“Growing up, there was always an emphasis on education in my family. Regardless of what you want to pursue in life, education has always been something that we value highly.”
Stephen Hicks of Huntington, New York, shares about his remarkable family. As Quaker farmers who settled in the Westbury, New York area in the mid- 1600s, the Hickses cultivated one of Long Island’s longest-lasting family businesses when Isaac Hicks (1815–1900) began selling fruit trees and shrubs to his neighbors and founded what is today known as Hicks Nurseries in 1853.
Powered by research and innovation, the business evolved, revolutionizing the horticulture industry with a patented system for moving large, mature trees across Long Island’s Gold Coast estates in the early 1900s and a groundbreaking sales department that offered pre-dug plants in the 1930s.
“Before that, if you wanted to buy trees and shrubs, you came to the nursery, walked around the field, and picked out what you wanted,” said Hicks. “Then, they’d be dug up just for you. The idea of pre-digging plants for sale was a new concept at the time.
“Since then, we have continued to respond to the shifting needs of the community and remain focused on providing the very best experience,” added Hicks, who serves as the company’s sixth-generation president, alongside his sister, Karen Hicks Courts, who serves as vice president.
The family has also remained focused on the importance of higher education. After studying agriculture at Cornell University in 1892, Henry Hicks (1870–1954) became a nationally recognized horticulturist and a dedicated supporter of FSC who was instrumental in strengthening the College’s horticulture program, employing many of its students, and gifting the historic Memorial Oak tree that still stands beside Whitman Hall. In recognition of his outstanding campus contributions, Hicks Hall, one of FSC’s first buildings housing the College’s original horticulture classrooms, was posthumously named in his honor in 1959
Today, Hicks Nurseries, recently named the number-two independent garden center in North America by Garden Center magazine, has grown into Long Island’s largest and premier family-owned garden center offering top-rated retail and commercial sales, as well as expert landscape design and installation services.
“For me, this business was always something that I had an interest in,” said Hicks. “I wanted to be in a business where I could make a difference, so it was a natural fit.”
In addition, with student internship opportunities, academic program resources and support, and valuable career pathways for graduates, Hicks Nurseries makes an impact as one of FSC’s esteemed corporate partners.
“Farmingdale has been the backbone of the horticultural industry on Long Island for more than 100 years,” said Hicks. “Whether it’s Hicks Nurseries or other businesses across Long Island— from a three-person operation to one of the largest growers out east—they’re populated with Farmingdale graduates. And so, Farmingdale has always been a key foundational piece of the industry and continues to have a strong influence. We are continually looking to Farmingdale as a source of talent, and to deepen our connection because we recognize the quality of the individuals and the programs that Farmingdale is producing.”
Recently, Hicks was honored to be named to the Farmingdale State College Corporate Advisory Board, where he helps offer strategic guidance, industry insights, and support for FSC’s lasting advancement, vision, and mission.
“I was very excited when [FSC President Robert S. Prezant, PhD] reached out and said he was starting the board,” said Hicks. “It’s something I was happy to respond to. It’s tremendous.”
Farmingdale is not just a pillar of the industry; it’s a pillar of Long Island. And it’s very gratifying to play a part in building its future. - Stephen Hicks, President of Hicks Nurseries
“I am grateful to have Stephen, an exceptional industry leader, serve as a part of this respected group of advisors,” said President Prezant. “His expertise, dedication, and collaboration enrich our programs, exemplify the power of community partnerships, and contribute to the economic growth on Long Island, in New York State, and beyond.”
“It’s a virtuous circle,” added Hicks. “Farmingdale is not just a pillar of the industry; it’s a pillar of Long Island. And it’s very gratifying to play a part in building its future.”
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