GARY DATKA

"I have always been intrigued and fascinated by nature and landscape, and feel like everything I have done since I was a kid exploring the forests of Wisconsin has led me to landscape architecture," says Colorado transplant Gary Datka. "Landscape architecture gives me the opportunity to use ecology, form and imagination to inform and enrich cultural and social spaces."

Inspired by the stark beauty of the Colorado landscape as well as the Wisconsin forests where he grew up, Datka specializes in urban forest management and horticulture. Datka has combined this work with ecology and restoration. When he's not planning urban forests for Walker Macy projects, he can be found hiking and backpacking in wilderness areas during his offtime, as well as learning bluegrass banjo.