NCTA Students Are Going Green

February 4, 2009 (Curtis, NE)       The horticulture division at NCTA in Curtis, NE, kicked off the spring semester by attending the annual Nebraska Green Expo, a bundle of educational and industry related opportunities. The two and a half day event, sponsored by the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association and the Nebraska Turfgrass Association, attracts horticulturists in the state and region to see industry related products and equipment. This provides opportunities for students to network with professionals across the state and central plains region. Up-to-date information presented by university representatives and area horticulturists is also available.

                While on this journey, student Chas Berke of rural Eustis, NE, completed study and testing to become a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman. This distinction is provided through the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association which consists of landscape and nursery professionals throughout the state.  The certification process requires a thorough knowledge of horticulture, advanced skills in landscape design, and the ability to identify over 250 different trees, shrubs and perennials that grow in Nebraska.

Chas and her husband Kevin operate a farm and cattle business, but two years ago, she decided to branch out and cultivate her interest in nursery and landscape fields. She worked for Natural Escapes Landscaping & Garden Center in Cozad, NE, for a year and started horticulture classes at NCTA in the fall of 2007. In 2008, she opened her own business, Sun Valley Landscaping, operating it while continuing classes at Curtis and life as a homemaker with 3 children: Kole, 11, Kennedy, 8, and Karson , 5.

Opening a nursery between Cozad and Eustis, growing plants, and giving her children the opportunity to work side by side with her in this endeavor is Chas's ultimate dream. In addition to being recognized as an NCN, she has competed in five different landscaping events, against a total of 865 other horticulture students from across the country and placed in the top 5%. Chas also serves as the President of the Horticulture Club at school and is a member of the Cozad area Garden Club.