Terra Nova Landscaping

SQA Online Resource Center

Award Recipient Post-Visit Report

Organization name: Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping

Street Address: 137 Palmetta Street

City: Santa Cruz Zip code: 95060 Central phone: 425-3514

Name of person submitting the application: Ken Foster

Title: Owner Phone: 425-3514 Fax: 425-3514

Product or service: Landscape Services

Number of employees: 5

Eligibility Category: Small business

Date and time of Site Visit: October 26, 1994; 9:00 AM

Category: Small business Criteria Areas: Environmental Stewardship Final Score: 93

The following report completes the site visit and evaluation process for the 1994 Sustainable Business Quality Awards. We would like your permission to use the commentary on the first page in SBQA advertising, public relations, and press announcements. The second page contains feedback for your eyes only. We accept corrections and clarification to the information provided on either page in writing or by telephone no later than 5:00 PM, 1/10/95. After that date, the information contained herein will be considered complete and correct and available for distribution.

Congratulations and thank you for participating in the 1994 SBQA recognition process.

IV Environmental Stewardship

Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping has been offering services and products that are in harmony with nature since its inception in 1987. Their use of natural pest control and organic fertilizers is unusual in commercial landscape practices, and provides a model from which others can learn. Their use of drought tolerant plants conserves water and the company is committed to using these native plants exclusively. Some of their designs are not only aesthetic, but can be edible and aromatic.

In 1991, Terra Nova introduced the "Tread Lightly" bicycle-powered landscape maintenance service, where employees use bicycles with trailers. Until then, all of the maintenance work was performed with the company truck; as of May, 1994, the truck is used less than 20% of the time, demonstrating a clear commitment to continuously improve their already impressive environmental business practices.

The staff are well trained and knowledgeable about their products and services. Owner Ken Foster encourages and funds employee certification through the California Landscape Contractor’s Association (CLCA). This certification includes proper use and handling of toxic substances used by most landscapers; though Terra Nova does not use these chemicals, it nevertheless prepares the workforce thoroughly. In the past, the owner has also provided "bicycle maintenance" workshops and "effective bicycling" courses for his employees.

Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping provides an innovative model for small business sustainable development. Use of organic fertilizers and natural pest control provide a sustainable competitive advantage while simultaneously helping to restore the life-sustaining capacity of the soil. Terra Nova uses the Santa Cruz "barter network" to reach a broader market. Finally, the "Tread Lightly" approach allows for reduced overhead and less capital equipment investment -- not to mention fewer pollutants in the air.