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 20 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 garnished him with several Grand Awards for design and installation from the Landscape Contractors Association of MD, DC, and VA. Michael enjoys helping the community through volunteering as Fire Fighter/EMT and coaching youth lacrosse. Michael enjoys spending time on his boat in the Chesapeake Bay with his wife, 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.comLink

Matthew Prokopchak, Vice President

Matthew like his brother Michael entered the landscape industry at a young age of 16. Matthew brings with him, the know how to run production of a large company. He facilitates the equipment and materials on the company's projects as well as manages all employees' relations. Matthew also handles the company's ever-growing fleet of equipment and vehicles. With the size and scope of projects, logistics is now a large part of his efforts. Matthew has the distinct if not enviable, task of traveling the area to work on the company's prestigious projects. He enjoys the waters of the Chesapeake Bay on his boat with his wife, family and friends. His "Get it Done, Whatever it takes" attitude sets Walnut Hill Landscape Company apart from others. Contact Matthew at Mattp@walnuthilllandscape.comLink

Ronda Prokopchak CPH, Purchasing Manager

Michael's wife Ronda developed her love for the outdoors at an early age. As the purchasing agent for Walnut Hill, Ronda is able to fulfill this job requirement by spending her time traveling to nurseries to hand select plant material for our projects and also managing our own nursery inventory. Ronda is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Horticulture. Prior to starting Walnut Hill with Michael and Matthew, she worked for ValleyCrest the nation's largest landscape company as their Chief Purchasing Agent for the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this position she was fortunate to provide the plant material for such projects as The National Museum of the American Indian, the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, The Arctic Exhibit at the Baltimore Zoo and many others. She uses her vast experience to procure the best plant material for all Walnut Hill projects. This past year Ronda graduated from the Advanced Pest Management Course at the University of Maryland and obtained her Certified Professional Horticulturist designation. She is currently pursuing her International Arborist Certification. Ronda and Michael have 3 children ages 9, 5 and 3. When she is not buying plants or chasing children, Ronda enjoys exercising, reading, listening to music and cooking for friends and family. Contact Ronda at Ronda@Walnuthilllandscape.comLink

Jennifer Dengler, Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer serves as Chief Financial Officer of Walnut Hill where she is responsible for the oversight of all financial activities, reporting, and accounting. Jennifer has over twenty years of accounting and audit experience in both the public and private sector. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and is a Certified Public Accountant. Jennifer and her husband have three children and enjoy spending time with family enjoying water sports and skiing. She has a passion for working in her yard and reaping the rewards of the family garden. Contact Jennifer at Jennifer@Walnuthilllandscape.comLink

Jim Pendleton, Landscape Designer

Jim has been in the landscape industry for over 36 years. Beginning as a laborer, shovel in hand; he claims to have never worked a day in his life. Simply put, he loves his work. Touted as one of the area's premier landscape designers he has been the recipient of a multitude of awards, both locally and nationally, with an impressive list of clients. His work has been exhibited in several magazines, and he has worked under contract with Time/Life books in their Home Improvement Series. A client once asked him how he was able to design so "out of the box". His answer? He never knew there was a box. Contact Jim at jimp@walnuthilllandscape.comLink

Grace Schneider, Landscape Architect

Grace was drawn into the field of Landscape Architecture through her love of the outdoors and art. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University. Since graduating, she was initially employed as a land planner, designing conceptual residential and commercial developments to obtain county approval for final plans. She has found her greatest satisfaction in residential landscape design and installation. For her, it is very exciting to meet a client, ascertain their dreams, go through the design process with them and have the final product be the transformation of their property into beautiful, usable spaces. Her philosophy is, "the possibilities are endless." Recently she studied at the Watershed Stewardship Academy, an initiative through Arlington Echo Outdoor Center and Anne Arundel County Dept. of Public Works. The objective of this continued education is to teach designers how to clean storm water on a community level before it reaches the Chesapeake Bay, through the use of rain gardens, bio swales and rain barrels. Outside of designing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis and travel. Contact Grace at grace@walnuthilllandscape.com
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Shaun Snodgrass, Project Manager

Shaun entered the green industry at the age of 15 working for a landscape contractor in Harwood, MD. While Shaun does hold a degree in business administration from Frostburg State University, he was always drawn back to the landscape business. He has over 20 years of industry experience having worked in a management role for many highly regarded companies like Ruppert Landscape Company and Valley Crest. In Shaun's current role with Walnut Hill, he is primarily responsible for the maintenance division. His strong horticultural skills combined with his natural people skills make him adept at developing long term relationships with Walnut Hill clientele. He is able to learn and understand each project through the eyes of the owner or designer and help turn the visions on paper into realities. Shaun and his wife Erin live in Southern Anne Arundel County. They have two young girls with whom they enjoy crabbing on the bay as well as watching their development as young athletes. Contacts Shaun at shaun@walnuthilllandscape.comLink

Grace Ryan, Associate ASLA, Landscape Designer

As a recent graduate with honors and a Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland, Grace was excited to see the art and science of landscape architecture in practice. Throughout her education she had a wide range of opportunities, including the chance to study abroad in Italy as well as take part in the development of projects in her local communities. As the former President of the University of Maryland's Student ASLA, a recipient of the Maryland ASLA Honor Award, and a University Olmsted Scholar she has been very involved in the LA community. Outside of landscape architecture, her interests include spending time with her family, watching a good movie, and spending time in downtown Washington DC. Contact Grace at graceryan@walnuthilllandscape.com.Link