Dave Phelps

Landscape Architect, Horticultural Consultant, Speaker

Dave’s Profile I love landscaping. I love to design landscapes, solve landscape problems, and teach others about landscaping. Wherever I go I think about plants, soils, and how people interact with their environment, both in public and in their own back yards. I see the landscape as an extension of the community, from individual gardens to public parks and shopping malls. It’s my strong belief that landscapes done right can make huge differences in our social fabric, people’s health and attitudes, and our precious ecology. To this end, I’ve become skilled at site inventories, identifying opportunities, and expressing landscape ideas. By blending my acquired knowledge of a site with the needs of the users and my broad landscape experience, I can almost always come up with a design that exceeds expectations.

Over the last few years I’ve been honing my skills using Computer Assisted Design and Digital Image Editing software to express my design intent. This combination has helped sell a lot of jobs and inspired a lot of decision makers who appreciated being able to more easily envision the completed project. I’m grateful to have also been given many opportunities to speak and teach at a number of venues on sustainable landscape practices. I’ve enjoyed being asked to identify a bunch of plants, weeds, and diseases, propose new plants and landscape elements, and transition many, many old lawns into beautiful ecologically rich gardens, both commercial and residential. I’ve gotten to geek out with my friends and associates on new plant cultivars, changes in irrigation legislation and components, and soil ecology, etc.. I feel my life’s work thus far has made a positive difference in the lives of so many and yet I just can’t seem to get enough.

Early Experience and Education After working at Sloat Garden Centers while in High School and participating in the ROP Landscape Gardening program, I went to Cal Poly, SLO, and after completing 319 quarter units over seven years I received degrees in both Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. I took classes on fertilizers, weeds, entomology, and native plants. I learned all I could on the subject of landscaping and excelled at arboriculture/dendrology, plant ID, soil science, irrigation, and landscape design. While there I worked for two landscaping companies and an arborist. I also competed on the ALCA Landscaping Team and in 1992 I was awarded as the highest scoring individual in the nation. Later that year I graduated as Outstanding Senior of my Horticulture class and was the first person to be recognized as a Certified Landscape Technician while still in college.

Later Experience Timeline

2016 Appointed as an Advisor to the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation 2014 Appointed as an Advisor to the Bay-Friendly Landscape Coalition (now ReScape CA) 2013 Appointed Chairman of the Marin County IPM Commission 2012 Awarded Heart of a Rotarian award for volunteer work at local school gardens 2011 Certified as a Bay-Friendly Landscape Rater and Advisor 2011 Took/passed the CLCA Water Management Program course/test 2010 Became a UCCE Master Gardener (Marin county) 2010 Voted “Best Landscape Designer in Marin” by readers of Pacific Sun 2008 Qualified as a Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) 2008 Judged the Central Coast CLCA Landscape Beautification Awards Competition 2007 President of the North Coast chapter of the CLCA (CA Landscape Contractors) 2006 Featured on Landscape Smart TV program “Elegant Patios” episode 1997 Became a Certified Arborist (ISA) 1995 Became licensed as a Landscape Architect (ASLA) 1993 Licensed as a Landscape Contractor (C-27 Specialty License)

Dave Phelps

Landscape Contracting Experience I’ve held a Landscape Contracting License for the last 24 years. As a Landscape Contractor in Marin I became active with the North Coast Chapter of CLCA and held the board positions of Journal Editor, Programs Chair, two years of being the Chapter Treasurer, Chapter President in 2007, and Chairman of the Board in 2008. While on the Board of Directors, I was active in CLCA State Events and CLT training. For over 17 years as an owner and founding partner of Gardens & Gables, I designed, estimated, installed, consulted on, and maintained many magical and unique gardens. Several of my landscape installations were awarded prestigious awards by CLCA including the North Coast Judges Award. Some were also featured on the Ross and Tiburon Garden Tours. In 2010, I was voted “Best Landscape Designer in Marin” by the readers of the Pacific Sun.

Sustainability Manager at Cagwin & Dorward For the last six and a half years I’ve been the Sustainability Manager at Cagwin & Dorward, a large landscape contracting firm based in the Bay Area. This opportunity has allowed me to expand both my knowledge and skill sets but also expand my geographical influence to 18 California Counties.

Some of my accomplishments in this capacity:

• Created a four day in-house training program for dozens of account managers, tree care managers, irrigation techs, regional sales managers, and Area Manages on Soil Ecology and Integrated Pest Management. This class included an in-house published book on Soil Ecology.

• Tested many organic and blended fertilizers and less toxic pesticides for their efficacy. I provided account managers and customers with qualitative and quantitative results that have provided the foundation for transitioning approximately 350 acres of turf (as of March 3013) from synthetic fertilizers as well as providing cultural, biological, and less-toxic options to standard pesticides.

• Collaborated with the Construction and Landscape Improvement business units and their customers to provide IPM specifications, plant palettes, climate-appropriate planting plans, and edible gardens. I even got one landscape certified as a “Colossal Monarch Way Station”.

• Provided training for construction foremen on proper tree protection, soil decompaction, erosion prevention, storm water pollution prevention BMP’s, and proper pruning techniques.

• Created Vegetation Management Plans, complied with Waste Water Pollution Prevention Measures reporting, and assisted in LEED compliance for existing buildings maintenance and operations as well as Acquiring Bay-Friendly Ratings on several projects.

• Provided community outreach including designing and implementing school and community gardens and many public educational events on sustainable landscape practices.

• Provided sales and maintenance account managers assistance in addressing problems with reclaimed water, salinity, boron toxicity, and identifying best management practices for IPM programs for pests and diseases. I also initiated soil regeneration and fertility management programs including on-site composting and fertigation systems.

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Dave Phelps

Landscape Architect and Horticultural Consultant at Cagwin & Dorward I’ve held a Landscape Architects License for the past 22 years. While at Cagwin & Dorward I have had the pleasure of being able to assist the Construction Division with their Design-Build projects by creating landscape plans and digital image renderings. Most of these projects were driven by water conservation awareness and new water use legislation. Others just needed their old landscapes renovated, or new landscapes envisioned. These projects varied from large industrial sites to sprawling home owner associations to office parks and malls to custom residences. For some, I created master plans to phase projects over time and identified key priorities so customers got the most bang for their buck. For others I created plant palettes to help brand the sites and established pre-approved plants for the sites they manage. I’ve given many design presentations to HOA Boards, professional site management companies, and Landscape Committees, as well as collaborated with Architects and City and Regional Planners. For several sites I worked with Account Managers to create detailed Irrigation maps and charts to help promote water conservation and turf conversions. Many of these have led to irrigation retrofit rebates and even a grant for the use of sheet mulching.

Examples of some commercial sites I’ve had the pleasure of working on: BofA: Petaluma and Rancho Cordova

US Bank: Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo

Chevron: Richmond Technical Center, Concord, and the San Ramon Headquarters

Eastshore BMW, berkeley

Kaiser: Vacaville

Novato Sanitary

Center Pointe, Walnut Creek

Novato Fire Station 1

City of Pittsburg City Hall Landscape

Lakewood Shopping Center, Daly City

Tanimura & Antle, Salinas

Willows Shopping Center, Concord

Santa Rosa Marketplace, Santa Rosa

VF Outdoors, Alameda

Balco Financial plaza, Napa

La Borgata at Serrano, El Dorado Hills

Concord Tech Center, Concord

Croix Winery, Fulton

Del Norte, El Cerrito

Elevation 22, Emeryville

Fox Plaza, San Francisco

Galleria at Roseville

Glashaus, Emeryville

The Harbors, Sausalito

Landmark at The Ridge, Brisbane

Margarita Plaza, San Rafael

Marathon Business Center, Livermore

Oak Grove, Menlo Park

Altamar at the Ridge, Brisbane

Blackhawk HOA, Danville

The Boulders at Fountaingrove, Santa Rosa

Cassitas HOA, Alameda

Colony Park HOA, Pleasant Hill

Community of Harbor Bay Isle, Alameda

Gateview Plaza, Emeryville

Alexander Apartments, Santa Rosa

Centria Apartments, Milpitas

Park Ridge Apartments, Rohnert Park

Diamond K Estates, Roseville

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Dave Phelps

Paradise Valley Estates, Fairfield

Morgan Heights HOA, San Francisco

Providence HOA, San Francisco

River’s Bend HOA, Healdsburg

Scottsdale Lake, Novato

Sonoma Greens, Sonoma

Sundance Lake HOA, Modesto

Tiburon Hills Estates, Tiburon

Twin Creeks HOA, San Ramon

Villages at Summergate, Tracy

Waterford Cove HOA, Alameda

Woodlands HOA, Santa Rosa

Public Speaking The opportunity to address a large crowd and spread the word of sustainable landscape practices really excites me. I’ve been super lucky to have been asked to present at some really fun events. Some of the places where I’ve been a presenter/speaker are:

CAPCA and PAPA seminars speaker (Pesticide Advisors and Applicators) Organic Fertilizer Association of California speaker CWSS convention speaker (California Weed Science Society) California Eco-Landscape convention speaker (2014 & 2017) CLCA and APLD Dinners Event Speaker (Landscape Contractors and Designers) San Francisco IPM Technical Advisory Committee speaker San Jose Chemical Advisory Committee speaker California Sports Turf Management Association Field Day speaker San Francisco Water Conservation Showcase Speaker San Francisco Professional Gardeners Association Speaker City of Davis Horticultural Pest Control Seminar Sustainable Solano California Irrigation Institute’s Annual Convention speaker CNPS Meetings speaker (CA Native Plant Society) Pleasant Valley Garden Club speaker Marin Rose Society Speaker Marin IPM Commission Presenter Master Gardener Edible Landscape Guild presenter Master Gardener Continuing Ed. / Advanced Training Speaker SIR and Rotary meetings speaker

Recommendations for Dave Phelps “Dave is one of those people who seems to be able to work with anyone, from academics to immigrant construction workers to environmental activists. Similarly, he can juggle the demands of water agencies, planning boards, HOA boards, and contractors to produce a project that everyone can be proud of. He is immensely popular with his fellow Master Gardeners, not in the least because he inspires our volunteers, making practical and environmentally sensitive landscaping into something fun and exciting.” “Dave brings enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, excellent communication and organizational skills, an easy going disposition, and a vast storehouse of technical knowledge to any task he tackles”. -Steven Swain, Environmental Horticultural Advisor, Marin and Sonoma Counties

“He has a very easy going and professional quality in his presentations that carries over to his work ethic and educational skills. I know Dave as a caring involved individual with high moral standards and strength of character. He cares deeply about his community and the landscapes he has created.

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Dave Phelps

He is a creative and exceptional person who would be successful in any endeavor he pursues.” -Dave Hattem, Chief of Landscape Services, Marin County Parks

“His style of leadership is inclusive, collaborative, and inspirational. He is a consummate team builder. His energy and enthusiasm for the tasks at hand encourage others to help out and be part of the team.” “He has had a lot of practice with juggling all aspects of management in a timely fashion. I saw many of the projects that he worked on and I must say that his attention to detail and fine craftsmanship were impressive. I was always happy to be in a competitive bid situation with him as he raised the standard for all.” “As a friend, I have seen Dave thrive in many different organizational structures. He has unlimited passion for the environment and operates with very high moral standards.” -Jan Gross, President, Heritage Landscapes

“I have relied on Dave for many years as one of our primary guest instructors. Dave is a gifted teacher and speaker. Because he has such extensive experience in sustainable landscaping techniques, he has been able to present programs on a variety of topics. Dave has the ability to gauge the needs of his audience and tailor his information and materials to fit those needs.” “He always showed up calm and cheerful and gave a knockout presentation. He was able to facilitate such great discussions. I can’t speak highly enough about Dave. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and warmth have made working with him a pleasure. He has that rare combination of technical expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and communication/teaching abilities.” -Debra Tidd, Bay-Friendly Landscape Coalition Trainer

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dave for over 2 years while he was employed at Cagwin & Dorward and I have nothing but the highest praise for him. He is a true professional, has many years of experience in landscape maintenance, project oversight, and employee management.” “Dave has been responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive in all interactions with the CCUH”. -Dave Fujino, Executive Director, Center for Urban Horticulture, UC Davis

“Very strong design, horticulture, IPM, soils, and sustainability knowledge; a “Go To” resource for customers and employees.””Excellent sense of landscape design, plant selection, combinations, and layout””Strong writing skills and ability to share information clearly and thoroughly. Excellent public speaking skills, passion for sustainability and educating others””Easy to work with, caring, sincere, and humble” “Highly regarded and respected by peers, customers, and industry professionals.” -Zeke Sevier, C&D Project Director, Northern Region

“Technical knowledge of horticulture is top notch.” “Design work is really cool, projects turn out very well and clients are always very happy.” -Ryan Williams, C&D Project Director, Eastern Region

“Dave has great Customer Service Skills” “His sense of accountability is extremely helpful when dealing with tight deadlines. When he agrees to a deliverable, you don’t have to follow up with him. He has a high skill level in several areas: His knowledge of Landscape Architecture, Soil Sciences, and Arboriculture are valuable and marketable expertise””His teamwork behaviors are amongst the highest in the Company. He always approaches each new interaction collaboratively.” -Tim Hendricks, C&D Operational Manager, Eastern Region

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Dave Phelps

Comments from Dave’s Speaking Engagements “Positive feedback from Daly City…..nothing but praises on your teaching!”“You have 68 people registered at this weekend’s class in Hayward!  Yah!”“ACWD was quite impressed with the class last Saturday.  An ACWD board member attended the class and had very positive feedback about you, your knowledge and abilities as a speaker!  Attendees of the class shared the same feelings.”“We need more speakers like this!”“Excellent! This guy was really good, best talk of the day”“New and refreshing subject matter- enjoyed the explanation of elements of landscaping and relationships to other components. Great Job.”“Thanks for all your help –and masterful presentation!”“Just wanted to thank you for another great presentation!!! This is a really hard topic and you do it so well.”“As you may have guessed, when they wouldn’t let you leave, your talk was a big success.”“SUPER presentation today- I enjoyed hearing you speak again and I heard many comments from commissioners saying how helpful it was to hear your talk.”“A big thanks for the lawn talk at the Napa training – great as usual.  And I also want to tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you are always early and so well prepared for your talks.”“Dave does an excellent job of connecting water to the bigger picture of Organics and Sustainability.”“This was not the same old talk that could be heard anywhere…this was a vigorous, academic presentation that kept listeners awake and engaged.  Dave, many thanks for sharing your expertise and passion.”“The evaluations were all very positive, reporting an average of a 36% increase in knowledge of the subjects covered.”“Dave gave the best presentation I’ve ever seen given on the topic”“Thank you for your presentation last night at the Board Meeting.  It was very informative.  This Committee needs some guidance from you.  What would be their next step?  the landscape committee chairperson and board member would like to talk with you about their median project.”“Myself and a Park supervisor from the City of San Jose went to hear your talk yesterday at San Francisco’s IPM TAC meeting.  We were very impressed with your presentation!!  I have heard your presentation at the Bay-Friendly training about this time last year in San Jose on Irrigation –which was equally impressive.  We would like to invite you to give a talk to our Parks staff.”“I keep hearing about you doing exciting things, and seeing you up on the podium at various conferences.  Your last talk got rave reviews, and although I know it’s a long trip, I’d love the opportunity to bring you down again, and expand the offering to have you speak”  “I see you as a truly inspirational speaker on the subject of sheet mulching.”“The students LOVED your presentations, and they were so rich with content, I think you got it all across.”“That was one of the better talks I’ve ever heard about anything – your talk on soils was extraordinary and fascinating!““We had an extremely robust turnout for the Educational Dinner Meeting in San Rafael” “Dave Phelps has an impressive bank of knowledge when it comes to the science behind soil. We are ever so grateful to him for sharing his research!!”

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