Our Roots
I have lived on Long Island my whole life, and at the age of 17 I became a commercial fisherman out of Montauk. I would continue in that profession for the next 23 years.
After fishing I found myself starting over. I went through many challenging personal transformations as I tried to figure out my purpose. Then one day a woman named Jenni asked me if I wanted to mow her lawn and maintain her property, but she said it had to be done organically. At that time, I just had a small push mower that I carted around in my pickup truck. Jenni introduced me to Edwina von Gal, a passionate champion for the land, who taught me all about toxin free landscaping. I feel so fortunate to have found these amazing people, and to be able say I was organic from the start.
I continued to learn more about organic landscaping methods while mowing lawns as a side job. It wasn't until the birth of my first daughter that I realized I had to go through yet another transition in order to provide for my family. That is when I started my own organic landscaping company, Norris Organics. The journey has not been without setbacks, but what a wonderful journey it has been!
Learning about the microbial world of compost with Paul Wagner at the PRFCT Earth Project.
Today, I am continuing to expand my knowledge about the complex components that make up our local ecosystems, taking courses in organic turf management and connecting with other passionate toxin-free land care professionals. I use methods prescribed by the North East Organic Farming Association (NOFA), the gold standard in organic land care strategies, and I have become a NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP). In 2021 we were able to switch the majority of our equipment to zero-emissions electric equipment for our regular maintenance services. That means quieter communities, cleaner air, and a MUCH smaller carbon footprint! There is always more to do, but I am so proud to be on a path to creating a cleaner, greener world for my daughters and all that live on the beautiful East End.
One of my greatest pleasures is watching my children explore our back yard garden. No room for toxins here!
If you or anyone you know ever has a question about organic land care please don't hesitate to contact me!
Jason Norris