Communities rely on their newspapers to provide with a cornucopia of information. Some people look for breaking news; others enjoy reading profiles and human interest stories. Each newspaper is distinct and quickly takes on its own personality. The Extra has a different identity than the local daily, but both are important parts of the community. A great deal of a paper’s personality can be traced back to its columnists. Writers provide alternative interpretations of the world; start conversations that might otherwise be left unsaid. The Extra is proud of its columnists and the work they do. We are even prouder to introduce a new columnist. Randy Nelson, extension educator for the University of Minnesota Extension, Clay County will be joining the Extra staff to share his horticulture expertise with the Greater Red River Valley. We are very fortunate to have him.
Randy grew up in Nelson, Minnesota. His interest in horticulture began at an early age thanks to the gardening influences of his mother and grandmother. “Both were instrumental in fostering my interest and curiosity of plants,” he said. While in high school, Randy worked for a local garden center, installing both residential and commercial landscaping. The hobby that began in childhood quickly became an all-out passion that led Randy to the University of Minnesota, Crookston and a B.S. degree in horticulture.
After graduation, Randy obtained a job as a sugarbeet research technician at NDSU. He held this position for four years until, at a friend’s urging, he applied and then accepted his current position. Randy now spends his days “developing educational programming using research based information to deliver to my clientele in the areas of horticulture and agriculture.” He is also the county coordinator for the Extension Master Gardeners of Clay County, who are university trained volunteers that provide horticulture outreach to their communities.
The Extension office generates research, education and outreach in subjects related to the environment, agriculture, communities, food, families, and youth. Extension offices have been providing research-based information to the residents of Minnesota since the early 20th century. They operate under the mission of, “Creating a Stronger Minnesota through Education and Research.” It is dedicated researchers like Randy that have made the program so impactful.
One research program that Randy is especially invested in is called Earth-Kind® Landscape Management System. The program was developed in 1993 by horticulture specialists with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and its goal is for people to enjoy beautiful, productive landscapes which require only minimal maintenance while providing maximum protection for the environment. Randy is currently researching cultivar evaluation as part of the project. “To date there are three trials in Clay County evaluating 53 cultivars of roses and 24 cultivars of hydrangea,” he explained.
Randy thoroughly enjoys his job at the Extension. “The best part of my position is the everyday interaction with the great residents of Clay County,” he said. It is continuing and expanding that interaction that has led Randy to the Extra Newspaper. “It is another way for me to fulfill the mission of the University of Minnesota Extension, which is, ‘Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota’,” he said. “I am looking forward to a dialogue with the readers of the newspaper.”
It is Randy’s hope that readers will contact him with horticulture questions, comments, and/or suggestions. He plans to write on topics that focus on trees, shrubs, turf grass, and houseplants. When speaking to Randy, it is very apparent that horticulture is more than just a job. His passion for the subject runs deep and his knowledge will be an asset to the Red River Valley. Horticulture isn’t his only passion, however. Randy is also sincerely committed to his family. “I have been married to my beautiful wife and best friend for 13.5 years,” he said, adding that the couple has four children ranging in age from 12 – 5. One simple statement sums up who Randy Nelson is. “I enjoy spending time with my family and gardening,” he said.
Randy adds a unique perspective to The Extra and will help us connect to another segment of the population. A newspaper is only as strong as its readers. Thanks to Randy, we are about to get even stronger. Check out his column in this week’s edition and help us welcome him to The Extra family.
*Randy is pictured on the front cover with the stump of a declining shade tree removed in 2011in Dilworth. It reveals a deadly combination of deep planting and stem girdling roots.
