Danielle Schroeder

Background

About Danielle Schroeder

It's hard to believe but horticulture is in my roots. My Mother has owned and operated a small greenhouse for as long as I can remember. My Father is a farmer. I have worked in all 3 sectors of horticulture. I started in the private sector while completing my work co-op for the Greenspace Management Program doing maintenance for commercial businesses and residential complexes. Post College, I accepted a position with the University of Manitoba doing grounds maintenance. In 2012 I switched gears and became a civil servant for Manitoba's largest cemetery and home to one of Canada's largest and oldest Field of Honours. In my current position I have designed, installed and care for the gardens that serve multiple purposes. Some are purely aesthetic, some honour our fallen soldiers, one softens an area for babies gone too soon, and the largest instalments in the three cemeteries I oversee are the resting place of people looking for an unconventional option. In 2022 I was enticed by a permanent year round position in the private sector managing lawncare/landscape and snow shoveling. Sad to leave a role I loved dearly and found purpose in with Cemeteries. Being a reoccurring EI claimant makes it hard to get ahead in life. Managing a division of a company was a valuable experience but the hours where long and the work/life imbalance was taking a tole on those most important to me. After 2 years I accepted a maintenance position with the University of Winnipeg, where my extensive grounds maintenance experience and jill of all trades capabilities fit in flawlessly with the Service Worker Department. I volunteered on the Board of Friends of Kildonan Park as well as Apprenticeship Manitoba's Landscape Technician board. Over the years I have volunteered at different fundraisers and functions for Gardens Manitoba (which I am a member of) and on occasion attended the yearly Manitoba Green Show. I have also attended seminars put on by Urban Forestry. I have also volunteered with my children's school and daycare. Currently I am on the board of my local community garden The Seven Oaks Community Garden. I have mentored others in basic gardening, installation of trees, and small softscape and hardscape projects.