We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Lauren Galanes, our San Francisco Branch Manager, to the role of Regenerative Landscapes Manager! With over 30 years of experience in landscape management, construction, and regenerative design, Lauren brings a unique combination of expertise and passion to her new role at Gachina Landscape Management. Since joining Gachina in 2013, she has led the design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable and green roof systems, working with clients to create resilient, eco-friendly outdoor spaces.
Lauren’s Journey and Achievements
Lauren’s journey with Gachina has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days as a landscape contractor in the Bay Area, specializing in design, horticulture, masonry, and sustainable landscapes, to her current role leading regenerative projects, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to sustainability. Her innovative approach to landscaping, coupled with her deep understanding of ecological principles, has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
Lauren is a certified Green Roof Professional (GRP), accredited by the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), and holds GRIMP certification for Green Roof Installation and Maintenance. She has been actively involved in the green roof industry since 2016, contributing her knowledge to the creation of environmentally regenerative spaces. Additionally, Lauren is QWEL Certified (2022), further showcasing her dedication to water-efficient landscaping practices.
Setting Gachina Apart
With Lauren at the helm as Regenerative Landscapes Manager, Gachina is poised to lead the way in sustainable landscaping practices. Unlike traditional “mow and blow” methods, regenerative landscaping focuses on restoring and enhancing the natural environment. This approach not only beautifies landscapes but also promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces environmental impact.
Training and Development
Lauren’s expertise will be invaluable in training our team to take and read soil samples, offering clients unique, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional landscaping practices. Her leadership will ensure that our staff is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable solutions that benefit both our clients and the planet. Lauren’s background includes a Master’s in Humanities & Leadership from the New College of California, specializing in eco-agriculture, eco-building, and sustainable community practices, as well as a Permaculture Design Certification from the Northern California Permaculture Institute.
Benefits for Clients and the Planet
Having a Regenerative Landscapes Manager on our team means that our clients can expect innovative, sustainable landscaping solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. From water conservation to soil health improvement, Lauren’s strategies will help clients achieve beautiful, resilient landscapes while minimizing their environmental footprint. Together, we can create a greener, healthier planet for future generations.
Interview Questions for Lauren:
1. Can you share a memorable moment from your journey at Gachina that inspired your passion for regenerative landscaping?
In 2014, I was asked to create a “farm” garden for produce in a weedy lot behind Gachina’s construction yard. This farm would produce vegetables and fruit and herbs for the employees and for JobTrain’s Culinary Department. Weeds were 4’+, and there was old equipment being “stored” (read ‘abandoned’) there. I decided to sheet mulch and build beds up.
John thought I was nuts – “It won’t work, but go ahead!”
We weedwhacked the meadow and cleared the trash. Then we installed a double layer of cardboard down to cover the entire area. I brought in organic soil and compost and built simple mounded beds. We planted and tended.
We never had a weed problem. Soil tests are perfecto. Compost is cooking in the corner. It is an amazing piece of food production! The culinary department visits weekly; bee hives are in the back.
2. What are some of the key benefits of regenerative landscaping that you believe will make a difference for our clients?
A Regenerative Landscape is one that will, over time, require fewer inputs while maintaining its health and aesthetic appeal. Over time means that this is not a quick fix, but rather a 3 to 5-year plan to restore soil health. It will require some input in the beginning (think compost, mulch, humate) but will reward with reduced water requirements, erosion prevention, chemical use elimination, less waste, no nutrient run-off pollution, and, potentially, reduced maintenance costs.
3. How do you plan to integrate soil sampling and analysis into our training programs?
I will have trained all of our Senior Crew Leaders, and most of our Account Managers on how to take a soil sample by the end of this week. I have presented the importance of soil analysis in regenerative landscape – and in ALL landscaping. Now, we are getting our test results back and are ENLIGHTENTED by the results. Next week I will train on reading a soil test by bringing a consultant – Annemarie Lucchesi of Lucchesi Plant and Soil Labs – to teach this skill. We will look at several of our sites to get an understanding of nutrient levels and how to get that perfect reading.
4. What unique, sustainable alternatives to traditional landscaping practices are you most excited to offer our clients?
Different Landscape Types – We are working on defining a Scope of Work for the different types of landscapes we encounter in commercial landscaping: Conventional (lawn, hedges, non-native plant palette), Mixed (vestiges of conventional landscaping with retrofitted aspects of more sustainable plant palettes or improved irrigation systems, etc), and Low-Water/Native/Habitat (requiring the deepest knowledge and understanding of landscape cycles and soil health). By defining the landscape, we can tailor our maintenance requirements and our crews to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Another option I’m very excited about is a multi-year Regenerative Plan for a landscape site. Built into the 3 to 5-year contract is a regeneration of soils, pruning improvements, and irrigation upgrades as needed to reach pre-set goals for continued maintenance. Still very early in development, but it’s the dream!
