Bridgette Suzanne Smith is a Consulting Arborist for SavATree/SavALawn who specializes in environmental education and green choices for trees, shrubs and lawn care.
“I am driven by passion - to save the world, one garden at a time.”
Bridgette Suzanne Smith left home at the age of seventeen to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University where she earned a B.S. in Horticultural Science and a B.A. Minor in Women’s Leadership. Born and bred from Rocky Acres Farm in Powhatan, Virginia, Bridgette was raised in a horticultural wonderland. Her family raised cows, chickens, horses, cats and American fox hounds. Agriculturally the family grew and cultivated alfalfa, corn, soybeans, orchard grasses and an annual fruit & vegetable garden the size of a football field. Arboriculturally, the family practiced sustainable forestry as tree farmers of Pinus taeda or Loblolly pines. A critical aspect of tree farming is the management of different habitats and stages of forest development and therefore ecological biodiversity has always been one of her main interests.
“I dig in the dirt, I get dirty and I like it!"
Also a graduate of the Council for International Exchange Education (CIEE) in Monteverde, Costa Rica, Bridgette traveled the country studying tropical rainforest ecology under Drs. Allen and Karen Masters. As part of her educational program with CIEE, Bridgette developed an independent research project evaluating pollination efficiency of lactating versus non-lactating bats during the rainy season. With the guidance of Dr. Richard LaVal, Bridgette tracked the inter and intra-species behavioral differences in food consumption, determining the effects of lactation on appetite and the differences in nutrient needs based on biological maturity. She also sited the significant role non-lactating bats play in pollination out-crossing for keystone tree species.
“Grow a garden and your health will grow with it.”
Bridgette’s interest in nature and subtropical climates made San Diego, California a perfect place to develop her professional interests within the United States. As a Science Instructor and Curriculum Developer with the San Diego Natural History Museum Education Department, Bridgette worked extensively in community outreach programs geared toward water safety and security, resource management and sustainable development.
“Horticulture is the artistical approach to Botany.”
Over time she became enveloped in the complexities of plant-species interactions and the connection between people and nature, leading her to join forces in June of 2006 with the .jpg )
talented Joshua Soto of Dreamscapes Landscape Designs and Jesus Rodriguez of Paradise Landscapes. This trio merged the best of San Diego’s construction and masonry aristry with plant ecology, environmental science and premier landscape design. In February of 2008 the team won “Most Creative Use of Space,” “Perfect Nomenclature,” and “Most Dramatic” in the 27th Annual Garden Masters Competition at the Del Mar Fairgrounds of California.
“A winter garden is like a blank painter’s canvas, waiting for water and bulbs of color to spring upon it.”
For the growing season of 2008, Bridgette dedicated her efforts to solely assisting Thomas O’ Brien with integrated disease and pest management, soil reconstruction and the planting of focal feature trees at The Academy, his estate in Bellport, Long Island. However it was not until the fall when Bridgette came to realize that something important was still missing in her career: a component which meshed education and implementation of organic practices on a large scale.
“Plants impact people; they morph emptiness into an environment.”
According to Bridgette, “plants impact people; they morph emptiness into an environment.” As a result of this eagerness to connect with people and advance ecological stewardship in her new home, the state of New York, Bridgette teamed up with one of the most progressive companies in the green industry of the United States, SavATree/SavALawn. Currently a consulting arborist with the Mamaroneck branch, and working with hundreds of gardens and homeowners in Westchester County, Bridgette is advocating conscious horticultural practices for landscape maintenance and design. One of the most significant components of her career is relationship building and public education within her communities. Bridgette provides expert advice and recommendations for tree, shrub and plant health care and organizes community events and activities to promote a cleaner, greener New York.
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Praise for Bridgette's work
“Put simply: Smith is a garden scientist with grandeur enthusiasm in the study of botanical nomenclature and the desire to finding optimal ecological balances with each garden and relationship she builds.” Mrs. Jamie MacLean, M.S. Environmental Planner of Development for Montgomery County Planning and GIS
“She is funky, unique and yet so down to earth, you see it under her finger tips.” Mr. Jeffrey Young, Environmentalist
“Bridgette has a natural talent for turning any space into green space.” Mr. John Garuti III, Quality Control Manager for Super-Tek Products
