Kara Lugar

Kara Lugar has a diverse work experience in various roles and industries. Kara started their career at Lugar Construction as a Licensed Independent Contractor from November 2002 to March 2006. Following that, they worked as the Owner and Designer at Natural Highlights Gardening & Landscaping Design from September 2006 to May 2009. Kara then joined Blackfoot Native Plants Nursery as a Native Plant Consultant and Assistant Nursery Manager from June 2009 to August 2012.

In 2014, Kara worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (CRSSA), where they conducted research on GIS technology implementation in design and planning. Kara also worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at the Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability, focusing on creating graphic illustrations and flood-risk analysis models using GIS mapping.

From 2015 to 2017, Kara freelanced as a Landscape Planner and Designer, providing ecologically sustainable landscape design services to residential and commercial clients. In 2016, they also worked as a Landscape Designer and Equestrian Specialist at Deborah Cerbone Associates, where they specialized in equestrian property design and restoration of naturalized landscapes.

Kara later joined PSEG as a Technical Engineering GIS Support Technician in 2018, where they provided technical support for power grid and infrastructure mapping. Kara also worked as a Landscape Architect and Designer at Eco-Chic Gardens, LLC during the same period, overseeing site surveys, sales efforts, and field leadership.

Their most recent role was as the Corporate Director and Ecological Specialist at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area. Kara served on the Board of Directors and provided support with fiscal management, business development, and marketing strategies. Kara also advised and implemented best management practices for water conservation and minimizing ecological impact. Kara used ArcGIS and AutoCAD to map optimal slope, grading, and infrastructure placement for recreational experience, user safety, and ecological stability.

Overall, Kara Lugar has extensive experience in landscape architecture, ecological planning, GIS mapping, and project management across multiple industries.

Kara Lugar's education history begins with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, which they obtained from 2000 to 2004. Following this, they gained a Certificate in Master Gardener from the Missoula County Extension Service in 2008. Kara then pursued a Course in AutoCAD from the Missoula County Public Schools, Adult & Continuing Education in an undefined timeframe before 2009. Furthering their knowledge in the field, Kara obtained a Diploma in Landscape Designer from the Anna Gresham School of Landscape Design in an unspecified timeframe ending in 2011. Finally, they completed their education with a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University between 2012 and 2015.