Recent heavy snowfall along Colorado’s Front Range and in the mountains brought some much-needed moisture to the region. But despite the blizzard, all of Colorado remains in some state of drought.

Mike Leman, owner at Singing Hills Landscape Inc., says he doesn’t experience a lot of work-related stress. “I factor in a baseline outlook of life that recognizes life is too short to worry,” he says. “When I think about what causes stress, it’s generally concern or fear of an unwanted outcome, often beyond our control.”

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to a larger segment of the population in Colorado. On March 19, Colorado moved to Phase 1B.4, the final phase before vaccines are open to the general public.

"Other people have been here before,” says Mike Moore, CEO. “Some things are very painful to navigate on your own. It was a wild ride in the first few years” after founding the company. “The costs of a coach were quickly repaid in avoided mistakes and revenue gains.”

The letter that Senator Bennet has developed for DHS regarding the immediate release of the 64,000 discretionary visas closes tonight. We need to put pressure on Rep. Lamborn, Rep. Buck, and Rep. Boebert to sign. Please reach out to them immediately and urge them to sign the letter. Find each representative's contact information on this list.

We appreciate this extra push before the finish line.

Please see the release from US Small Business Administration regarding deferment for disaster loans:

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.

• All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note.
• All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 18-months from the date of the note.

Adding organic matter to a lawn or professional turf is arguably the most beneficial, natural soil treatment that science has to offer for lawn care. By returning soils to this natural process and applying ¼” to ½” of screened, highly microbial compost from your local professional organics recycler, you’re restoring the soils to their natural state. Compost top dressing will provide optimal soil water usage and storage, reduce runoff, restore soil structure, and deliver long-lasting biological power.

Several leading landscape industry organizations have partnered to provide a fact sheet about COVID-19 and vaccines that company owners can share with employees. The fact sheet, which is customized for the landscape industry, offers basic information about the dangers of the virus, discusses the importance of vaccination, and debunks myths about the vaccine.

Being a business owner is the biggest personal development component in my life,” says Cindy McCord, president and owner for 15 years. Over those years, McCord has realized how important it is for her to continually practice self-awareness, especially as the company grew. To modulate stress, “the most important thing is to manage the inner voice and thoughts in my own mind,” she says.

The pandemic and related restrictions have limited the Landscape Career Pathways Programs in the last year, but Pickens Technical College has been able to continue its Urban Horticulture and Landscape Management Program with some modifications for safety and compliance with new rules.