Team Details

Russ began his horticulture career in New Jersey at the age of 16 and has since held early every role in the industry, from propagation and crop production to shipping logistics and management. With deep expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and best growing practices, Russ has developed a particular focus on biological controls for managing plant diseases and pests. He first embraced this approach while working at North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, PA, where bio-controls were central to producing high-quality native plant liners. He later brought this knowledge to the West Coast, spending four years as the Crop Health Specialist at Blooming Nursery in Cornelius, Oregon. There he built upon his bio-friendly approach to IPM, further refining a system that prioritizes plant health, minimizes chemical inputs, and supports long-term sustainability. He looks forward to applying these practices in his new role at CNN. After Hurricane Helene, Russ’ first reaction was to come back east to help out with relief efforts, as his parents live in nearby Fairview. When the opportunity to join CNN as Nursery Manager arose, it felt like a natural next step; a way to continue serving both the horticulture industry and the local WNC community. His greatest professional satisfaction comes from delivering high-quality plants with minimal loss and doing so in the most sustainable way possible. Russ lives in the Asheville area with his wife, Dawn, and their beloved menagerie of pets: two Weimaraners and four cats. Search Connect Carolina Native Nursery 1639 Prices Creek Rd. Burnsville, NC 28714 828.682.1471 (ph) 828.682.1303 (fax) Get Newsletter Sign up to receive our newsletter via email. Includes native shrub descriptions, planting and care information, nursery and industry news, and much more.