Traffic Control TCA acquired Assets

Did you Know?

Terracare Associates, headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of all assets of a traffic control company out of Sandy, Utah.  Terracare also appointed of Mr. Loran Gillen, past owner of Gillen construction, as the Manager of Terracare Associates Utah operations.  Mr. Gillen has over 25 years of experience in the industry with ten different certifications.   The company has provided professional traffic control and safety services since 2009.  Terracare will utilize the skilled, experienced, and state ATSSA certified staff to offer a new service line to assist with all traffic control needs.

“This was a great move for me after 25 years in the industry, because road maintenance safety is of up most importance. Controlling traffic during events, construction and repairs is a critical piece for minimal impact on traffic flow and keeping the public healthy and safe.”Terracare Associates, headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of all assets of a traffic control company out of Sandy, Utah.  

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Public Private Partnerships

Experience is key for P3 success

     Submitted by Jacque Wedding-Scott, Terracare Associates

     Manager of Strategic Partnerships 

Experience matters!  Especially in the world of public private partnerships (P3’s). Public Private Partnerships are a way for governments to collaborate with the private sector to share the risks and rewards involved in the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure projects. Since 1998, Terracare Associates has been at the forefront of public-private partnerships, public works and city landscape maintenance services in the Western United States. And, the Public Infrastructure management team at Terracare, brings quite an extraordinary resume to every project with over 200 years of combined experience. The leadership is comprised of seasoned individuals with a breadth and depth of public works experience, and the knowledge and tools to help clients with a wide variety of infrastructure projects.  The combined backgrounds include decades working for the Colorado Department of Transportation, city management, and multiple industry certifications.  “We are so fortunate to have such an impressive group of people working together, sharing knowledge and resources to best serve our customers,” says Justin Stewart, Vice President of the Public Infrastructure Division at Terracare.

Name title	Title	Years in Experience	Certifications/Degrees
Thomas  DeGraffe	Project Manager	16	3
Antonio Deluna	Project Manger	18	6
Greg Hayes	Colorado Operations Manager	30	5
Tim Gowan	Shop Manager	16	15
Nick Madrid	Asst Project Manager	35	6
Loran Gillen	Utah Operations	29	11
Todd Rodriguez	Project Manager	22	4
Justin Stewart	Vice President	25	5
Bill Winfield	Director of Operations	16	4
Jacque Wedding-Scott	Strategic Partnerships	25	2
TOTALS		232	61

“Every team member in our division contributes to our success.  From our field personnel, and line supervisors to our project managers and our fleet management group, we are better together, sharing and caring about delivering quality performance every day” says Stewart.  Terracare Associates offer a wide variety of public works maintenance services including right-of-way mowing, all-inclusive roadway and roadside management, sign repair/replacement, concrete, traffic control, and snow removal on a citywide scale.

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Effective Teams

It's a team!

3 ways to grow a team

Does teamwork increase productivity and service quality?   Professional teamwork can be defined as a group of employees whose members work together on a common goal using their positive synergy, individual and mutual accountability, and complementary skills.  Some companies force teamwork to improve production, but real teamwork is organic.  The most productive teams are those that empower employees, build ownership in their actions and clearly communicate and understand outcomes.  Dean Murphy, President at Terracare Associates, a leading outdoor maintenance company headquartered in Littleton Colorado says, “Teamwork is about values, we like to use the word team member rather than employee because we are together in this; all of our work is a result of a shared effort.”  Traditional teams that have worked and trained together gain important experience that creates a valuable resource for the company and customer.

Exceptional teams have just enough structure to balance individual expertise with cooperation and engagement to collectively work toward a common purpose.  Terracare Associates knows exceptional teamwork must be part of everyday operations.  Bill Horn, Vice President with Terracare Associates, California branch believes productive teamwork depends on consistent team performance.  “Teamwork just doesn't happen at a company.  We strive for high quality service each day and mobilize our teams to meet and exceed service levels.  It’s about empowering employees, integrity and utilizing critical resources.  And most importantly, knowing everyone is working for the best interest of our clients,”  says Horn.  Teamwork productivity begins with three basic components:

Communication:  Effective listening, asking good questions and anticipating next steps is all part of good communication within a team.  Horn says, “Communication is one of our strengths as a company.  Our teams meet daily on safety and project goals.”

Resourcefulness:  Teams strengths and productivity stems from the depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise within a company.  Pulling resources within Terracare Associates walls is easier because many employees have 10 or more years with landscape, public infrastructure and public private partnerships.  This collective knowledge creates a synergy and an inherent interest in finding best solutions for customers and better yet, anticipates problems before they happen. 

Building Relationships: Teamwork is all about relationships.  Horn believes companies can’t have productive teams without a commitment to cultivating relationships.   “Working with people is at the core of our business. We work at growing long term relationships with our clients, employees, vendors and our community.”

Teamwork, is a value.  A team works at its best when it communicates effectively, combines resource and cultivates relationships.  Murphy says, “Every individual at our organization contribute to the success of delivering high quality work because together we are more, it’s a team.”

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Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management: 
It’s our responsibility and more…

Submitted by Cristin Tarr, Terracare Associates- Littleton, Colorado

Why should we care about stormwater management?  Originally, stormwater management involved primarily quantity of flow and now equally important is qualityof water runoff.  Since 1970’s, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for managing runoffs in the United States.   The EPA utilize computerized mapping and models to best manage water runoff, erosion and pollution problems resulting from weather or other fresh water flow.  Because of these regulations, municipalities, counties and the private sector strive to achieve compliance and more.  Many local districts and even the Department of Health are involved in monitoring stormwater runoff.   Nick Madrid, Field Manager of public infrastructure division at Terracare Associates, a leading outdoor maintenance company says “Everything we do each day we consider stormwater management.  From our maintenance bays to washing equipment, to road repairs, we evaluate the effects on the environment.”  As a property manager or city public works department it’s important to understand how to integrate stormwater management into your ongoing maintenance strategy to achieve the highest level of public safety.

What is storm water management?

Traditionally, storm management is focused on collection of storm water through pipes and drainage transporting water runoff as quickly as possible to stream, creeks, rivers and sometimes sewer system.  However, storm water management includes anytime water flows at facilities, on roads, off of properties into water systems.  Erosion, debris, chemicals, sediment, salt and sand run off are all part of managing water flows that must be filtered before entering sewers or other fresh water sources.

As described by the EPA, the process starts with storm water, rainwater and melted snow or general maintenance water use that runs off land, streets, lawns, and other urban hard surface environments. When storm water is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, however, solid surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, the water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer systems, and drainage ditches picking up debris with it and can’t be absorbed as quickly.

Your Storm Management Plan – Best Management Practices (BMP)

To be EPA compliant it is recommended to follow stormwater Best Management Practice, also known as BMP, to take care of excess runoff pollution problems.  They recommend various control measures to reduce the pollution in a wide variety of water flow sources before it is absorbed into the ground. Another approach is to put measures in place to prevent pollution from occurring at all.  Facility Runoff Control Plan (FRCP) is a plan that offers stringent guidelines to reduce erosion, filters all water runoff and eliminates contaminants from entering sewers, detention ponds, streams and creeks.  Terracare Associates strives to achieve 100% containment and the company is continually monitoring anytime the flow of water is disrupted.  Terracare’s Nick Madrid has worked in the industry for almost 30 years and has seen dramatic improvements in maintenance of water flows “Every project we work on our team talks about stormwater management  and runoff.  Internally, stormwater is an active discussion on how we can best reduce contaminates from getting into the water system.”  To best maintain water runoff, there are several factors to consider:

1) Water flow Rate: Anytime water is disrupted from natural flow BMP’s are considered. Higher peak flow rates can result in erosion and more contaminates enter the water stream.   A higher peak flow rate requires more significant storm pipes and drains and continued maintenance.

2) Water Quality: “What goes in must come out”, this cliché is very appropriate for proper stormwater management.   Poor management of runoff with sediments, chemicals and silt could result in increased contamination and pollution in our waters, impacting fish and wildlife. 

2) Storm Water Volume: A larger volume means greater destruction and erosion of creek beds leading to bank instability, increase sediment deposition in the lower reaches, and loss of habitat.

4) Ground water: If groundwater is not allowed to recharge, base flows are reduced leading to longer, drier durations in ditches and streams.

Goal of good Water Management Strategy

Educating the public and training employees is critically important.  Maintaining current infrastructure can also be valuable in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.  A plan should be made for every project to mimic nature by integrating stormwater management maintenance into building and site developments to reduce the impacts that urbanization has on our natural resources.  Greg Hayes, Colorado Operation Manager of Public Works for Terracare Associates believes “ Whether it is storms or fresh water runoff we have to be diligent about how we manage water, it goes beyond our operations, it’s about public safety and the environment.  We tactically discuss BMP’s as projects are implemented”.

Typical Best Management Practices (BMPs) may include:

• Equipment maintenance activities should be performed inside when possible.
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately & without water whenever possible
• Floor drains should be sealed and separators installed
• Increasing topsoil and enhancement to slopes, rocks and inclines near roadways
• Infiltration trenches and storm gates
• Storm drains cleaned and maintained
• Pipes, curbs and gutters minimize cracks and other damages
• Detention ponds
• Ditches and Creeks creating easy flow for runoff and less erosion

Safety is the number one concern of storm management practices. The importance of storm water management in the reduction of flooding and contaminates getting into the water system cannot be overemphasized.   Hayes says; “This is the way we do business, it goes beyond regulations.  Public safety and protecting our environment is what we believe and the way we conduct business every day at Terracare Associates”.

Terracare Associates public works division offer a wide variety of public works management services such as right-of-way mowing, all-inclusive roadway and roadside management packages as well as snow removal on a citywide scale. Find out more contact us

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Water Management part 2

“Smart” Irrigation Controllers - What Property Managers need to know

Submitted by: Shawn Gevedon, Irrigation Manager Terracare Associates - Colorado

Smart Controller Basics from Terracare Associates on Vimeo.

Property and facility managers have a lot to think about.  Finding innovative solutions that make business sense and at the same time help our environment can be a challenge.  Water, one of the increasingly precious resources is top of the list.  Here are three facts that you need to know about Smart Controllers to help you make the decision to install this high tech tool at your property.

Fact 1: Technology improves irrigation efficiency.   

So called "smart" irrigation controllers have appeared on the market for use in residential and commercial applications since the early 2000's. The Irrigation Association (www.irrigation.org) defines "smart controllers" as controllers that reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more, and applying the right amount of water based on those factors. Essentially, these irrigation controllers receive feedback from the ET Data and schedule or adjust irrigation duration and/or frequency accordingly. For example, they would reduce watering in the cooler months and increase watering in the hot and dry months while conserving increasingly limited water resources. There are generally two types of smart controllers: climatologically-based controllers and soil moisture-based controllers.

Fact 2: Smart Irrigation Controllers are getting smarter.

·         Climate based controllers are also known as evapotranspiration, or ET, controllers. ET is the amount of water lost from the soil through evaporation plus the plant's water loss, both of which are dramatically affected by weather conditions.

·        Soil moisture sensor (SMS), Soil moisture sensor smart controllers rely on the amount of moisture in the soil, measured by buried probes, to determine irrigation schedules.

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Fact #3 The Smart controller capital investment pays off

Reduces water costs:  Studies show most smart controllers will save 25 and as much as 57% of the water costs annually. This is a significant water savings because, outdoor water can be as much as 70% of the total properties water costs in some regions of the U.S.           

Rebates and Incentive Programs:Many local water districts offer rebates for installing Smart Controllers.  Customers have realized a one year return on investment after rebate and annual water savings (Case Study: Bowles Crossing)

Increases water efficiency-“only use what you need” the cliché is true, technology of smart controllers designs the most efficient systems to maximize plant care and minimize water waste and runoff.

Environmentally Responsible– If reducing your water bill, receiving a rebate check or maximizing water efficiency isn’t enough, consider installing a Smart Irrigation Controller, because it is good for the planet.

Terracare Associates offers irrigation audits and educational seminars on water management.  More information contact us here

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Let's Talk About.....

Greg Hayes – A leader in motion

Submitted by Cristin Tarr, Terracare Associates

What do race cars, a deputy, and mentor have in common? Greg Hayes - Colorado Operations Manager for the public infrastructure division at Terracare Associates. I had the pleasure to sit down with Greg Hayes to talk about his 30-year career with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and his current position with us at Terracare.

As past Deputy Maintenance Superintendent of the front-range region, Greg was responsible for 250 state employees, over 100 large trucks, 600 pieces of equipment and handling almost $30 million dollars in annual projects. His reputation for organization management, dedication and integrity was well known within the walls of CDOT.  His list of projects includes HOT lanes, T-Rex of Colorado and many major highway interchanges. Nothing is more precious to him than his employees. “Safety of my work teams is so important. We want our field employees to come home safe and healthy every day. In addition, our goal is to make our roads as safe as possible during any construction projects. Public safety was and continues to be always on my mind.” 

Fortunately for Terracare Associates, after Mr. Hayes’s retirement from CDOT he joined Terracare’s public infrastructure division team in October, 2013.  “We have known Greg for some time. We knew about Greg’s reputation as an exceptional leader, commitment to quality service, work ethic and breadth of experience in public works. We are privileged to work with such an exceptional person on our team,” said Dean Murphy, President, Terracare Associates. 

During my conversation with Greg it was apparent he was unassuming and reserved about his achievements and often gave credit to his team members.. Greg began his love for infrastructure at age 13, helping his uncle’s construction company in Arizona. He was quite young when he first handled heavy equipment, and he was hooked. I asked him what makes a great leader. He states “taking the time to mentor and teach the young people what you know, sharing your knowledge of what you've learned is the greatest gift you can give as a leader.” He feels strongly that mentoring those that are less experienced helps build a road map (no pun intended) to the next generation. 

Ironically working on the road doesn’t stop at his daily job. Greg is co-owner of three race cars and competes almost every week in season. In addition he has six show cars and he loves the outdoors. His passion for mentoring is extended to his three children 28, 25 and 14 years old.  He coached youth sports, football and basketball for many years. Greg is always on the move inspiring and empowering others to be their best. Greg is continues to be a leader at Terracare Associates and is moving the pack forward...even on the racetrack.

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Water Management part 1

Commercial Landscape: 
Five Steps to Maximize Water Efficiency

Design your Water Management Plan:  It’s Time!

Submitted by Nick Vizcay, Account Manager, Terracare Associates, Martinez

“Drought” is the scary word for municipalities, property and facility managers especially in the Western United States due to its severity and the multi-year impact on regions. The challenge is to create an aesthetically beautiful landscape, while working with significant water restrictions.  In 2014, California’s Governor Brown declared a statewide drought emergency asking all Californians to reduce their water use by 20%. Similar drought situations plagued Colorado and Utah in 2002 and 2012.  It does not seem there is an end to water restrictions; water management is the new norm. (See USA Drought Monitor)

 

Caring and taking action about our individual and collective water use is environmentally responsible, but maximizing water efficiencies can also be a significant savings in water costs.  Landscape professionals need to work closely with property managers to help evaluate, install, monitor and manage their irrigation systems.  Managing expectations and educating property managers and tenants is key when transitioning to a true water management program.  Here are the five steps:

 1. Education –Most public and commercial properties can benefit from a variety of water reduction modifications.  Understanding what is optimal for your property takes some commitment to learn about best practices, innovative irrigation tools and accessibility to resources for better water conservation.   Replacing heads and nozzles, utilizing flow sensors and installing smart controllers are a few of many options to review.  Learning and working closely with your irrigation specialist will help you save money and conserve water.  Ask your irrigation specialist about any rebates your county may have.  A great way to start is to participate in water management seminars to contact us to  learn more>>>>.

2. Evaluate and Audit – Start with a bench mark.  Find out the challenges to the current water system, water runoff, leaking pipes, damaged nozzles etc.  Obtaining an irrigation system evaluation and water audit is a critical first step to assess current systems and determine how to improve management of outdoor water systems. 

3. Design – Working in partnership with your irrigation manager is important to build the best and most efficient system.  The design would review and may include budget constraints, scheduling, nozzle conversions, water flow, soil management, plant removal and replacement (i.e. xeriscape), rain sensors and smart controllers.

4. Implement- Once the design is complete the fun begins with implementation of the changes and enhancements of the water management project. Implementation can be in phases and is focused on maximizing savings and water efficiencies from day one of installations, repairs and replacements.  The goal is for the capital investment to pay off as early as possible and in some cases cost savings are realized (with rebate programs) within a year.

5. Monitor - Finally, overtime your landscape company continues to view water flow and inspect for leaks and nozzle repair.  In addition it is important to track and measure the effects of your water efficiency updates. Local water districts help to monitor usage and costs.   Questions to ask:  Is less water being consumed each month or year over year? Are the investments in water efficient updates to your property set to pay off, when?  Check out rebate programs, cash for grass and installations incentives at your water districts or cities where you reside.  You may be surprised how lucrative they can be on large properties.

CASE STUDY:

CLIENT:         Silverado Springs HOA

DATE:            October 2013

PROJECT:     Remove approx 20,000 sf of turf, Install drought tolerant plants, Convert irrigation to drip, Install bark

RESULTS:   Saved approx. 256,000 gallons of water YTD

Drought restrictions are serious, but less apparent as we all have easy access to water.  The United Nation 2012 report stated that only 11% of the population has easy access to clean water.  A Water Management Plan is not only necessary, it saves money, water and is responsible.  Start today: It’s Time!

Terracare Associates offers free educational seminars on water management and best practices in irrigation systems.  Interested? Find out more>>>>

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Ty Wilson receives landscape certification highest status

Ty wilson ACHIEVES LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED STATUS

April 2014 — PLANET, the national landscape industry trade association, announces that Ty Wilson, Branch Manager at Terracare Associates in Elk Grove, CA has earned the Landscape Industry Certified Technician designation and is now nationally certified.

The achievement of the Landscape Industry Certified designation demonstrates a distinguished level of professionalism. Certification is voluntary and it represents a professional’s dedication to exhibiting superior knowledge in his or her field.  Only a select few, approximately 1% of landscape professionals working in the United States today, are certified.

PLANET’s Landscape Industry Certified program, supported and used internationally, offers seven different certifications that include expertise in lawn care, interior plant care, horticulture, landscape care, and business management.

For more information about Terracare Associates careers visit www.myterracare.comand to learn more about becoming Landscape Industry Certified or hiring a certified professional, visit www.loveyourlandscape.com.

Terracare Associates is a leading landscape maintenance and public infrastructure management company in the Western United States. Each day, Terracare Associates’ almost 400 employees strive to exceed industry standards and build long term partnerships with our clients to achieve absolute customer confidence.  During all seasons, the company’s certified and experienced employees manage, maintain and improve landscapes, parks, roadways and infrastructures for a beautiful, healthy, safe and sustainable outdoor environment.

PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices, and business professionalism. Many of PLANET’s professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org.

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Service Projects - Earth Day Celebrations Submitted by Cristin Tarr- TerracareAssociates

It’s Your Community!

Community - what do you think about when you hear this word? Most everyone feels they belong to a community. Simply, it can be the neighborhood where people live. It can also bring one a feeling of being unified with others and working together for a common goal.

Now let's take it another step and think of a business community. Do you get the same feeling of working together? Businesses are a reflection of their community through their actions. Companies have a role to play in society and collaborating with other business and community partners can make a positive impact on local challenges. Planet, a professional landscape care association, encourages collaborative community projects through their yearly Planet Day of Service. Our company, Terracare Associates, is involved in a big way.

A true community celebration, caring for our earth, is April's Earth Day, coincidentally bearing a resemblance to our company's name Terracare. We at Terracare Associates believe it is a responsibility to give back to the communities where we live and work. There is no better way for a business to be part of the community than giving time, talent and/or treasure. Even more impactful is sharing expertise to help a local nonprofit, creating a win-win philanthropic effort.
 

During the incredible month of April, Terracare Associates participated in six different service projects, sharing a total of 85 hard-working service hours and over $10,000 inkind donations covering two states. In almost every community service endeavor we participate in, we involve our employees and promote team work. We also may donate equipment or supplies and help reduce costs for the community partner. And, we share our knowledge; bringing important expertise needed to numerous outdoor maintenance projects.

Terracare Associates President Dean Murphy, sincerely believes in giving back as an integral part of living and working in a community. “This is what we do as a company, we have established roots in our community and we need to give back. Our company can make a difference, it is part of our core values – we do this because we want a better community for everyone.”

So how do we do this? I am glad you asked. Here are some of the projects we worked on in the April’s Earth Day Celebration:

Columbine Memorial, Littleton Colorado

 

Several years ago, Dean Murphy’s daughter was playing softball at Clement Park and came up with the idea that her dad’s company should get involved with the Columbine Memorial, the company has been helping ever since. This outdoor memorial was beautifully built in 2007 to commemorate the tragic shooting at Columbine High school. The foundation did not have continuous funding to maintain the perennials, trees, pavers, mulch and mowing. Now with a year round upkeep, both our employees at Terracare Associates, and the community as a whole, benefits from the landscape maintenance. Each year in April, just before the anniversary, our company’s field staff ensures the memorial is a beautiful peaceful place for remembrance.

Elk Grove Community Garden, Elk Grove California

The Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center provides a place where individuals and families can successfully grow fresh, healthy produce along with a perfect place to meet and learn about gardening. In April , Terracare Associates, assisted with a renovation of the Community Garden, including irrigation upgrades, and retrofitting and plant installation along the perimeter of the garden.

Hagemann Farm – Livermore, California

Hagemann Farm is the oldest working farm in Northern California. Home to a program for children with walking and other disabilities who work with horses to improve life skills. The City of Livermore (including the Mayor) is heading up this volunteer project. About 100 or so volunteers, and Terracare helped to organize the volunteers into productive groups to accomplish a “clean up” of the farm as well as a landscape enhancement for the entryway.

Riverside Cemetery – Brighton, Colorado

Riverside Cemetery, founded in 1876, is Denver’s oldest operating cemetery and is designated as a national historic district. The cemetery currently faces challenges due to the loss in 2001 of its “handshake agreement” to water rights from the South Platte River. Terracare Associates teamed up with Colorado Association of Lawn Care Professionals (CALCP), to remove dead trees, and aerate, amend, and seed, native grass seeds and plantings over several acres to return the land to its native use while offering a beautiful landscape.

Thanks for letting us share our love of community with you personally. Let us know how your organization is getting involved.  Post on our facebook or comment on this blog.   Let’s all share in the success because ~ It’s our community!

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