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Welcome to the Studio of Gary L Hightshoe
Meet Gary
The highly esteemed Professor Gary L. Hightshoe (GLH) is Emeritus Professor of Landscape Architecture at lowa State University, in Ames, lowa, where he taught courses in plant materials, planting design, and landscape resource management for more than 47 years. Over the course of nearly half a century, Gary's colleagues, clients, students, friends, and family have coined him the "tree whisperer," grandfather of the prairie, godfather of Savanna Studio at Iowa State, "tree hugger," bird watcher, Artist, hunter and angler, photographer, illustrator, author, conservationist, ecologist, historian, National Park Systems expert, mentor, educator, civil servant, husband, father of four, and grandfather of eight. Gary's thoughtful approach to the gift of life through people and nature has impacted dozens of colleagues, faculty, and friends, hundreds of students, and thousands of trees.
He obtained his B.S.L.A. and M.L.A. degrees from lowa State University and is the author and illustrator of North American Plantfile, and Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Rural and Urban America. His life's journey has sparked research interests leading to the development of a regional guide to environmental settings and associations of plants for landscape use in the north-central states. He is a strong advocate of the accelerated inventory and preservation of rare and threatened ecosystems and strongly believes in sustaining a vibrant, diverse, thriving ecology delicately balanced with the behaviors and consequences of human life.
Perhaps, one of Gary's most significant contributions to the field and continued progress of landscape architecture is his vision and formation of Savanna Studio at Iowa State University, the only traveling landscape architecture studio class of its kind in the world. For years, Gary and colleagues sought to find ways of taking the academic experience of landscape architecture into the field - an element critical to industry success. When reflecting back on the "early days" Gary shares the story of winter semester students showing up to their first day of class in January in Iowa shocked to learn a majority of the classes would meet outdoors. "You can't develop a relationship with the landscape from behind a desk." Now, over 1,000 students later, Savanna Studio continues to flourish and contribute to the brand and reputation of the industry, the program, and department. Over the years, Gary led over two decades of students, year in and year out, to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Yellowstone National Park , Theodore Roosevelt, Banff, Badlands, and countless other National and State Parks, Monuments, Nature Reserves, and Wildlife Preserves.
Gary loves the great White Oak, the Pagoda and Flowering Dogwoods, and any native prairie forb. As his granddaughters would say "he's not the biggest fan of petunias, lilacs, or red-leafed varieties of trees and shrubs - generally speaking."
Welcome to the Studio of the highly esteemed and admired Gary L. Hightshoe. GLH is one of five Kate Shu Collective STAR Resident Artists and a valuable member of the Monarch Shoppe. We're so happy you're here.
What does Gary Do?
Native Landscapes & Plant Materials
Gary brings with him more than half a century of academic and applied knowledge and is known for his niche expertise in the following areas:
- native plants, trees, shrubs and vines of North America and beyond in both rural and urban settinigs
- native prairie plant identification, restoration, prescribed fire and general land management solutiions
- vanishing landscapes and ecological preservation
- National Park System, National Monuments, Designated Wildlife Conservation and Preservation Areas
- fundamental principles and philosophies of the field of Landscape Architecture.
- Gary was a tenured faculty and Professor of Landscape Architecture for both graduate and undergraduate students in the College of Design at Iowa State University.
Paradise Lost: Navajo Rising, original watercolor of Navajo National Monument within the Navajo Nation, Arizona on Savanna Studio 2019 at Iowa State University - by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
Prairie Restoration & Management
Gary is referred to by some as the "godfather of the prairie." His designs and endless contributions as an educator and civil servant to the addition and preservation of native prairie, specifically in the State of Iowa, can be experienced on the campus of Iowa State University, Gilbert High School, Ames High School, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Leoss Hills, Doolittle Prairie, and others. Gary has extensive experience in native prairie plant identification, as well as preservation and management planning and execution.
As weather and environmental conditions allow, Gary is available for guided prairie walks. Interested parties are subject to an up to %50 non-refundable deposit and an indepth screening process.
Paradise Lost: Navajo Rising, original watercolor of Navajo National Monument within the Navajo Nation, Arizona on Savanna Studio 2019 at Iowa State University - by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
Education & Facilitation
Gary brings with him a rich history in higher education, teaching, advising, consulting, mentoring, and coaching making him a perfect collaborator to schools, institutions, classes, businesses, and communities for workshop facilitation, studio class presentation, judging and commentating, roundtable and panel discussions, and interviews. For audiences of all backgrounds, Gary has the gift of creating a safe and welcoming place and space through his dynamic and effective, yet candid and relatable presentation style and approach.
Paradise Lost: Navajo Rising, original watercolor of Navajo National Monument within the Navajo Nation, Arizona on Savanna Studio 2019 at Iowa State University - by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
Gary's Products & Services
Storytelling
Perfect for diverse audiences large and small.
- Native Landscapes: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of North America
- Prairie Restoration, Maintenance, Management, and Preservation
- Place Making Through Landscape Design Best Practices
- The Crossroads: Where People and Plants Meet
- Making the Most of Your Outdoor Experiences
- Why Landscape Architecture as an Industry is Key to the Success of our Future Communities, and MORE
If your'e not sure what you'd like Gary to talk about, give us a call and set up a meeting for both of us to learn more.
- Native Landscapes: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of North America
- Prairie Restoration, Maintenance, Management, and Preservation
- Place Making Through Landscape Design Best Practices
- The Crossroads: Where People and Plants Meet
- Making the Most of Your Outdoor Experiences
- Why Landscape Architecture as an Industry is Key to the Success of our Future Communities, and MORE
If your'e not sure what you'd like Gary to talk about, give us a call and set up a meeting for both of us to learn more.
Visit the Monarch Shoppe to shop NOW!
https://www.monarchshoppe.com/shop
Gary's Collections at the Monarch Shoppe are perfect must haves for any plant or outdoor enthusiasts.
We love working with small businesses and we're the perfect pairing for:
- botanical center and arboretum gift shops
- art museums and art galleries
- garden centers and flower shops
- cafés, bistros, and specialty grocers
- fine arts and arts and crafts retailers
- boutiques and jewelers
Placemaking
Perfect for those who love authentic outdoor experiences.
- Yellowstone National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Smokey Mountain Natiional Park
- Twin Harbors, MN
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Enchanted Rock, TX
- Grand Teton National Park
- Lead, SD
- Johnson Shut - Ins State Park, MO
- Custer State Park, SD
- Horn Island, MI
- Big Bend National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Enchanted Rock Scientific & Natural Area, TX
- Banff National Park
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area
- And MORE!
***Reservations are made a year in advance. All applicants are subject to an indepth screening process.***
Gary L Hightshoe is Author, and contributing Photographer and Illustrator of North American Plantfile and what some call the Landscape Architect's "bible," Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of Urban and Rural North America. Gary possesses the knowledge and experience to provide key takeaways and thoughtful topics for groups large and small. Decades of expert knowledge and a unique ability to engage audiences regardless of age, background, or education level making a welcoming, safe space for all.
Gary possesses an extensive background and vast experience in impactful and sustainable community and culture change management initiiatiives through nature: plants and landscape design.
Gary's leadership is highly effective with community building projects, formulating strategic commjunity based initiatives through plants and nature, expanding green life into rural and urban landscapes, advising community and business leaders on landscape and wildlife ecology, and implementing best practices.
Pricing varies depending on a number of contributing factors. The best way to get an estimate is to set up time to talk so we can learn more about your needs.
Check out the BareBones BodyART Collection
Find original tattoo artwork you won't find anywhere else and make it uniquely you.
Discover botanically accurate and artistically beautiful renderings of hundreds of NATIVE botanic selections in the BareBones BodyART Collection. Bring these native treasures to life and make them uniquely you!
Trees symbolize strength, wisdom, life and growth, and the connection to our spirituality.
Visit the Monarch Shoppe to view our one-of-a-kind, original, tattoo body art collection for tattoo artists and tattoo seekers alike. If your'e a licensed Tattoo Artist and want to expand your offerings to your clients, ask us about our Commercial Art Licensing opportunities. If you're a tattoo seeker and refuse to get your tattoos from social media or want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on having a custom drawn tattoo, but also cringe at the thought of buying a tattoo from "the wall," you've come to the right place.
When you purchase tattoo Artwork from our BareBones BodyART Collection, you're purchasing our Personal Use License. The Artwork will be availble for digital download in JPEG, PNG, and transparent stencil PNG formats as soon as your payment is submitted and processed and can be done right from your phone.
In the Garden from the Love Makes Everything Better Collection by Gary L Hightshoe.
The Tree Hugger Collection
Hardcover Bound Journal Notebook in 7 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Shingle Oak, Quercus imbracaria
Shingle Oak, Quercus imbracaria from the Tree Hugger Collection by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
• Cover material: UltraHyde hardcover paper
• Size: 5.5" × 8.5" (13.97 cm × 21.59 cm)
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
• 80 pages of lined, cream-colored paper
• Matching elastic closure and ribbon marker
• Expandable inner pocket
Hardcover Bound Journal Notebook in 7 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor from the Tree Hugger Collection by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
• Cover material: UltraHyde hardcover paper
• Size: 5.5" × 8.5" (13.97 cm × 21.59 cm)
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
• 80 pages of lined, cream-colored paper
• Matching elastic closure and ribbon marker
• Expandable inner pocket
Hardcover Bound Journal Notebook in 7 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Pin Oak, Quercus palustris
Pin Oak, Quercus palustris from the Tree Hugger Collection by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
• Cover material: UltraHyde hardcover paper
• Size: 5.5" × 8.5" (13.97 cm × 21.59 cm)
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
• 80 pages of lined, cream-colored paper
• Matching elastic closure and ribbon marker
• Expandable inner pocket
MORE from the Tree Hugger Collection by Gary
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Northern Red Oak, Quercus borealis
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: Northern Red Oak, Quercus borealis at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Black Maple, Acer Nigrum
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: Black Maple, Acer nigrum at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Black Maple, Acer Nigrum
Acer nigrum, Black Maple
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Black Maple, Acer Nigrum
Acer nigrum, Black Maple
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors from the Tree Hugger Collection: Chinkapin Oak, Quercus muehlenbergii
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: Chinkapin Oak, Quercus bicolor at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
the Oak, Quercus - I'm a little quirky - FRONT
Unisex Short Sleeve Tee (FRONT) in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: I'm a little quirky at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
the Oak, Quercus - I'm a little quirky - BACK
Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum - Sweetie - BACK
Unisex Short Sleeve Tee (FRONT) in 8 Colors and Sizes S to 2XL from the Tree Hugger Collection: Sweetie, Sugar Maple at the Monarch Shoppe.
• 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic Heather and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142.4 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Cover-stitched collar
• 2″ (5 cm) ribbed cuffs
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum - Sweetie - FRONT
Creative Concepts for Digital Artwork
Quercus alba, White Oak - Tree Hugger Collection by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
Creative Concepts for Digital Artwork
Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple - Tree Hugger Collection by Gary L Hightshoe & the Kate Shu Collective
Paradise Lost - The Farm I - X by Gary L Hightshoe
Paradise Lost: the Farm - Cascade, Iowa by Gary L Hightshoe at the Monarch Shoppe - DIGITAL ART
White Glossy Mug - 20, 15, 11 oz - Paradise Lost: the Farm - Cascade, Iowa by Gary L Hightshoe and the Kate Shu Collective at the Monarch Shoppe
Whether you're drinking your morning coffee, evening tea, or something in between—this mug's for you! It's sturdy and glossy with a vivid print that'll withstand the microwave and dishwasher. Mix and match different items from the collection to create custom gift sets.
Hardcover Journal Notebook - Paradise Lost: the Farm - Cascade, Iowa by Gary L Hightshoe and the Kate Shu Collective at the Monarch Shoppe
The product features 80 lined, cream-colored pages, a built-in elastic closure, and a matching ribbon page marker. Plus, the expandable inner pocket is perfect for storing loose notes and business cards, so you’ll never lose track of important information.
Mix and match different items from the collection to create custom gift sets.
Want to make a big statement? We're here to help. Commission one of our talented Artists to make this GLH original creation come to life no matter where you're located, or hire one of our project management consultants to find an Artist in your own community. We collaborate with Artists across the country to help in bringing your vision alive.
Visual STORYTELLING and PLACEMAKING are two of the most effective and creative ways to articulate your mission, vision, values, and brand.
Visit our Digit Artwork Collection! With the purchase from our Digital Artwork Collection you'll receive our Personal Use License and have access to a high resolution PNG, JPEG, and transparent stencil to choose from.
Paradise Lost: The Farm I - Cascade, Iowa by Gary L Hightshoe and the Kate Shu Collective at the Monarch Shoppe.
From the Theodore Roosevelt Collection - GLH
Falling For You was one of many Savanna Studio assignments designed to provoke curiosity and provide experiential learning. Savanna Studio at Iowa State University was inspired by Hightshoe and is the only traveling Landscape Architecture course in the world of its kind.
Originally Little Firehole Falls in 1872, now Mystic Falls, a 70' waterfall located on the Little Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park will allow hikers a chance to visit Old Faithful and Biscuit Basin along the way.
Trumpeter's Lament, a GLH watercolor, was a Savanna Studio assignment intended to inspire the deepening of students' relationships with iconic, yet vanishing landscapes.
A favorite muse of Mississippi artist Walter Anderson, the beauty of Horn Island is currently under attack due to trash, chemicals, and human carelessness making dead zones scarred by low oxygen levels. Without action, Horn Island will disappear by 2100. The Gulf of America has the highest levels of ocean plastics in the world.
Enchantment is an original GLH watercolor from 2011 of Enchanted Rock SNA, TX at sunset.
SNA or State Natural Area is designated to natural landscapes or water areas acclaimed and protected for their tremendous value and hold a treasure of gems: remarkable flora and fauna, endangered or threatened species, and critical habitat.
Triangular in shape, the park is 1,643 acres and is known for it's fantastic pink granite dome.
Navajo Rising is an original GLH watercolor of Navajo National Monument within the Navajo Nation, AZ completed on one of many Savanna Studio trips.
Often, the professors and faculty completed the assignments side by side with students.
Navajo National Monument preserves and protects our collective American identity, the deep connection of the land, and the cultural value of the Ancestral Puebloans known as the Anasazi.
Blue Ribbon is an original GLH watercolor of Ribbon Lake at Yellowstone National Park, WY and was one of many Savanna Studio assignments given to students in 2011.
Savanna Studio at Iowa State University was founded with the intention of providing students with experiential learning in the field.
Ribbon Lake can be accessed through Ribbon Lake Trail and admired for it's placid tranquility. Visitors will enjoy a seven mile adventure through forest, thermal features, and geyser basins.
Come on in from the cold...
Feel like a little shopping, experiencing the winter blues? Need some "retail therapy" and want to be inspired? Visit us at the Monarch Shoppe, where quality and creativity matter!
Love,
the Monarch Shoppe (https://www.MonarchShoppe.com)