This episode of The Nonprofit Report features Botanical Gardens in the US and Canada.
Guests:
Michelle Conklin, President & CEO of Tucson Botanical Gardens & Board Member of American Public Gardens Association;
Patrick MacRae, CEO of Land & Garden Preserve;
Stephanie Jutila, CEO of Toronto Botanical Garden.
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Botanical gardens blend art, science, education, and community in a single institution.
- Leadership in public gardens requires cross-disciplinary expertise and collaboration.
- Michelle Conklin’s background in business and the arts enriches Tucson’s creative and operational vision. The Tucson Botanic Gardens feature 19 themed gardens, indoor galleries, a butterfly house, and a café.
- Patrick MacRae manages over 1,400 acres of gardens and natural lands, preserving Maine’s cultural landscape. The Land and Garden Preserve includes historic amateur and professionally designed gardens.
- Stephanie Jutila brings a lifelong passion for plants to lead Toronto’s garden in Canada’s largest urban ravine system. The Toronto Botanical Garden integrates public parkland, cultural programming, and environmental education.
- Recruiting and retaining skilled staff, especially in remote or seasonal contexts, is a shared challenge.
- Digital programming has expanded access through classes, webinars, and social media.
- Gardens offer more than beauty—they foster belonging, learning, and environmental stewardship.
Other Points on Botanical Gardens:
Each leader underscored the critical role of volunteers and the challenges of recruiting and retaining specialized professional staff. Michelle highlighted the importance of integrating volunteers meaningfully, including a former trauma surgeon now managing their train exhibit. Stephanie emphasized activating leadership in others and ensuring volunteers contribute to the core mission. Patrick noted the difficulty of staffing high-skill horticultural roles in remote areas, requiring long-term investment in training and retention strategies.
While rooted in physical spaces, each garden has expanded its digital presence. Tucson found success in virtual classes like DIY garden design. Toronto focuses on showcasing horticulturists and garden beauty via social media to draw visitors. The Land and Garden Preserve is experimenting with high-quality video and online trail walks to stay connected during off-seasons.
Though their locations and approaches vary, these public gardens serve as green sanctuaries where nature, education, and culture flourish. They offer restorative space, inspire environmental stewardship, and strengthen community ties.