Industry Expertise at the Table: Three NJNLA Members Appointed to State Invasive Species Council



Governor Mikie Sherrill has appointed three NJNLA members to serve on the newly formed New Jersey Invasive Species Council.  These members, representing both the nursery and landscape sectors, collectively bring more than 128 years of industry experience to this important role.

The Council will play a critical role in advising the State on invasive species policy, management strategies, and recommendations that may impact New Jersey's environment, agriculture, nursery industry, landscape professionals, and consumers. We are grateful for their willingness to serve, their commitment to New Jersey's green industry, and their continued support of the members of the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association.

"These appointments reflect the depth of expertise that exists within New Jersey's nursery and landscape industry," said NJNLA President Tom Knezick. Steve, Ed, and David have each dedicated decades to advancing horticulture, supporting agriculture, and promoting environmental stewardship. We are proud to see their experience recognized and look forward to their contributions as the Council begins its important work."

The NJNLA is proud to have the following industry leaders serving on the Council:

Steven Wagner has operated his nursery stock sales business “Professional Horticultural Services LLC” based in Franklinville, NJ since 2015, representing nurseries nationwide. Prior to that he served as General Manager at Ferrucci Nurseries, Tuckahoe Nurseries and Brock Farms. Steven has always been an active participant in the NJ nursery industry by serving on the NJNLA Board of Directors, NJ State Board of Agriculture and most recently the NJ DEP Water Supply Advisory Council as an advocate for the nursery industry. He was honored with the distinction of being named NJNLA Nurseryman of the Year for 2012. Steven will bring his multiple decades of nursery experience and travels to advocate for the nursery industry on the NJ Invasive Species Council by stressing the concept of scientific evidence being paramount to declaring a plant as “Invasive”. 

Ed Overdevest has been part of the family business since childhood and rejoined the company after graduating from college in 1975. He currently serves as President of Overdevest Nurseries, LP and holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University.

Ed serves on the Board of Directors of the Cohansey Area Watershed Association and is Chairman of the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Love Where You Live” Committee. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served on the Executive Board of the Cumberland County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, Garden State Farm Credit, and the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce. He has also chaired both the Upper Deerfield Township Economic Development Committee and the Upper Deerfield Township Planning Board.



On a national level, Ed served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for AmericanHort, helping to advance and promote the horticulture industry across the United States. A long-time member and supporter of the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association, Ed served as NJNLA President in 1988 and was honored as the Association’s Horticultural Professional of the Year (then known as “Nurseryman of the Year”) in 1991.

David DeFrange is a highly respected figure in the New Jersey landscape and agricultural community, recognized as an accomplished landscape designer, nurseryman, educator, and state advocate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Bioscience and Ornamental Horticulture Environmental Design from Delaware Valley University. In 1994, David founded his Frenchtown-based business, Copper Creek. Starting as a landscape design/build firm, he successfully expanded the company to include a 70-acre farm nursery where he grows high-quality native plant species and cultivars of shade trees. David’s passion for industry leadership began over a decade ago, serving on the Board of Directors for NJNLA and as Chair of the CNLP Committee. His strategic vision was further shaped through participation in the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Society Development Program and service as Vice President of the Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture. Most notably, David was appointed as the Nursery Representative on the NJ State Board of Agriculture, serving two consecutive terms and two years as its President. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to unify the state’s nursery and landscape industry, ensuring all constituents had a voice at the state level. He has been a legislative champion, successfully finding common ground on challenging issues such as the Invasive Species bill.