Meet Our Team
Our highly experienced staff is ready to serve all of your arboricultural needs.
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MERLIN SCHLUMBERGER
OWNER / ISA BOARD CERTIFIED MASTER ARBORIST / REGISTERED CONSULTING ARBORIST Merlin is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (WE-7670B), an ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ), a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA #687) through the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and a CA Licensed Contractor. Education is a key aspect of this business and he is constantly teaching clients about proper tree care and maintenance. Merlin teaches Arboriculture at Santa Rosa Junior College, tree biology classes to industry professionals, and grafting and pruning workshops. He has worked as the Orchard Manager at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Merlin holds a BA in Environmental Studies & Agroecology and Sociology from UCSC and a GIS certificate from Community College of San Francisco. He participates in frequent professional development trainings to keep up to date with the field of arboriculture. Merlin's love of trees developed as a child, growing up in a forested village in the French Alps. |
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NICOLE SCHLUMBERGER
OWNER / OPERATIONS MANAGER In addition to managing business operations, Nicole works with clients to incorporate California native plants and encourage habitat & biodiversity within their landscapes. Nicole holds a MA in Teaching from the University of San Francisco and a BA in Environmental Studies & Agroecology from UCSC. She specializes in California native plants and has worked as a botanist, wildland seed collector, and CA native plant propagator. She teaches as an adjunct faculty in the Agriculture and Natural Resources department at Santa Rosa Junior College, previously taught at Orchard View School in Sebastopol, and developed environmental education curriculum and summer camps for schools. Nicole works to increase access to California native seeds through Wild Iris - California Native Seed Project. |
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SEAMUS QUINN
SENIOR ARBORIST Seamus is an ISA Certified Arborist (WE-11396A) and brings a wealth of expertise to our team with over 15 years of experience in tree work, landscape installation and management, masonry, hardscapes, aquascapes and pond installation. Seamus is a skilled climber, and has a keen eye for tree structure and form. He has designed and installed landscapes including ornamental and productive food gardens and orchards with an emphasis on native plants and drought-tolerant water reclamation features. Seamus and Merlin both volunteer with the Bird Rescue Center to renest raptors after they have been rehabilitated. |
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KYLE DOWLING
ARBORIST Kyle is an ISA Certified Arborist (WE-14279A) and has worked with Merlin Arborist Group since 2019. He is a skilled climber and grounds crew member. His experience as an EMT helps keep our team safe and educated. He has past experience with landscaping and tree care. In his spare time, you can find Kyle backpacking, pole fishing, crabbing, or taking pictures in nature! MELISSA KANG
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR As the Administrative Coordinator, Melissa works to problem solve and create solutions for our clients and team. Melissa is a former teacher and enjoys all things outdoors. Melissa has sought to deepen her understanding of the natural world through hiking, backpacking, gardening and volunteering with the Ceres Community Project. LUKE ARMSTRONG
ARBORIST Luke is an ISA Certified Arborist (WE-12616A). He is very interested in the relationship between fire ecology and tree care and the role of fire based vegetation management.. Luke has participated in prescribed burns through "Fire Forward," the Wildland Firefighter II training, and holds a Natural Resources Management certification through SRJC. He also has experience with landscape maintenance and vegetable production. Luke works seasonally with Merlin Arborist Group to maintain orchards around Sonoma County. |
