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History

The Education Foundation was established in 2005 to offer opportunities to New Jersey students looking to further their education in the green industry. We have had numerous fundraisers such as Monmouth Park, golf outings, auctions, and dinner galas to raise the money to fund our scholarship programs.

Mission

The Education Foundation was established in 2005 to offer opportunities to New Jersey students looking to further their education in the green industry.  We work with many institutions throughout the state in order to promote the green industry to our youth,  We look to be the lead organization in New Jersey to promote horticulture and the benefits of the green industry to young people in our state.

2026 Board of Directors Contact Information

Amy Ricco – President (Email: riccoa@mccc.edu)

George Smith – Vice President

Jack Otterbein – Treasurer

David DeFrange – Secretary

Rosiland Doremus - Communication/Marketing

 

Message from the President of NJNLA Education Foundation

Fellow members, colleagues, and friends of the NJNLA,

Stepping into the role of President of the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association Education Foundation is both an honor and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. As an educator, I have the privilege of witnessing every day how education transforms lives, strengthens our industry, and shapes our future.

New Jersey’s nursery and landscape sector is the largest segment of agriculture in our state—a vibrant, essential industry rooted in expertise, creativity, and stewardship. To sustain this momentum, we must continue investing in the people who will carry this work forward. Education is not just a pathway into our field; it is the foundation that ensures our workforce remains skilled, innovative, and resilient.

The Education Foundation has long been committed to supporting students through scholarships, and that mission remains at the heart of what we do. But as our industry evolves, so must our approach. In the year ahead, I am committed to expanding our impact—broadening our initiatives to support education in new and meaningful ways.

Our success depends on collaboration. It depends on the generosity of donors, the engagement of our members, and the shared belief that investing in education is investing in the future of New Jersey’s green industry. Together, we can cultivate a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce—one prepared to meet the challenges of today and the possibilities of tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued support, your passion, and your commitment to keeping New Jersey growing.

Warm regards,

Amy Ricco

 

Annual Calendar Of Events

   November 12th, 2026 - NJNLA Annual Dinner Tricky Tray