Don Marshall, head of Lake Washington Technical College’s (LWTC) Environmental Horticulture program, was recently honored with two awards given by the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association (WSNLA).

Marshall was presented with WSNLA’s highest award, The Harold Young Outstanding Service Award, and with an Honorary Lifetime WSNLA Membership.

The award is named in honor of Harold Young, owner and managing editor of the Pacific Coast Nursery magazine from 1973-2004. It is presented to the individual who has provided “Outstanding Service” in the horticulture industry.

In announcing the honors, WSNLA cited Marshall’s “… exemplary service to the WSNLA and the industry on an ongoing basis. (Don) is someone who has dedicated his life to horticulture and horticultural education and truly exemplifies ‘outstanding service.’ He instills a passion for horticulture in his students and prepares them to go into the field and make a difference.

“As a business owner, a WSNLA board member, a strong supporter of the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, a teacher, or an enthusiastic worker, Don Marshall nurtures and instills both an insatiable desire to work in horticulture and to offer service to the larger community.”

Marshall has been a horticulture instructor for more than 30 years. He established LWTC’s Environmental Horticulture program in 1979 and has developed the program to meet the ever-changing needs of the community and the industry. Program graduates have found a wide range of employment opportunities, ranging from wholesale and retail nurseries, design and maintenance firms, arboriculture, education and even public relations for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Marshall has teamed with Laura Wildfong of Northwest Nurseries to establish an endowment that funds the full tuition of one LWTC environmental horticulture student each quarter. The scholarship is funded through proceeds of a plant sale that takes place annually in the spring and fall.

Marshall graduated from Washington State University majoring in Horticulture, with a minor in education. He is sought after as a speaker by community groups and garden clubs, and conducts seminars throughout the Puget Sound region. He is also a certified Arborist.