interest of mine. Interventions for stormwater infiltration and artful design to showcase these processes are integral to the continued growth of public acceptance and desire for green cities. I am passionate about food systems, and… Show more I am focusing on creating regenerative landscapes for cultural, economic, and ecological integrity in both urban and rural areas. Bridging the gap between conventional separation of "wild" and "urban", green infrastructure showcasing ecosystem services is a great interest of mine. Interventions for stormwater infiltration and artful design to showcase these processes are integral to the continued growth of public acceptance and desire for green cities. I am passionate about food systems, and strive to create agricultural systems that function as ecosystems from the level of an 80-acre farm to a small apartment raised bed. Clean Water, Food, Education, and Ecosystem Services are very important to me and my profession. Show less

    • Michigan Technological University

      2008 - 2011
      B.S. Applied Ecology Min. Plant Sciences and Wetlands

      Activities and Societies: University of Michigan Beekeepers, Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program, Campus Farm, Permaculture Design Team, Isha Yoga, Applied Ecology is a field-based degree spanning Forestry, Landscape Ecology, and Wildlife Habitat Management. A minor in Plant Sciences involved classes such as Botany, Wetlands, Forest Ecology, and a year-long independent study project regarding select rare Michigan plant species of Isle Royale National Park and landscape management recommendations for their continued success, drawing on GIS skills and plant surveys conducted by a USDI NPS crew I was part of for the summer of 2010.

  • Experience

    • Permaculture Research Institute - Cold Climate

      Jan 2012 - Jan 2012
      Site Assessment Kit Development

      Research Soil and Water quality issues pertaining to urban food production. Meet with project team to plan project evolution and relay information to group in an organized manner

    • Brine's Farm

      Apr 2013 - Aug 2013
      Vegetable/Fruit Farmer

      Perennial fruit and nut planting and maintenance. Vegetable production for CSA members in field and hoop house plots.

    • Washtenaw County Parks and Rec. Commission

      May 2013 - Aug 2013
      Conservation Planner

      Developed and updated conservation plans for 100+ acre Preserve properties owned by Washtenaw County. Conventional farming of soy, corn, and wheat occurs on these properties in existing agricultural fields. Using NRCS standards, we establish management plans for successful installation and maintenance of filter strips, field borders, grassed waterways, and native plant management regimes for these multiple use public recreation areas. Protection of high quality wetlands and woodlands on site are the main goal of establishing vegetated filters and borders to reduce impacts of sediment and chemical runoff. Show less

    • Solutions in the Land

      Jul 2013 - Aug 2013
      Farm Stewardship Consultant

      Assist sustainability manager and landscape architect/land-use planner to transition farms from conventional to organic agriculture practices. Work with landowners to provide a viable means of production on-farm while introducing regenerative agriculture concepts and practices into the farm management plan.

    • University of Michigan

      Sept 2013 - Dec 2013
      Intro. to Plant Biology Asst. Instructor

      Lead Discussion and Lab sections twice a week to introduce pre-med and education students to the inner workings of plants and how humans utilize the resources that plants provide, and how plants are modified to conform to human needs on a global scale. Plant evolution and nutrition are also covered extensively.

    • Legacy Land Conservancy

      May 2014 - Dec 2014

      Project implementation for Conservation@Home and @Work "backyard" habitat certification and consulting program. Generational farm succession program and outreach planner, and collaborative outreach on UofM Ann Arbor campus. Developing interview material regarding intergenerational farm and farmland transfer in Washtenaw and Jackson counties, MI and talking with farmers and other Ag professionals to develop programming that supports farm families, young farmers, and the rural character of the region. Legacy Land Conservancy is committed to the health of the local agricultural economy and the resilience of our land base and watersheds.

      • Stewardship and Outreach Support

        Sept 2014 - Dec 2014

      • Generational Transfer Specialist

        May 2014 - Dec 2014

    • University of Michigan

      Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
      Intro. to Biology Lab Instructor

      Lead lab sections twice a week to introduce students to the general practices found in a Biology-related lab. Enzymes, DNA Polymerization, Ecology, and other areas are covered. Office hours, lab prep. meetings, and lesson plan design included.

    • Pistils Landscape Design

      Jul 2015 - Jul 2016
      Landscape Designer (specializing in Planting Design)

      Lead clients through Design Process from contract to completed design, ready to installSpecial attention to Planting Design, using client's specific tastes and inspirationManage plant sourcing for Install side of the businessRenderings of Final Designs combining digital and hand techniques

    • Blossom PDX

      Jul 2016 - Jun 2017
      Ecological Landscape Designer and Educator

      Collaborate with residential and commercial clients to create ecologically-rooted and creative spaces for entertaining, food production, seasonal beauty and wildlife valueBuild Permaculture Design branch of the business, creating systems framework for efficient design studio operationsHost educational events such as talks, social mixers, and workshops in collaboration with commercial and non-profit partners

    • Artisan Environments, LLC

      Jun 2017 - now

      I help property owners create a productive oasis of edible and native plantings along with functional space. This is a results-oriented process that delivers a highly productive landscape with a balance in beauty and benefit to all inhabitants. Detailed landscape plans broken into multiple phases of installation help home and property owners to simplify the process of transforming their landscape over time based on their time, money and energy budget.

      • Eco Landscape Designer

        Dec 2017 - now

      • Edible and Native Landscape Designer, Business and Design Skills Instructor

        Jun 2017 - Nov 2018

    • Pitch Box - for Landscapers

      Sept 2017 - Mar 2018
      Marketing and Education Creator

      I crafted helpful educational content to lift our 3D landscape modeling clients to the next level in their design/build firms. Messaging around current products and future offerings was part of my role as well, ensuring the brand pursues a creative and engaging approach to the landscape industry.

    • Abrahamson Nurseries

      Mar 2018 - Jan 2019
      Ecological Landscape Designer

      During 2018 I was responsible for making $450,000 worth of landscape installation sales, and completed about 50 residential landscape master plans, tailored to site and client-specific needs.My focus was on bringing a more ecological approach to the mainstream landscape industry, including natives and edibles, rainwater management, and education of property owners.I realized here that many homeowners are truly interested in ecological design, but may not be familiar with it or know of how to apply this to their landscape in an approachable, cost-effective and low-maintenance way. Show less

    • Epic Ecopreneur

      Sept 2018 - Jul 2021
      Business Guide

      We focus on bringing your personality through each aspect of a profitable, high-value consulting business, focusing on eco-landscape service providers.Packaging, pricing, marketing, and selling a value-based service that truly transforms the lives and businesses of those you help is both an art and a science.We're bringing the new paradigm to life on Planet Earth, one eco-landscape business at a time.

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector

      Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
      Mar 2011

    • Emergency First Responder

      American Red Cross
      Sept 2011

    • S.C.U.B.A. Certified diver

      PADI
      Jun 2004

  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Pete Widin, MLA
      "Spirit of the Studio" Award The Family of Paul L. Strauch Mar 2014 I was nominated by my fellow MLA students as the "Spirit of the Studio", an award commemorating the late Paul Strauch who exemplified this spirit by engaging daily with his colleagues and inspiring others to be passionate about their work. This award provides tuition assistance.
    • Awarded to Pete Widin, MLA
      Arbuckle Fellowship UofM School of Natural Resources and Environment Mar 2014 Awarded by the Dept. of Landscape Architecture to support exemplary students in the Master of Landscape Architecture program.
    • Awarded to Pete Widin, MLA
      Drake Environmental Award William D. Drake Endowment Mar 2014 I received a $2,000 grant from a committee at Matthaei Botanical Gardens to add native and edible plantings and interpretive signage to the Honeybee Sanctuary at the UofM Ann Arbor Campus Farm. I will be working cooperatively with fellow members of UMBees and Matthaei staff to design and implement an expansion of the amenities offered to visitors and wildlife at this site.
    • Awarded to Pete Widin, MLA
      Sussman Fellowship Sussman Fund Mar 2014 This Fellowship provides funding for an otherwise unpaid internship with Legacy Land Conservancy in Ann Arbor, MI during the summer of 2014. This organization helps landowners protect valuable agricultural land and natural areas from excess development, enhance ecosystem services, and preserve land for a vibrant agricultural economy.
    • Awarded to Pete Widin, MLA
      Weinberg Professional Development Fellowship U of M School of Natural Resources and Environment May 2013 This award provided a stipend during my time as a Conservation Planner at Washtenaw County Parks and Rec. Commission in Ann Arbor, MI. I was able to spend June-August of 2013 updating and revising conservation management plans for roughly 500 acres of Multiple-Use properties that contain Agricultural land with active tenant farmers practicing conventional agriculture. Using NRCS best management practices, plans were developed to serve as guidelines for stakeholder engagement and proper… Show more This award provided a stipend during my time as a Conservation Planner at Washtenaw County Parks and Rec. Commission in Ann Arbor, MI. I was able to spend June-August of 2013 updating and revising conservation management plans for roughly 500 acres of Multiple-Use properties that contain Agricultural land with active tenant farmers practicing conventional agriculture. Using NRCS best management practices, plans were developed to serve as guidelines for stakeholder engagement and proper management of agricultural practices directly adjacent to sensitive natural areas. Show less

  • Volunteer Experience

    • Seasonal Pollinator Counts, Planting Design

      Issued by Pollinator Friendly Alliance on Feb 2020
      Pollinator Friendly AllianceAssociated with Pete Widin, MLA

    • Activities and Fundraising Support

      Issued by UMBees - University of Michigan Beekeepers on Oct 2012
      UMBees - University of Michigan BeekeepersAssociated with Pete Widin, MLA