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– Our Team –

Michael Prokopchak, ASLA

President

Michael entered the Landscape/Nursery Industry at the age of 13 working for a nursery in Davidsonville, MD. He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Temple University and is recognized as a full member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He brings with him 25 years’ experience in the landscape industry. His reputation for being extremely creative and passionate in his designing drew him to start Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Michael’s commitment to quality has garnered him with several Grand Awards for design and installation from the Landscape Contractors Association of MD, DC, and VA and The National Association of Landscape Professionals. Michael enjoys helping the community through volunteering as Fire Fighter/EMT and coaching youth lacrosse. Michael enjoys spending time on his boat on the Chesapeake Bay with his 3 children and friends. To this day there is not a project that the company has done that Michael has not had his hand in. This is the personal touch that sets Walnut Hill Landscape Company apart from others.

Contact Michael at Mikep@walnuthilllandscape.com

John Hanks, MBA

Landscape/Construction Division Manager

John brings with him over 15 years of corporate and entrepreneurial leadership to Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Although relatively new to landscape design; his MBA, 20 years of experience in design and construction inside the home, and attention to detail provides a different perspective as Walnut Hill Landscape Company looks to grow and expand.

From all over the West, he grew up sailing and skiing. He has coached college ski teams and taught at premier resorts. He is happy to be in Maryland near the water and boating.

Relatively new to the East Coast, he enjoys visiting historical places with his family; however, Assateague Island is a reoccurring family favorite.

Contact John at John@walnuthilllandscape.com

Ben Rankin, PLA, ASLA

Landscape Architect

Ben received his Bachelors of Landscape Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. In addition to being an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Ben is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect. Through his many travels to Europe, Africa, and around the United States, he has grown to appreciate the unique landscapes that can be found throughout the world. Ben’s passion for both design and the outdoors made working for Walnut Hill an easy choice. He takes a detail oriented approach to design focusing on each client’s individual vision. When not at work, you can find him fishing the waters of Maryland, hunting the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, or hiking with his wife and sons.

Contact Ben at Ben@walnuthilllandscape.com

Dale Branch

Landscape Management Division Manager

Dale Branch is a 20 year veteran in the Landscape and Horticulture industry and achieved his certification in Professional Horticulture in 2007. He has spent the last 15 years in Maryland and DC overseeing a wide variety of private estates, top tier residential properties and Federal complexes. He prides himself in attentive customer service and striving to always raise the bar in quality of workmanship and professionalism. Dale lives on the Eastern Shore with his wife and two children.

Contact Dale at Dale@walnuthilllandscape.com

Stephen Jackson

Landscape Management Production Manager

Stephen was born and raised south of Annapolis in Rose Haven Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science/Turf. After working for nearly 10 years at high-end golf courses and in commercial landscaping, he has found a home at Walnut Hill. Stephen has supervised and completed jobs of any stature, from small plantings to complete renovations, and is looking forward to bringing his expertise to your home. Stephen lives in Deale Maryland with his wife and children.

Contact Dale at Stephen@walnuthilllandscape.com

Dan Kolb

Purchasing Manager

Dan is a Maryland native, growing up in Wheaton MD but has traveled to many exotic locations around the world, particularly during his enlistment in the US Navy. As a teen Dan worked for a large family owned landscape contractor in suburban Chicago; it was there that he realized he had a passion for the industry. He brings with him over 20 years of Horticultural supply and distribution experience and industry knowledge. Dan has experience in a number of areas including Facilities Management, Emergency Communications Casework, Volunteer Management and of course Horticultural supply and distribution. Dan has provided plant material to a number of large, high profile projects ranging from New York City to Richmond, Va. as well as a number of Federal, State, Local and institutional projects.

Contact Dan at Dan@walnuthilllandscape.com

Angela Plumley

Project Estimator

Angela was born and raised in the great state of Maryland. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and a Minor in Horticulture. Angela brings with her over 5 years’ experience working in the project estimating realm of the residential, commercial, and government landscape industries. She has a strong passion for bringing designs to fruition. When not at work, Angela enjoys spending her free time caring for her own garden and hanging out with her pets.

Contact Angela at Angela@walnuthilllandscape.com

Miguel Tejada, CLT

Production Manager

Miguel joined the Landscape industry 22 years ago and has a great deal of experience working on commercial and residential landscape projects. Having a deep knowledge of the Annapolis, Washington D.C. And Virginia metro areas has helped him lead many projects. This gives him a great deal of vision on ‘where to go’ for future projects making him an outstanding asset to the company. With his outgoing personality he creates and preserves strong relationships between Walnut Hill Staff and their clients. Miguel facilitates the equipment and materials on the company’s projects as well as manages all employee relations. On his free time he is always enjoy playing with his two daughters and his little boy. For the record he should not be confused with the baseball player by the same name. He always has to clarify that and on occasion has signed a couple of autographs!

Contact Miguel at Miguel@walnuthilllandscape.com

Miranda Brandenburg

Director of Administration

Miranda was born and raised in Maryland, growing up south of Annapolis in Lothian. She recently graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Minor in Health Science. After working various types of jobs, she has realized she has a passion for organization, planning, and fostering a positive work environment. She comes to Walnut Hill with skills and knowledge in the administrative side of the business, and hopes to learn more about the ins and outs of the landscape industry. In her free time, Miranda loves to hang out with friends, exercise, read, and enjoy the outdoors.

Contact Miranda at Miranda@walnuthilllandscape.com

Katie Tolman

Master Gardener

Katie has a lifelong love of gardening that sprouted from her childhood days, working with her father in his gardens. After graduating from Salem State College with a degree in social work, she worked with children and families in distress. As a stay-at-home mom, Katie satisfied her passion by gardening part-time. Over the years, Katie has continued to grow professionally, expanding her knowledge of horticulture by taking gardening courses, pouring over books and magazines, and learning about various plant species and proper care. Today, Katie balances a drive to maintain landscapes by caring for them meticulously with a creative eye. Her passion for gardening and attention to detail make her a wonderful fit for working at Walnut Hill. When Katie is not outside in a beautiful garden, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, having dinner with friends, boating, and going to the beach.

Contact Katie at Katie@walnuthilllandscape.com

Crew Members

Landscape/Construction and Landscape Management Divisions

Meet the heart and soul of our crews. Some have been here from the beginning, all of them have at least 7 years of experience with Walnut Hill Landscape. Combined, they represent over 85 years of expert landscape experience doing it “The Walnut Hill Way.” We are proud of our crews, their commitment to excellence and the example they show to the rest of our team.