|
Even with customers all over the world, the
Krautmann’s have never run their business solely for economic gain.
Their passion for plants and landscape has always guided their
business decisions and it is this mentality that led Heritage
Seedlings into its latest cycle of innovation.
Four years ago the Krautmann’s hired a botanist
and went to work restoring the riparian and prairie habitat on three
of their regional farms. This project began an ambitious
conservation and environmental restoration program that currently
encompasses over 200 acres of riparian woodland, oak woodland, oak
savanna and upland prairie habitats.
In addition to their restoration program, the
Krautmann’s work in collaboration with federal agencies, private
industry and nonprofit organizations to propagate native seeds and
plants, including a number of endangered species. “We are a good
leader for this effort, but it is just a fraction of what can be
done,” says Mark. “We are working hard to get other private
industry involved as well.” And, since the great majority of land in
the Willamette Valley is privately owned, the participation of other
farmers is crucial to the expansion of habitat restoration efforts.
While the Krautmann’s are dedicated to the
cultivation and reintroduction of native plants, they also realize
the realities of the human-nature interface. Mark acknowledges that
native plants must be used appropriately and are not always suited
to constructed landscapes. “We cannot restore Oregon to what it was
before we came here, but landscapers can use a mix of natives and
ornamentals for an appropriate landscape,” said Mark.
As stewards of the land, the Krautmann’s
realize that they must also be stewards for the next generation.
They have shifted their focus to succession planning as they educate
a new generation of nursery professionals. “We are focused on hiring
the right people and cultivating their talents,” says Mark. “We
encourage diversity of talents, but they also need to be a good fit
with our company culture.”
While the experience of managing staff is both
rewarding and frustrating, the Krautmann’s realize it is above all
necessary for the future of their business and the assurance of
long-term stewardship of Oregon’s native landscape.
The Krautmann’s hope their restoration efforts
and experience in the nursery business will inspire a new
generation. Heritage Seedlings frequently hosts elementary school
groups with the intention of exposing young people to the industry
and educating them about the importance of restoring native
habitats.
After so many successful years in the industry,
the Krautmann’s take a much deserved pride in the work they have
done. “It is good to know that the world will be a little greener
because of us and this business,” said Mark. The world will be a
little greener, the land a little healthier and a new generation
ready to continue the heritage of innovation and stewardship.
|
