Plant and animal care

Good intentions only go so far. From house ferns to forests, and from piglets to horses. Caring for plants and animals is a big part of sharing the planet. The actions we take make all the difference.

Who’s creating more sustainable ways to grow plants and animals? >>
Who's caring for individual animals and animal herds? >>
Who’s managing turf properties, such as golf courses? >>
Who’s caring for important plant collections? >>
Who’s caring for individual trees and arboretums? >>
Who’s growing tomorrow’s trees? >>

Though the vast majority of plants are grown outdoors in fields, an increasing number are grown in the controlled environments of greenhouses. Farmers and greenhouse and nursery managers strive to grow healthy plants in a way that is sustainable for our greater eco-system, and also sustainable for themselves financially. Farmers and groundskeepers are working in the field to find better techniques that minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Livestock breeders look for ways to raise healthier animals that have less reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Training Routes

• Livestock Studies
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Turfgrass Management

Animal trainers work with individual animals, such as horses, to prepare them for competitions based on various types of performance. Animal breeders mate animals for reproduction, while ranchers raise herds of animals and sell by-products, such as milk, wool, and meat. They work in the field to find techniques of raising healthier animals in humane environments with less reliance on pharmaceuticals. Many breeders and ranchers sell animal manure to farmers for use as a natural fertilizer.

Training Routes

• Equine Studies
• Livestock Studies

Many recreational facilities, including public parks, public and private golf courses, and professional sports arenas, require large areas of grasses to be maintained in healthy conditions. Turfgrass managers oversee the care of these facilities. Nearly every home-owner manages their own plot of turfgrass, some with the help of lawn-care professionals. Advances in turfgrass management techniques often begin in rec facilities, and then become a part of private lawn maintenance.

Training Routes

• Turfgrass Management

Plant conservatories protect important collections of species. Many conservatories house plants that are not indiginous to the local area, giving the general public an opportunity to view and learn about plants they might not have access to otherwise. Conservatory managers ensure these collections receive proper care, including appropriate sun, water, and nutrient exposure as well as insect management.

Training Routes

• Ornamental Horticulture

Arborists generally take care of individual trees or collections of trees, such as city parks or arboretums. Some own their own business and service home-owners. Others are employed by cities to manage trees in the public domain. A smaller number of arborists manage historically important collections of trees within arboretums.

Training Routes

• Ornamental Horticulture
• Urban Forestry / Arboriculture

Forests are both an important part of the global ecosystem and an important resource of raw materials for lumber, paper, and fuelwood. Foresters plan for the harvest and regeneration of trees to provide the materials for these products, while ensuring that forests continue to play their crucial role in the environment. Foresters play an important role in ensuring the next generation of trees is planted.

Training Routes

• Forest Conservation

Nursery managers grow trees for sale to individuals, landscape contractors, businesses, and governments. Most trees are grown for re-planting, however the annual sale of cut trees for the holiday season is a significant part of many farmers’ income.

Training Routes

• Ornamental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture