When I think about those entering the fields of lawn care, sports turf, golf course management, landscaping, or farming, I feel a deep sense of concern. Too often, they’re starting where I started—with the same outdated, chemical-heavy methods that I once relied on. It’s disheartening to see that, despite decades of progress in understanding soil health and ecological systems, many are still being taught to follow the same playbook that prioritizes quick fixes over sustainable solutions.
Even academia, which should be at the forefront of innovation, often perpetuates this cycle. By teaching conventional practices rooted in synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, they unintentionally anchor new generations to the past. These practices, while visually effective, are fundamentally a disturbance to the soil—a disruption of its natural processes and a setback in the progression of soil health and ecological succession.
It’s like resetting the clock every time progress is within reach. Instead of moving forward—toward healthier soils, resilient ecosystems, and regenerative systems thinking—we’re stuck in a loop of short-term gains that come at the expense of long-term stability. This approach doesn’t just harm the soil; it impacts everything connected to it: plants, animals, water systems, and even human health.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
We have the knowledge and tools to do better. We understand that soil is not just a medium for holding plants—it’s a living, dynamic ecosystem that thrives on diversity and balance. We know that practices like regenerative agriculture, biological soil management, and holistic lawn care can restore the health of our soils, sequester carbon, and create landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable.
The challenge lies in breaking free from the inertia of convention. It’s about teaching new generations—and re-educating the current ones—that success in these fields doesn’t come from domination or chemical dependency. True success comes from working with nature, fostering life, and building systems that are resilient and self-sustaining.
I’ve lived this transformation. I’ve seen the damage caused by conventional practices, and I’ve experienced the hope and renewal that comes with embracing regenerative methods. My goal now is to ensure that those entering these fields don’t have to start where I did. They don’t have to make the same mistakes or suffer the same consequences. Instead, they can begin with a foundation of knowledge, respect for nature, and a commitment to doing better—for themselves, for the soil, and for future generations.
