Emily Bell - Nassau County

Ivy Hernandez - Miami-Dade County

Ivy Hernandez is a professional environmental chemist with a diverse background in ecology and environmental engineering. Born in Hialeah and raised in the Florida Keys, Ivy developed a deep love for the outdoors, laying the foundation for her career spanning over 15 years in the environmental regulatory field. She earned her degree in Chemistry from Florida International University, where she honed her analytical skills and deepened her passion for South Florida's distinctive ecology. Throughout her career, Ivy has immersed herself in designing and implementing sustainable landscapes that showcase native plant species. In the last four years, Ivy established Green Spirit Gardens, a venture offering consultations, designs, and installations for small home gardens and commercial businesses. Her expertise ensures that each project not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Tom Heitzman - Manatee County

Sweet Bay Nursery was started in 1995 by Tom Heitzman. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Horticulture, Tom has a wealth of knowledge and experience about the culture and landscape use of native plants. Tom is past-president of Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, past co-president of FANN and past-president of Manatee County Audubon. He is currently a board member of these organizations volunteering his expertise to improve the local environment.

Zack Pitchford - Pinellas County

Zack Pitchford, Owner of Wilcox Nursery and Landscape, stands at the forefront of a remarkable mission: “Wilcox Nursery exists to love and value the connection between nature and those who live in it by leading a movement of sustainable and environmental change in our industry and community.” His main focus is to continue progressing this mission by promoting native plants through retail and landscape design.

As a born and raised Floridian, Zack enjoys many activities natural Florida offers including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and hunting. This is where his passion for real Florida began. He is a firm believer that without protecting natural Florida and bringing native plants to urban landscapes while reducing turf area, some of Florida's most valued attractions and past times will suffer as a result. This passion brought Zack to his journey of designing and installing Florida native landscapes in 2012, shortly after completing his studies in the Landscape and Nursery Management program at the University of Florida. Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainable design practices, Zack's overarching objective is to infuse the urban landscape with an authentic representation of Florida's rich natural heritage. His emphasis on native keystone species and dedication to fostering robust ecosystems converge with a resolute aim: to “Let Florida Thrive!”

Outside of Florida, Zack has spent time managing Stephen F. Austin University’s native plant and azalea gardens, assisting arborists in San Antonio, TX in the creation of native tree surveys, and consulting with local businesses in the Caribbean on landscape best management practices.

In addition to his efforts at the nursery, Zack also routinely leads and participates in presentations and discussions to promote native plant education, awareness, and concepts.

We are incredibly grateful to this distinguished panel for their willingness to lend their expertise to the 2024 FNPS Landscape Awards.