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Career Summary Master of landscape design and planning with substantial experience as a project manager, focused on ecologically and socially vi-able design solutions. Excellent communicator with command of oral, written and graphic presentations. At ease managing multiple projects requiring deep thinking and creative results. Committed to ethical thoughts and actions.

EducationMaster of Arts in Sustainable Landscape Design | Conway School of Landscape Design | 2010 Bachelor of Music Performance with Honors | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 1988

Planning and Design ExperienceLand Use Planner | Franklin Regional Council of Governments | Greenfield, MA | 2010-PresentPlanning work includes a focus on natural resource analysis, local and regional hazard mitigation planning, master planning, and open space and recreation planning. Position requires ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work with many different municipalities and individuals. Current projects include planning for a regional plan for sustainable development, a scenic byway corridor management, several local hazard mitigation plans, and master planning for natural resources. Primary skills used include research, writing, graphics, mapping, and project management. Additional planning interests and research include climate change and food systems planning.

Landscape Design and Horticultural Services | Sweet Earth, Inc | St. Paul, MN | 2000–2009Owned and operated a landscape design company, focused on planning and overseeing projects in sustainable landscape design and installation, native plantings, invasive species control and expert horticultural knowledge. Created design alternatives and planting plans and performed chemical-free maintenance for residential and commercial lands. Oversaw financial administration and budget. Hired, trained and motivated employees. Created all advertising materials. Compiled and maintained prospective client database and gained new clients through cold calling and referrals.

Streetscape Master Plan | West Rutland, VT | CSLD Project | West Rutland Town Planner and Carving Studio and Sculpture Center | Spring 2010Design solution included improving town’s regional appeal and connections through new bike and pedestrian loops emphasizing history, nature, and recreation. As part of a two-person team, created a sustainable streetscape plan including bioswales, traffic calming and wayfinding elements to encourage increased tourism and to manage stormwater runoff. Project information gathering included a public survey, extensive site analysis and research into tourism, history, and hydrology. Primary project responsibilities included streetscape design development, design hand rendering, and final report format and graphics.

Site Suitability and Design | CSLD Project | City of Northampton, MA Planning Department | Winter 2010As part of a three-person team, conducted site and regional analysis, facilitated public forum sessions, and attended meetings with the city council task force. Challenges including determining the best use for 180 acres of prime farmland, much of which is located within a ten-year floodplain. The sustainable design solution included conserving prime farmland and minimizing impact on floodplain lands while identifying more feasible locations for recreational fields. Primary project responsibilities included client and stakeholder communication, meeting facilitation and public presentations, all ArcGIS mapping and final report design and layout.

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Residential Master Plan | CSLD Project | Northfield, MA | Fall 2009Surveyed and mapped a 1-acre historic residential property which included constraints such as state right-of-ways, histor-ic designations, and wetlands protection areas. The preferred landscape plan improved the entry experience and accom-modated ADA access while enhancing wetland areas and addressing stormwater runoff. Primary responsibilities included client meetings, historical and wetland research, plan set creation, public presentations and graphic design. Additional

Professional ExperienceProgram Administrator and Website Manager | HMH of St. Paul, MN | Winters 2000-2008Designed registration websites, wrote proposals, and created brochures and destination information for incentive travel. Maintained client databases and surveys. Compiled and managed prospective client database. Skilled in MS Office, proof-ing and graphics.

Associate Project Manager | Keene, Inc | Minneapolis, MN | 1997-1999Managed project flow, scheduling, and employee reporting for IT projects. Served as trusted client contact and as liaison between consultants and company. Consulted primarily at Gateway Computers.

Software KnowledgeAdobe CS4 (InDesign and Photoshop) | Pagemaker | ArcGIS | AutoCAD Google SketchUp MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Presentation, Access)

Additional Skills • Ability to envision the big picture and the long term• Ease in interacting with new people and unfamiliar situations• Strength in teaching and motivating others• Strong problem-solving skills• Flair for drawing and painting• Facility in graphic design, layout, and proofing

Ongoing EducationCitizen Planner Training Collaborative, APA MA, Natural Resource Protection Zoning, Zoning for Economic Development, March 2012Citizen Planner Training Collaborative, APA MA, CLURPA, March 2011 Land Trust Governance, Land Trust Alliance, Summer 2010Botanical Inventory, New England Wildflower Society, Summer 2009

AffiliationsMember, Mount Grace Conservation Land TrustMember, Franklin Land Trust, Inc.

254 Davis Street | Greenfield, MA 01301 | (651) 983-2043 | marypraus@yahoo.com | And on LinkedIn