​Nursery/Landscape EXPO is one of the largest events in the country for professionals in landscaping, plant production, garden centers, and outdoor spaces. It brings together businesses from across the industry to connect, learn, and grow.

This is more than just a volunteer opportunity, it’s a chance to:

• Build a professional portfolio
• Gain hands-on experience at a large-scale event
• Network with industry professionals
• See how marketing and content come to life in a real environment 

Contact Kim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager
[email protected]

​At TNLA, we’re focused on more than the challenges of today — we’re building the workforce of tomorrow. One of the ways we’re doing that is by connecting directly with Texas Education Agency (TEA) Regional Service Centers across the state.

Every year, thousands of students participate in agricultural science and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, yet many have never considered a career in the green industry. By working directly with TEA regions, TNLA is making sure horticulture, landscaping, and nursery careers are part of the conversation early on — while students are still deciding their futures.
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These partnerships help teachers connect classroom learning to real-world skills and introduce students to the rewarding, hands-on work our industry offers.

Over the past several months, TNLA has met with multiple TEA regions to:

• Build relationships with regional directors and CTE coordinators
• Identify shared goals that link education and workforce development
• Develop ways for students to experience the green industry firsthand — through career events, classroom visits, and site tours

​Each TEA region supports schools and teachers preparing the next generation of professionals. By collaborating with them, TNLA is ensuring our industry stays visible and accessible to tomorrow’s workforce.

This initiative isn’t just about outreach — it’s about opportunity. Our members are the face of the industry, and your participation can make a lasting impact.

Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
🌱 Join a Regional Advisory Committee: Share your business perspective and help shape local programs.
🌿 Volunteer for Classroom Visits: Talk to students about your career path and what you love about this work.
🌾 Host a Field Trip: Let students see what goes on behind the scenes at your nursery, landscape operation, or garden center.

Below, you’ll find a map and contact list for all TEA regions. Reach out to your local region and start the conversation — TNLA is here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we’re not just growing plants — we’re growing the future of our industry.

As past winner Lauren Lasus shared, winning a TNLA award is more than recognition — it’s a spark that motivates students to lead, innovate, and give back.

With your help, we can continue to support tomorrow’s leaders while strengthening the future of the Texas green industry.


Questions? Contact [email protected]

Kim Cabrera, TNLA's Marketing Manager, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Monsur, an expert in Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 360-degree experiences, and a pioneer in integrating these technologies into the field of landscape architecture. His innovative work with VR in landscape design is not only transforming how we think about outdoor spaces but also inspiring a new generation of landscape architects. In this feature, Dr. Monsur will also share his insights into his groundbreaking research and how his graduate students are pushing the boundaries of design through technology & again about being at the West Texas Workshop happening in Lubbock, TX on Oct 2-3, 2024.

At Texas Tech University, Dr. Monsur’s XR Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research and education. His team of graduate students is pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture by incorporating immersive technologies into their design processes. From using VR to simulate plant growth in real-time to AR tools that overlay design concepts onto existing spaces, the lab is providing students with hands-on experience in blending technology and nature. These tools are not only enhancing their ability to visualize and test landscapes, but they’re also helping them communicate complex design ideas to clients and stakeholders more effectively.

For educators, XR is proving to be a powerful teaching tool. Instructors are using VR to conduct virtual site tours, allowing students to explore diverse landscapes without ever leaving the classroom. These immersive experiences give students the chance to engage with their designs on a deeper level, fostering creativity and practical understanding. Teachers can also use AR to demonstrate how different plants and materials interact within a landscape, bringing textbooks to life in a dynamic, interactive way.

Despite the advanced nature of the technology, Dr. Monsur emphasizes that XR is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for all ages—including those who may not consider themselves tech-savvy. With easy-to-navigate VR environments and intuitive AR tools, even those new to technology can benefit from this innovative approach to landscape design. This accessibility makes XR a valuable tool not only for today’s professionals but also for mentoring future generations.
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Dr. Monsur's vision is clear: by embracing XR, the landscape architecture industry can become more innovative, engaging, and inclusive. With students, teachers, and professionals alike exploring these tools, the green industry is positioned to lead the way into a future where technology enhances sustainable design.

More Information:
You can email him at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved, how to use this new technology and to schedule a meet up at the West Texas Workshop. 
To Register for the West Texas Workshop please click HERE
Download his PowerPoint XR Lab Presentation LINK
Read more about Monsur and his team through an article in LAM, click this LINK
To view the San Antonio Will Smith Zoo School Playground click this LINK

Recently, the TNLA Foundation Chair, Bill Carson with Native Texas Nursery, had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Graham, President and CEO of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA), to discuss the incredible work of the TNLA Foundation. Their conversation sheds light on the Foundation’s mission, its impact on the industry, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of horticulture.