About Us
Michael Nelsen: Owner and Principal PDF Print E-mail

Michael NelsenBefore pursuing a major in English Literature and numerous educational courses, Michael spent long days with his grandfather digging and repairing water wells in rural Nebraska.  Those early years with his wise progenitor instilled an appreciation of the precious value of our water resources and the need to conserve and protect them.  He also gained hands-on experience growing and preserving food, composting the leftovers and a general respect for the earth.

In the spring of 1975 Michael and his wife, Susan, with two young children in tow, chose Santa Fe to raise their family.  Soon after arriving, the Nelsens opened the Haven Restaurant on Canyon Road. The Haven gained both local and national acclaim, becoming one of Santa Fe’s favorites. Michael also managed other establishments that included the San Francisco St. Bar & Grill, the Zia Diner, the Steaksmith and Harry’s Roadhouse.

After 25 plus years in the restaurant business, Michael decided to pursue another of his life’s love of gardening into a business venture. The transition included five years of the study toward the practice of landscape design and construction and a license as a Landscape Contractor.  EcoScapes was opened in 2002 with a clear mission of utilizing rainwater through water catchment systems to reduce the need for increasingly scarce potable water supplies.

Michael remains enthused with reading and home gardening, plus other active pursuits of practicing yoga, skiing, hiking, mushroom gathering and mountain biking in the hills around Santa Fe.

 
Zoë Nelsen: Operations Manager PDF Print E-mail

Zoe NelsenZoë was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fort Lewis College in Colorado, a Master’s in Educational Thought and Sociocultural Studies from The University of New Mexico, a secondary teacher’s license with an endorsement in Social Studies and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder. She worked for five years at an Albuquerque charter high school with “at risk” youth, where she helped develop a school orientation program, implement a mentorship program based on a model for transformative education, facilitated teambuilding activities and taught thematic units in social studies. With La Mesita Institute she helped design and implement summer programs for youth focusing on sustainability and based in experiential learning. Recently, she has transitioned into the business sector, as a grant and proposal writer, project coordinator and operational manager.  

Zoë brings to EcoScapes Landscaping a dedication to building awareness within the community, through workforce development and literacy. She has studied the principles of permaculture, is becoming a student of earthworks, and strongly believes that local businesses fulfill their civic responsibility by becoming more involved in the public education. Zoë recognizes the importance of training individuals and communities in ecologically based practices.

Zoë enjoys dancing, telemark skiing, whitewater kayaking and building soil. She has visions of creating a home and garden in the Santa Fe area.

 
Peggy Wright: Principal Designer PDF Print E-mail

Peggy WrightPeggy Wright received a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of New Mexico in January of 2007. Peggy believes that creating landscapes perfectly weaves her desire to create art and understand the science of nature. Prior to the completion of her Masters, she was a principle designer with a leading jewelry firm in Santa Fe for 18 years. Through this work she developed and refined her design sensibility, as well as, gaining a sensitivity and appreciation for individual client’s needs. Her undergraduate work was at the University of California at Berkeley where she graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Natural Resource studies.

Her passion is designing landscapes that are functional and sustainable, while simultaneously, aesthetic. Her landscape design work has run the gamut from contemporary to the mirroring of patterns found in the natural world, from residential to commercial properties, and from small intimate spaces to larger statements perched upon grand vistas. She shares a commitment to sustainable design principles practiced by the EcoScapes Landscaping Company. She is always looking forward to tackling the next project on the horizon.

When not at work, Peggy can be found spending time with her husband and five year old daughter tending their vegetable garden, skiing, or taking hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

 
Arlena Teitelbaum: Plant Specialist & Maintenance Coordinator PDF Print E-mail

Arlena

Originally from the Southern Adirondack Valley of New York, Arlena grew up with access to endless acres of open land, fresh spring water, and  enthusiastically participated in her family's organic vegetable garden season by season. After several childhood visits to the region her love for the high desert landscape and hardy vegetation called her back and she returned here to stay in 1992.

Arlena is passionate about plants and holds degrees in both Sociology and Fine Art. Her love for food, herbal medicine and the natural world has sculpted her adult work life. She has worked in all aspects of Organic food production and remains interested and involved in transforming and healing modern "food production."  As a gardener/landscaper, international vegetarian chef, herbalist and mother of a 10 year old keep Arlena's days full of life.

Arlena prides herself on attention to details and client satisfaction.  She enjoys working in the gardens in and around Santa Fe and enjoys coordinating the EcoScapes Maintenance team while also offering her expertise as Plant Specialist.
 
Christopher Hollis: Water Harvesting & Irrigation Technition PDF Print E-mail

chris-and-chris

Who has got two thumbs and can catch rain water to irrigate your plants, trees, and gardens? This guy! Christopher Hollis, EcoScapes Landscaping Lead Stormwater and Irrigation Technician has spent the last four year in Santa Fe designing, installing, maintaining, and retrofitting sophisticated Rain Water Harvesting and Irrigation Systems. Christopher has studied Rain Water Harvesting at the Santa Fe Community College, which emphasized sustainability and functionality. In a pursuit to broaden his horizons, Christopher is currently working towards the completion of his Bachelors of Business Management and his License as a Certified Irrigation Technician.

 

When not rescuing client's water harvesting and irrigation systems and plants Christopher enjoys spending time with his son Little Christopher, getting his game on, hanging with family and friends, and relaxing.

 


Ecoscapes
PO Box 306 Santa Fe, NM 87504 P) 505-424-9004 F) 505-424-3773