National Horticulture Foundation Announces 2026 Taking Root Scholarship Recipients
ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Horticulture Foundation (NHF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Taking Root Scholarship, made possible through the generous support of Arborjet | Ecologel. The scholarship recognizes exceptional students pursuing careers in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, and plant health care who demonstrate a passion for science, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
The Taking Root Scholarship was established to encourage and support students enrolled in accredited arboriculture or horticulture programs who aspire to advance the green industry through research, technology, and sustainable plant health practices. Scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievement, commitment to community engagement, and enthusiasm for addressing today’s most pressing plant health challenges.
Recipients are pursuing studies in disciplines including arboriculture, landscape management, ecological forest management and agribusiness fields that play a critical role in protecting and enhancing our urban forests and landscapes.
“These students represent the future of our industry,” said Linda Reindl, Executive Director of the National Horticulture Foundation. “Their commitment to advancing plant health through science, innovation, and stewardship is inspiring. We are grateful to Arborjet | Ecologel for their continued investment in educating tomorrow’s leaders and helping ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for our communities and landscapes.”
The 2026 Taking Root Scholarship recipients are:
- Taylor Sirois, Paul Smith’s College, Arboriculture and Landscape Management and Ecological Forest Management Dual Major, graduating in May 2027
- Caleb VanBooven, Kansas State University, Agribusiness, Minors in Horticulture and Spanish. Graduating in May 2027
“One of the most rewarding parts of this program is seeing the passion these students already have for plant health care,” said Kristin Nikodemski, Director of Marketing for Arborjet | Ecologel. “Taylor and Caleb distinguished themselves not only through their academic achievements, but through their initiative, hands-on experience, and commitment to making a lasting impact on the communities and landscapes they’ll serve.”
Through its partnership with Arborjet | Ecologel, the National Horticulture Foundation continues to invest in the next generation of professionals dedicated to improving tree care, advancing plant health technologies, and strengthening the horticulture industry.
About the National Horticulture Foundation
The National Horticulture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the horticulture industry through scholarships, research, and educational initiatives. By investing in students and supporting innovative research, the Foundation helps cultivate future leaders who will shape and strengthen the green industry.
About Arborjet | Ecologel
Arborjet | Ecologel is a leading provider of plant health care solutions, offering innovative technologies and products that help arborists, landscape professionals, and horticulturists protect and preserve trees and landscapes. Through its support of the Taking Root Scholarship, the company demonstrates its commitment to fostering education, scientific advancement, and the future of the green industry.
Media Contact:
Linda Reindl
Executive Director
National Horticulture Foundation
407-832-8279
lreindl@fngla.org
