Frank Hassler’s Knowledge and Experience
My Education
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology from The University of Illinois and a Master’s Degree in Forestry from Northern Arizona University.
I’m a Natural Areas Restorationist
I have over 30 years of experience planting prairies, restoring woodlands, wetlands and shorelines, and controlling invasive plants. I have completed Level 2 SAWW Chainsaw Training and I am a Certified and Licensed Pesticide Applicator in Wisconsin, in the categories of 6.0 Right-of-Ways & Natural Areas, 3.0 Turf & Landscape, and 5.0 Aquatic.
I’m a Native Plant Landscaper
I have over 15 years of experience in sustainable landscaping, including design and planting perennials, trees, and shrubs, shoreline plantings, rainwater management with rain gardens and other features, and stonework – on both residential and commercial sites. I am a certified Wisconsin Master Gardener.
I am a Ecological Educator
I have been teaching people about nature and ecological issues since my first job in high school, at Red Oak Nature Center. I give presentations about landscaping with native plants, planting prairies, woodland restoration, invasive species management, shoreline restoration, monarch butterfly conservation, and more. I frequently lead wildflower walks and field trips.
I’m a Safe and Experienced Prescribed Burn Boss
I have led prescribed burns since 1998, and have burned several hundred units since, ranging from small backyard plantings to 100+ acre natural areas. I have a perfect safety record with no serious injuries, escaped fires, or significant property damage on any burns I have conducted. I am certified as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) through the National Wildfire Coordination Group.
Volunteer
I have served as a volunteer steward of both prairie and woodland sites in the past. I am currently a board member of Madison Chapter of Wild Ones. I am also a member of The Prairie Enthusiasts, Friends of Blue Mound, and Blue Mounds Area Project. I was a member of the committee which guided the development of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’s Rain Garden Conservation Practice Standard 1009, and the manual, Rain Gardens: A Guide for Homeowners and Landscapers.
Outdoorsman, Environmentalist, Botanist, Photographer
I’ve been enjoying the outdoors since I was a Boy Scout and stomping around my local creek as a child. I have spent my life cherishing the natural world. It is my passion to restore as much of planet Earth to ecological health as I can, and to guide and inspire others to restore their own natural communities.
