- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Profile
Orchard Alley at the Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven is getting a much-needed pruning.
Professional tree pruner Andrew "Andy" Ross, staff research associate for nematology and the safety coordinator for the Department of Plant Pathology and the nematology portion of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, began pruning the almond, plum and apple trees this morning (Nov. 1).
Ross joined the UC Davis workforce in January in 2005 after managing a citrus/avocado/olive ranch in Porterville for 20 years.
“I started pruning trees right out of high school, working in a private redwood grove in 1986,” he said.
Ross received his bachelor's degree in biological sciences from UC Davis in 2007, with a minor in chemistry.
As the lab manager for nematologist Ed Lewis, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, Ross guides the nematology lab members, including graduate and undergraduate students and technicians.
Before becoming manager of the Porterville ranch, Ross planted trees from December through May of 1987 in the Deep South for a private company, Evergreen Forestry Services, based in Sandpoint, Idaho.
He and his wife, Monica Ross, executive assistant to Jay Speck, Superintendent of Solano County Schools, are working on renovating their 1936 home in Dixon. They have two daughters, who both received college degrees in sociology. The Rosses are also grandparents: a three-year-old and a three-month-old.
The Department of Entomology and Nematology is planning a volunteer work day on Saturday, Nov. 2, organized by haven coordinator Christine Casey and chief administrative officer Janet Brown-Simmons. Sign up on Doodle at http://doodle.com/txnz3vg293vznvyh, or contact Casey at cacasey@ucdavis.edu or Simmons at jbs@ucdavis.edu for more information.
The haven is located on Bee Biology Road, next to the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility,west of the central campus.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to Bring
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered for tomorrow's work day at the Honey Bee Haven garden. A few last minute reminders….
- Please bring gloves, hats, and sunscreen. We have a few pairs of gloves to loan if you do not have your own. Also, please wear closed-toe shoes and avoid using heavily scented personal care products.
- We could use extra pruning shears, so again if you have your own please bring them.
- We will provide food and drinks. For the morning crew, I will have coffee at the garden by 7:30.
- If you've never been to the garden, we are located just east of the Laidlaw research facility on Bee Biology Road: http://campusmap.ucdavis.edu/?b=77
- Please plan on arriving five minutes prior to the start of your shift. We'll review your work assignments, do a brief training for those less-experienced gardeners and then pair you with someone with more experience if possible.
Chris Casey, cacasey@ucdavis.edu
Manager,
Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven