Three NJNLA members appointed to New Jersey Invasive Species Council

Governor Mikie Sherrill has appointed three New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association members to serve on the newly formed New Jersey Invasive Species Council.

Steven Wagner, Ed Overdevest and David DeFrange, representing both the nursery and landscape sectors, collectively bring more than 128 years of industry experience to the role.

The council will play a critical role in advising the state on invasive species policy, management strategies and recommendations that may impact New Jersey's environment, agriculture and nursery industry, as well as landscape professionals and consumers.

"These appointments reflect the depth of expertise that exists within New Jersey's nursery and landscape industry," said NJNLA president Tom Knezick. "Steve, Ed and David have each dedicated decades to advancing horticulture, supporting agriculture and promoting environmental stewardship. We are proud to see their experience recognized and look forward to their contributions as the council begins its important work."

Editor's note: Tom Knezick is a member of the Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards Class of 2025. Read the feature about his life in the industry here.

The New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association members on the New Jersey Invasive Species Council are:

All photos courtesy of NJNLA

Steven Wagner has operated his nursery stock sales business, Professional Horticultural Services, based in Franklinville, New Jersey, since 2015, representing nurseries nationwide. Prior to that, he served as general manager at Ferrucci Nurseries, Tuckahoe Nurseries and Brock Farms.

Wagner ha sserved on the NJNLA Board of Directors, NJ State Board of Agriculture and most recently the NJ DEP Water Supply Advisory Council as an advocate for the nursery industry. He was named NJNLA Nurseryman of the Year for 2012.

Wagner will bring his multiple decades of nursery experience and travels to advocate for the nursery industry on the NJ Invasive Species Council by stressing the concept of scientific evidence being paramount to declaring a plant as “invasive,” NJNLA said.

Ed Overdevest has been part of the family business since childhood and rejoined the company after graduating from college in 1975. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and currently serves as president of Overdevest Nurseries.

Overdevest serves on the board of directors of the Cohansey Area Watershed Association and is chair of the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Love Where You Live” Committee. He has served on the executive board of the Cumberland County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, Garden State Farm Credit and the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce. He has also chaired both the Upper Deerfield Township Economic Development Committee and the Upper Deerfield Township Planning Board.

Editor's note: Ed Overdevest is a member of the Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards Class of 2023. Read the feature about his life in the industry here.

Overdevest has also served as chair of the board of directors for AmericanHort. A long-time member and supporter of the NJNLA, he served as NJNLA president in 1988 and was named its Horticultural Professional of the Year (then known as “Nurseryman of the Year”) in 1991.

David DeFrange is recognized as an accomplished landscape designer, nurseryman, educator and state advocate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in bioscience and ornamental horticulture environmental design from Delaware Valley University.

In 1994, DeFrange founded his Frenchtown-based business, Copper Creek. Starting as a landscape design/build firm, he successfully expanded the company to include a 70-acre farm nursery, where he grows native plant species and cultivars of shade trees.

DeFrange has served on the board of directors for NJNLA and as chair of the CNLP Committee. He also participated in the New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Society Development Program and was vice president of the Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture.

He was appointed as the nursery representative on the NJ State Board of Agriculture, serving two consecutive terms and two years as its president. During his tenure, he worked to unify the state’s nursery and landscape industry, ensuring all constituents had a voice at the state level. He has been a legislative champion, successfully finding common ground on issues such as the Invasive Species bill, NJNLA said.

The NJNLA has been actively engaged in discussions surrounding invasive species policy and remains committed to ensuring that the voices of New Jersey's nursery and landscape professionals are heard throughout the council's work, the association said.

As the council begins its work, NJNLA said it will continue to advocate on behalf of its members, monitor developments and provide timely updates and opportunities for member input.