2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Miriam Hellweg, MCLP, MCA A Blade of Grass, Sudbury, MA
VICE PRESIDENT Katie Merrifield, MCLP Merrifield Garden & Design, Wayland, MA
SECRETARY / TREASURER Andy McDuff, MCLP Landscape America, Inc., Wrentham, MA
PAST PRESIDENT Chris Connors, MCLP Grove Street Services Boston, MA
DIRECTORS Mike Landry, MCLP, MCA
Riverside Services, Inc. Hopkinton, MA Matt McCoy, MCLP Harrison McPhee, Inc. Millis, MA
MANAGEMENT TEAM |
M. Virginia Wood |
Peggy Benjamin |
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Amy Davis |
Carrie Martin |
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Hadley McPhee |
Charissa Sharkey |
MALP NEWSLINE is a publication of the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals, Inc.
MALP NEWSLINE is published four times a year for the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals( MALP) and is distributed free of charge to members. The purpose of the newsletter is to disseminate information to promote general standards and ethics in landscape contracting, as well as to foster research and share knowledge with its members. MALP is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to communications between its membership and the industry. MALP believes the information in this publication to be accurate as of its publication date and is not responsible for inadvertent errors. The MALP and Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional( MCLP) logos are trademarks of the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals, Inc. Qualified MALP members and certified members only are permitted to utilize the logo. Logos for MALP and MCLP are available through the MALP office.
EDITORIAL Readers are encouraged to submit articles, announcements, review of products, or letters. Address correspondence to the attention of the MALP Newsletter Editor at the address below.
ADVERTISING For advertising rates and information, contact Charissa Sharkey at csharkey @ mvwoodco. com or at the MALP phone number below. Ads may be submitted as high-resolution pdf files. Discounted advertising rates are available to MALP members.
DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MALP.
Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals 67 West Street • Medfield, MA 02052 phone: 508.653.3373 admin @ mlp-mclp. org • MLP-MCLP. org
PRESIDENT ' S MESSAGE
Hi Everyone,
As I write this, the summer solstice is just behind us. I hope each of us can take a moment to exhale and appreciate everything we have created and accomplished so far this year.
I’ ve always felt connected to the seasons. Spring arrives with a burst of energy as we emerge from winter and race to meet the demands of a new growing season. Summer brings a different rhythm— a steadier pace that gives us an opportunity to reflect on the work we’ ve done and the impact we’ re having.
And our work does have an impact.
Every day, we shape landscapes that bring beauty, function, and enjoyment to our clients’ lives. We create meaningful careers for our employees. We contribute to healthier communities and environments. As Nicole Bell reminded us during her recent MALP meeting presentation, the decisions we make as professionals— from plant selection to maintenance practices— have effects that extend far beyond any single property.
That is one of the reasons I value our association so deeply.
The relationships we build through MALP strengthen not only our individual businesses but our entire industry. We are more effective when we share ideas, learn from one another, and work toward common goals. Whether through education, certification, advocacy, or simply the conversations that happen at meetings and events, our collective efforts help raise the standard for landscape professionalism across Massachusetts.
Our partnership with the Green Industry Alliance( GIA) continues to advance important legislative priorities, including the Snow and Ice Liability Reform bill currently making its way through the legislative process. Progress like this does not happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals come together, invest their time, and advocate for a stronger future.
Massachusetts has an exceptional landscape community— one built on professionalism, craftsmanship, innovation, and a willingness to help one another succeed. I am grateful to be part of it and honored to serve as your president.
As we move through the second half of the year, I encourage you to stay engaged, support one another, and continue investing in the people and relationships that make our industry stronger.
Thank you for all that you do.
Miriam Hellweg, MCLP, MCA President
MALP Newsline | Summer 2026 3