--- title: "Advancing the Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative: A Collaborative Effort for the Future of the Green Industry" description: Ellison Chair Advisory Committee advances the Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative to enhance well-being and support the green industry’s future growth image: https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-10-18%2013.17.21%20-%20A%20serene%20garden%20with%20lush%20greenery%2c%20incorporating%20elements%20of%20music%20and%20movement.%20The%20image%20should%20feature%20plants%2c%20natural%20elements%2c%20and%20subtle%20musica.webp --- [Skip to content](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/advancing-the-plants-nature-and-health-initiative-a-collaborative-effort-for-the-future-of-the-green-industry#main-content) [![TNLA-Logo-White](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNLA-Logo-White.png?width=410&height=119&name=TNLA-Logo-White.png)](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/) - [BLOGS](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org) - [TNLAONLINE.ORG](https://www.tnlaonline.org/) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) # Advancing the Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative: A Collaborative Effort for the Future of the Green Industry 18 October 2024 [Sarah Riggins, TNLA Director of Workforce Development](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/author/sarah-riggins-tnla-director-of-workforce-development) Last week, the Ellison Chair Advisory Committee, led by Dr. Charlie Hall of Texas A&M University, convened in College Station, TX, to further discussions on the long-term Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative, which was introduced last year. Over 20 speakers contributed, emphasizing the crucial role that plants and nature play in recovery settings, hospitals, child development, and inspiring future careers in the green industry. The committee had the unique opportunity to meet with Grammy-nominated musician Lynn Vartan, Associate Professor of Music-Percussion at the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts. Vartan, collaborating with other Texas A&M experts, is exploring how music and dance can be incorporated into garden spaces to enhance both human experiences and plant growth. The committee aims to apply this research to the Texas Green Industry, helping businesses develop long-term strategies to meet the growing demand for stress relief and recovery through nature. Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to shape a greener, healthier future. ![](https://24277779.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/24277779/hubfs/IMG_2624.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_2624.jpg) ![](https://24277779.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/24277779/hubfs/IMG_2618.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_2618.jpg) ![](https://24277779.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/24277779/hubfs/IMG_2623.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_2623.jpg) ![](https://24277779.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/24277779/hubfs/IMG_2619.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_2619.jpg) ### Related Post [![](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/fly-in%20june%202024.jpg?width=352&name=fly-in%20june%202024.jpg)](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tnla-advocates-for-h-2b-visas-key-legislative-win-for-the-industry?hsLang=en) ##### [TNLA Advocates for H-2B Visas: Key Legislative Win for the Industry](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/tnla-advocates-for-h-2b-visas-key-legislative-win-for-the-industry?hsLang=en) On May 21 and 22, TNLA joined over 120 landscape professionals in Washington, D.C., to advocate for... 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[![](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/wfy%20blog%20post%20featured%20image%201.9.25.png?width=352&name=wfy%20blog%20post%20featured%20image%201.9.25.png)](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/start-the-year-strong-with-tnla-events-and-resources-for-2025?hsLang=en) ##### [Start the Year Strong with TNLA: Events and Resources for 2025](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/start-the-year-strong-with-tnla-events-and-resources-for-2025?hsLang=en) Start the Year Strong with TNLA: Events and Resources for 2025As we begin 2025, the Texas Nursery &... ![TNLA-Logo-HiRes](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNLA-Logo-HiRes.png?width=200&height=58&name=TNLA-Logo-HiRes.png) Copyright ©2024 | Texas Nursery and Landscape Association | Working for You | All Rights Reserved [TNLAONLINE.ORG |](https://www.tnlaonline.org/) [EXPO 2024](https://www.nurserylandscapeexpo.org/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sarah Riggins, TNLA Director of Workforce Development", "url" : "https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/author/sarah-riggins-tnla-director-of-workforce-development" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-18T18:46:37.472Z", "datePublished" : "2024-10-18T18:18:10.000Z", "headline" : "Advancing the Plants, Nature, and Health Initiative: A Collaborative Effort for the Future of the Green Industry", "image" : [ "https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-10-18%2013.17.21%20-%20A%20serene%20garden%20with%20lush%20greenery%2c%20incorporating%20elements%20of%20music%20and%20movement.%20The%20image%20should%20feature%20plants%2c%20natural%20elements%2c%20and%20subtle%20musica.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/advancing-the-plants-nature-and-health-initiative-a-collaborative-effort-for-the-future-of-the-green-industry", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Texas Nursery & Landscape Association" } } ```