Fran Mast

Head of Audience Research and Evaluation

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

While the choice is difficult, Fran loves fall in general, and because fall at the Arboretum is so incredibly gorgeous, it earns top billing as her favorite season. In addition to the grounds being beautiful, there are so many activities taking place from the Fall Color Festival to the Glass Pumpkin Patch, that the energy adds to the appeal of fall.

What is the best part of your job? 

It is hard for Fran to choose just one, so she decided to cheat and give two responses. In her role, she is naturally collaborating with colleagues all the time, working with them to evaluate their programs or initiatives on which they may be working. Fran finds these collaborative relationships deeply fulfilling. The second is the thrill of discovery. While some things about what visitors think, feel, or do may be easy to predict, other things can often be surprising. She enjoys gaining insight into those who are engaging with the Arboretum. Not only is that aspect of her role fascinating, but it is also useful to furthering the goals of the Arboretum.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

Fran finds the Spruce Plot incredibly magical. She recalls the first time walking in that immersive space, and feeling as if she was transported to a different place. She will often visit the Spruce Plot to sit and contemplate when she needs to be reflective. She also enjoys walking Joy Path and the bridge over the DuPage River, which is pretty in every season.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission?

There are so many different ways to connect with nature for all ages, from children to adults. The Arboretum offers unique exhibitions and experiences that guests may not expect, and they are invited to connect with nature in a new and different way. Going for a hike or a walk on the grounds might be an expected activity, but there are so many different things to do and ways to be outside at the Arboretum.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

Fran aligns closely with the Employee Core Value of Work Together. So much of Fran’s work is predicated exactly on that value. This is evident in her projects, collaborating with staff at the Arboretum, or through working with others who are engaging with the Arboretum to understand their experiences. As a program leader, Fran is doing a lot of intentional work to bring together a coalition of people to think about the future of audience research and evaluation. She is building a collective vision of the program, and working together resonates with her leadership style.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

The Arboretum can be a flexible space. If guests want a social experience and to be with a crowd, they can come to the main nucleus in and around the Visitor Center. Or, if they want to have time for themselves or be in a more reflective space, they can take a drive around the loops and find a space all to their own. Guests can have the best of both worlds at the Arboretum depending on their mood for that day.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

While much of Fran’s work involves a lot of data, spreadsheets, and analysis, she also has a creative and crafty side. She is known for her Bullet Journal, which has a different color scheme for each day, with fun artwork. She has a tackle box full of crafting supplies that will eventually expand into her own craft room.

Joseph Corona

Security Ranger

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Joe likes fall primarily due to the changing colors of the leaves. The Arboretum grounds are particularly colorful this time of the year, and for that reason, fall is Joe’s favorite season.

What is the best part of your job? 

This is a two-fold answer. First, one of the best parts of Joe’s job is the people with whom he works. Without a doubt, he respects each individual, and he sees them as people instead of just employees or co-workers. Secondly, Joe enjoys driving the Arboretum grounds. After spending 34 years as a Chicago police officer, he finds his role to be calm and relaxing. Joe spent many years working in public housing or in the gang unit. The stress level in the two jobs is like night and day.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

When the redbud trees are in bloom in spring, driving the alternate road from Parking Lot 21 at Thornhill to Lake Marmo, Joe is filled with a sense of happiness as he sees the reflection of the blooming trees bouncing off the water. The bloom on the redbud trees doesn’t last very long though, so he will often stop to take pictures to send to his children and grandchildren.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission?

Joe is always surprised at how much activity is taking place throughout the Arboretum, specifically the classes through the Education department. Through field trips and other opportunities to engage children, the Arboretum is able to teach and share its mission with others.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

From a security standpoint, the Employee Core Value to Work Together is essential for the Security team to work. While this applies to any role, this is especially true for the Security team. From opening to closing, they have to work together to keep everyone informed.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

The Arboretum has so many trails, many of them that are relatively unused or unknown by the general public, and these are the trails that Joe has been exploring recently. He recommends that our guests grab a map and explore beyond the standard, main trails.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

Joe is an avid golfer and would golf five days a week if he could. He is in a 9-hole league in Lombard, and he currently carries about a six handicap. When the weather turns cool in Illinois, Joe will visit his son in Texas so can continue to play and keep up his skills.

Krista Phelps

Science Camp and Scout Programs Supervisor

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Krista loves summer because it is significantly busier than the other seasons. Not only are there more guests at the Arboretum, but also more staff and volunteers. Coincidentally, it is also the time of the year that Summer Science Camps occur, which entails a large part of Krista’s role. Additionally, in summer, the plants are changing rapidly, and there is always something different to see, smell, and touch as she walks around the Arboretum.

What is the best part of your job? 

Hands down, the best part of Krista’s job is the people with whom she works. Krista believes that she works with some of the most amazing, passionate, knowledgeable, and kind people that exist in this world, and that makes her job much more fulfilling.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

Krista’s favorite tree is a sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) in the Children’s Garden behind Wonder Pond. This tree turns into a rainbow of colors in the fall. Her favorite location is the Fragrance Garden on the West Side, adjacent to the Thornhill Education Center. Krista will often retreat to this location from her office to brainstorm and write curricula. The Fragrance Garden is an inspiring location and there is always something in bloom. The Garden has little hideaways where she can sit and work and write.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

In her role overseeing the camp and scout programs, Krista is passionate about experiential education, which means getting outside and doing hands-on activities, even in situations where you may not be entirely comfortable. It’s important for guests to know that nature is a universal language, and that the Arboretum has amazing educational opportunities that allow everyone to enjoy it.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

Krista has always appreciated the Employee Core Value to Work Together. Throughout each and every department, there is so much opportunity for collaboration where everyone brings their own knowledge to the table. Krista believes being able to work together improves us all, both in our roles at the Arboretum and as individuals.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

As part of the Education team, Krista encourages guests to take a night hike or a night class, which is one of her favorite times at the Arboretum. Animals come out during the evening that you don’t typically see during the day. The evening turns quiet, and it is a magical time, when you can just be immersed in the place without distractions.

Share an interesting fun fact about you: 

Krista’s side hobby is making jewelry, specifically bead and wire works. Krista has even made a wedding bouquet out of beads and wire, using a beadwork technique known as French beaded flowers. One of Krista’s favorite things to do is to check out craft books from the Arboretum’s Sterling Morton Library. Recently, she has taken up cross-stitching because she has run out of friends and family to give her completed jewelry works to, so they will soon be the recipients of new Krista crafts in the near future.

Isabel Loza, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher, Tree Conservation

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Bela’s heart resonates with three cherished seasons, an array that encompasses everything except the icy grasp of winter. She is fond of fall primarily due to the changing colors of the leaves, and because there is so much to appreciate in nature that makes it feel really special. She lives in the city, and the Arboretum is one of the places that Bela can go to recharge with nature. She finds spring to be beautiful as well, with blooming flowers everywhere, and also because people seem to be happier when winter is over. Finally, coming from the tropics of Bolivia, Bela likes the feel of summer. She also appreciates all of the activities that are open to employees during the summer months to attend.

What is the best part of your job? 

The mission of The Morton Arboretum is important to Bela. The Global Tree Conservation Program, of which she is a part, is focused on helping threatened species from going extinct, in particular, species of oaks. She is motivated by that mission and is grateful to be a part of that endeavor. Bela’s research allows her to think about how she can put all of her scientific training toward helping inform conservation actions. In her role, she travels to Mexico for her research, where she collaborates closely with local stakeholders. Her main goal in going there is to find the most threatened and rare oak species to have more knowledge about them and conserve them. Another part of her position is to teach the new generation of conservation scientists about forest ecology; she will be doing this next spring. She finds research and teaching very rewarding.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

When Bela needs to think and doesn’t have much time, she will take a quick walk to a bench that overlooks Meadow Lake. There, she can quietly sit and peacefully enjoy the water and sounds of nature.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission?

Bela wants to highlight all of the valuable work being done in the Center for Tree Science and the Global Tree Conservation Program departments. One of their goals is to generate knowledge to develop solutions to the challenges that trees are facing now. Bela would also like to highlight that the Arboretum’s work is not just in the Chicago region or the United States, but is also helping people in other regions of the world, such as Mexico, Central America, and soon Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

The Arboretum provides many opportunities for staff to Keep Learning, and Bela believes that by being open to learning is the key to success. In her role she finds many opportunities to keep growing in her career, as some examples, she is learning to collaborate with local stakeholders, she is also learning new statistical techniques and also administrative skills. All these together will help her in her career path.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

Guests can see science at work through the experiments taking place on the grounds, such as equipment being used to measure the growth of the tree or the growth of the roots. Guests can find these experiments in different trees such as Picea abies (Norway spruce) off the trail at Parking Lot 19; Thuja occidentalis (arborvitae), on the south side of Lake Marmo near Parking Lot 28, and Acer saccharum (sugar maple), on the left side of the road before Parking Lot 6. Look for trees with PVC tubes.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

While she hasn’t taken any formal classes, Bela loves to dance salsa and has taught herself through the years. Salsa is one of the dances that is common in her home country; she sometimes goes to downtown Chicago to practice and have fun.

Patrick Kelsch

Arborist

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Patrick’s favorite season is the transition from winter to spring, around  the end of March/early April time frame. Patrick is fond of that time because he can see winter beginning to taper off and there’s a glimmer of hope that spring is coming. It is also a quieter time in his role before the intensity of spring arrives. Patrick gets excited when he sees the buds on the buckeye tree, which is one of the earliest trees to break dormancy, and he knows that spring is arriving.

What is the best part of your job? 

In contrast to some of the other roles at The Morton Arboretum, Patrick doesn’t have a great deal of contact with the public. Instead, his intellectual focus is with the other members of the arborist crew. In a role that could be hazardous if not done properly, Patrick has to be attentive to preserve the safety of both himself and the team. The crew must work well together or they cannot accomplish what they need to do, and that intense connection of the five team members is especially exciting to Patrick. He discovered late in life that he enjoys working on a team more than working individually. While he thinks  of himself as an introvert, he has realized that working on a team provides him the most satisfaction.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

The May T. Watts Reading Garden has been his favorite place since Patrick began employment,  back in 2010. The reading garden is so incredibly unique and very intimate, which can be a refreshing aspect in contrast to the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres. It is a counterpart to the immensity of the collections to have this intimate space, and the garden honors May T. Watts, a naturalist and educator. As an arborist, Patrick has also been witness to, and appreciated, the training of the ginkgo and dawn redwood trees that climb the outside library wall. Patrick admires  the long time of uninterrupted care that these two specimens have received, which have been there since the 1960s.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

Patrick wants guests to know about the outreach the Arboretum conducts, and about the external collections the Arboretum seeks to maintain in an effort to preserve threatened populations. In particular, Patrick emphasizes that the work being conducted reaches outside the limits of the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres, in other communities, states, and even continents. Originally from Ohio, Patrick knew generally about The Morton Arboretum. He had purchased plants that were Arboretum introductions, but he did not realize the scope of the Arboretum’s reach. Locally, guests may have that same sort of knowledge about the Arboretum but may not realize how much of an impact the Arboretum has in other areas outside of Lisle.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

Keep Learning is Patrick’s favored core value, specifically as it applies to the work he does as an arborist. In the last 10 years, there have been technical advances including the type of gear they use. Even their methods of climbing trees have advanced greatly with new inventions. This core value also applies to learning from each other. So much of what Patrick does is learned first-hand and based on experience. The keep learning value references experimentation, and how else better to learn than to have the attitude to step outside of your comfort zone and be open to experimenting with new ways to do your role?

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

Patrick invites, or rather challenges, guests to really take a look at the perennial plantings in places such as the Ground Cover Garden, Children’s Garden, or Fragrance Garden and notice how little mulch is used. He encourages others to get comfortable planting with a higher density of plants and reducing the amount of mulch used in their own landscapes. Too much mulch can stifle the growth of the perennial drifts, and having more plants saves on maintenance too. The more tightly knit your plantings are, the less weeds you’ll have to pull, and the more abundant the results will be.

Share an interesting fun fact about you: 

Patrick plays guitar in a trio that does acoustic jazz versions of popular video game music, modeled after swing music from the 1930s and 1940s. While there is no sheet music to these scores, Patrick and his bandmates figure it out as they go. He started playing this genre of music at a request for a friend’s wedding, and since then, has been performing for other niche requests at places such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, and weddings.

Kristin Sabatino

Manager of Volunteer Services

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Overall, fall is Kristin’s favorite season, not just at the Arboretum. While she realizes it’s probably a common answer, Kristin says taking a walk in the East Woods when everything is vibrant is simply magical. In particular, Loop 1 and Loop 2 during fall can be spectacular.

What is the best part of your job? 

Working closely with the volunteer group, Kristin enjoys connecting individuals to roles for which they are passionate. Many volunteers spend careers doing jobs they enjoy, but then they have the opportunity to come to the Arboretum and pursue a passion. Watching individuals blossom within those roles is especially rewarding for Kristin. Whether the volunteers have retired, left a job, or have had significant life changes, their assignment at the Arboretum may be helping them transition to a different part of their life, which Kristin finds gratifying.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree? 

Kristin feels connected to Lake Marmo as she used to bring her now 21-year-old son here as a toddler. Lake Marmo was his favorite spot, and Kristin holds dear a picture of the two of them walking hand in hand by the lake. The entire Thornhill campus, including Joy Path and Lake Marmo, was their thing to do together. Her son also attended Summer Science Camp at the Arboretum, so there are a lot of memories from that location.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission?

Kristin encourages our guests to get to know the research the Arboretum is doing, which is a hidden gem. There is so much fascinating work going on in each of the labs. Kristin’s team is lucky to be connected to all of the scientists, learning about the work they are doing so the volunteer services team can support them with volunteers to help with their important work.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

No question, the Employee Core Value to Work Together resonates with Kristin in her role as manager of volunteer services. The Volunteer Office supports almost every department at the Arboretum, and it’s their job to know a little bit about everything. There are over 200 unique assignments that their office is supporting, so essentially every activity taking place at the Arboretum has something to do with the Volunteer Office, which necessitates working together.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

The Schulenberg Prairie isn’t visited as much by guests, but Kristin highly recommends checking it out in every season. Volunteers have been supporting the prairie both formally and informally for over 60 years. Even before the volunteer program was formalized, there were volunteers maintaining the area; their involvement is recorded innewsletters and correspondence in the Arboretum archives. There aren’t many prairies like it left in Illinois, and it’s a rare gem to have one at the Arboretum.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

Kristin has been a freelance artist almost her entire life. She has been commissioned to paint murals in the city of Chicago and Oak Park that are still there today. She has been hired privately to do a wide range of portraits and projects, ranging from painting a motorcycle to a clawfoot tub. Kristin has also worked with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art as a teaching artist.

Laura Ashner

Membership Sales Associate

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Laura prefers winter, largely because she is allergic to many outdoor elements. Laura has the freedom to explore the Arboretum in winter without concern.

What is the best part of your job?

Laura is excited to come to work each and every day. This is a new experience, and her enthusiasm is spurred by her interactions with guests and staff, along with the culture of the Arboretum. Laura sees the Arboretum as a safe space where good conversations abound, and where she is engaged from start to finish, whether it’s in the execution of her role, or by learning about the roles of other staff members. Laura is so taken by the Arboretum and learning about trees that she was inspired to acquire a tattoo of a ginkgo leaf, as a testament to Joy Morton’s reference that the Arboretum is a ginkgo, and a ginkgo it shall remain.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree?

In the winter, when Laura can safely explore outdoors, she enjoys the Conifer Walk followed by a stroll around Meadow Lake. Working with Meadow Lake outside her window, Laura is able to see the changes through all seasons. Seeing images of Meadow Lake in pictures or on the website is lovely, but it is a different experience to be present, especially in the winter, when the trees are barren of leaves. Laura enjoys seeing the contrast from season to season.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission?

On a tour with the manager of plant records last fall, it was evident to Laura that the Arboretum’s role is not just represented here, but it also has a global reach. Guests should know that the Arboretum’s influence is far reaching.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why?

The Employee Core Value to Be Inclusive is what drew Laura to apply and to complete the interview process for her position. Now as a staff member, Laura sees that it is not just a statement, but something that the Arboretum holds true. Laura feels represented and included; that goes beyond appearances, race, or gender orientation. Much like the Arboretum’s diversity of trees, every tree deserves attention and recognition, the same as each unique and diverse staff member. Laura feels a sense of belonging that is represented in that core value.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

On her first day, Laura was exposed to the Sterling Morton Library, and, even though she came from a library background, she had not been aware of its existence before working here. Laura loves to share this hidden gem with guests and members who she interacts with at the Membership Sales Desk.

Share an interesting fun fact about you.

Laura can read and write backwards in a mirror image. This unique skill highlights for Laura that we all think differently, and that there are different perspectives to everything. !aruaL og ot yaW (Way to go Laura!)

Ellyn Fortino

Communications Coordinator

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Ellyn loves seeing nature lush and full in the summer, and appreciates the long daylight and not being concerned about a random snow event popping up the next day. While Ellyn loves all of the events that take place at the Arboretum, the summer events in particular are her favorite, like the annual Wine and Art Walk. Unfortunately, bugs can be a downside of summer, but with proper bug spray, she feels free to be outdoors.

What is the best part of your job?

In Ellyn’s role, she monitors the Arboretum’s social media accounts, and she enjoys seeing photos people will post and tag when they visit the Arboretum. Some of her favorite photos are posted during Dog Admission Days. She likes seeing the corresponding dog Instagram accounts. From the dog’s perspective, they loved visiting the Arboretum!! Though much of what Ellyn does is behind the scenes, she sees the public’s engagement as they post about and tag the Arboretum, demonstrating how our guests enjoy their time while visiting.

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree?

In general, Ellyn likes to be by water, and she often gravitates towards Meadow Lake. The trail around Meadow Lake is also the perfect lunchtime lap and provides beautiful views. She recently found herself drawn to Lake Marmo to capture the blooming redbud trees, and she also is fascinated by the fountains in The Grand Garden, especially those with the leaf motifs. Any opportunity to be outside is welcomed by Ellyn, and she will typically find herself drawn to a lake, pond, river, or anything that contains water.

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

When guests come to the Arboretum, they are supporting the Arboretum’s mission. Whether they are taking a class, or attending an activity, they are contributing to the Arboretum’s mission of planting and protecting trees for current and future generations. Simply by engaging with the Arboretum, they are also supporters of the mission.

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

By having conversations with staff in different departments, it has sparked Ellyn’s interest in learning more about various aspects of the Arboretum, and applying the Employee Core Value to Work Together to share that information with the general public. Recently, Ellyn was speaking to a researcher in the soil lab about what was blooming, and the individual mentioned the skunk cabbage. Interested in learning more, Ellyn worked with the staff member and other teammates to create a social media post sharing a photo and information about this unique plant. Ellyn recognizes had she not been building rapport with this staff member, and working together, this creative opportunity would not have been possible. Another opportunity arose when speaking with The Arboretum Store manager, who mentioned a variety of gifts available for Mother’s Day. As a result, Ellyn and her teammate have moved forward with plans for a “Unique Mother’s Day Gifts” social media post by working together with the manager and assistant manager to create an interesting and creative promotion.

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests? 

Bug spray in the summer, especially in the East Woods or Spruce Plot, is a must! Ellyn goes as far as recommending a mosquito headnet, and she says that guests will fit right in with staff and others. They will thank themselves later for wearing one.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

Ellyn’s favorite hobby is yoga, an activity she has been practicing for nine years. She took a solo trip to Bali, Indonesia, in 2018 for a yoga retreat. Ellyn likes to travel and embrace adventure. While this was a trip to embrace that adventure, it was also a trip to explore through her passion.

Sheryl Woods

Floor Lead – The Arboretum Store

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Sheryl began her employment at the Arboretum last March, so spring was the first season she experienced at the Arboretum. But being from the Midwest and living in Lisle, fall is actually her favorite season. Sheryl believes you can’t beat the change of colors, the crisp air, and the blue skies in fall. 

What is the best part of your job?
Most definitely the interaction with the members and guests is the best part of her job. Sheryl feels lucky that in the Store, she meets and interacts with so many diverse groups and people from other countries. The patrons will ask Sheryl and the team for information and suggestions on what to do at the Arboretum and they will engage in conversations about the Arboretum. She recognizes that one of their main roles in the Store is to sell products, but it’s also about being there for the members and guests. 

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree?

The trail through the Conifer Collection is one of her favorite spots, partially because of the peacefulness of the spruces and pines, but also due in part to the Vanishing Acts exhibit along the dwarf conifer collection. Reading the information gives Sheryl hope that action is being taken to save the endangered trees of the world. 

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

It’s important for guests to understand that the Arboretum is doing something to help the world. It is a beautiful place, of course, but the Arboretum is working to conserve trees, and that the mission will help everyone, not just The Morton Arboretum. Even though Sheryl works in the Store, and may not be working on the grounds as a researcher or a grower, she understands the importance of the work being completed. This was one of the reasons that Sheryl decided to apply to work in The Arboretum Store. She saw that employees cared about the mission regardless of their role, and she wanted to be a part of that.  

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

Sheryl feels strongly about the Employee Core Value to Work Together. Some of the team in The Arboretum Store have been employed for several years, with varying levels of knowledge and information. Sheryl feels the team works so well together that they are able to use their collective knowledge and information to benefit the guests and members, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for all. Wrapping up her first year of employment this month, Sheryl has learned a great deal from her colleagues and appreciates that it is truly a team effort in the Store. While they are still learning from each other, they also complement each other well and are able to share different perspectives, creating a collaborative environment. 

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests? 

In the fall, The Arboretum Store sells amazing mums that are sourced locally and are well-priced. Sheryl encourages patrons of The Arboretum Store to explore the courtyard for other unique seasonal finds.

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

Sheryl considers herself open to adventure, even though she may not appear so on her exterior. She is willing to give something a try, even if it pushes her out of her comfort zone. For example, Sheryl has been ATVing in the Red Rocks and has been snorkeling and paddleboarding in the Pacific Ocean. Sheryl really wants to stretch herself and eventually wants to give skydiving a try!

Kathryn Neuffer

Supervisor of Early Childhood Programs

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Kathryn has learned to appreciate spring since working at The Morton Arboretum. While she had seen flowering trees before, she didn’t realize how amazing they really were and how colors change completely from week to week. Even with her spring allergies, Kathryn still finds beauty in those spring blooms. 

What is the best part of your job?
There are many amazing parts to Kathryn’s job, but the best part is having a classroom without walls where kids can be free to explore nature. Kathryn loves that she gets to work with children outdoors every single day. She is equally as fond of the people with whom she works within the Children’s Garden; they make her job amazing.  

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree?

Kathryn has two favorite locations, due in large part to her role. First and foremost, though somewhat biased, Kathryn thinks the Children’s Garden is pretty awesome since that is her “office!” Her other favorite spot is Big Rock, especially in the spring and fall (summer has too many mosquitoes). At Big Rock, she can hike on her own or with friends. She also brings a weekly class of preschool students there as a part of the Curiosity Woods program. Kathryn appreciates that she can explore nature relatively easily from the Big Rock Visitor Station.  

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

Working in a mission-based program, Kathryn understands first-hand that the Arboretum is more than just an amazing place to visit or a place to have an event. More important, the Arboretum is planting and caring for trees here, in our communities, and in the world. The mission works to connect people to trees in the natural world beyond a single visit. 

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why? 

Kathryn appreciates the Employee Core Value to Make the Arboretum Exceptional, because it encompasses the other four values to Be Inclusive, Work Together, Take Ownership, and Keep Learning. By embracing them all and committing to making the Arboretum exceptional, Kathryn believes it makes the Arboretum an awesome place to work. 

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests? 

Visit the Children’s Garden early! Many guests don’t realize that the Children’s Garden closes before the rest of the grounds close, so Kathyrn recommends making it a first stop when visiting. 

Share an interesting fun fact about you: Kathyrn is fluent in American Sign Language, and is an ASL interpreter for Arboretum walking plays. On a more personal note, Kathyrn met her husband while working at the Arboretum. Daniel Neuffer was also a featured Tree Ambassador in July 2020. Kathryn introduced more family members to Arboretum employment; her father was a tram driver in 2022, and he recently joined the part-time staff in the Security department. Now that’s keeping it all in the family!  

Dr. Christy Rollinson

Forest Ecologist

What is your favorite season at the Arboretum and why?

Christy has always loved fall. Having grown up in the mountains in Virginia where the trees define the season, Christy enjoyed seeing the mountains covered in colors. Fall also has the best weather, in her opinion, and she appreciates soaking in the sun before it becomes more elusive in the winter. 

What is the best part of your job?

Christy says that the reason she is working at the Arboretum instead of other settings is that she gets to do science that the Arboretum actively puts into use. Her favorite part is that she has the opportunity to work with people who have a need for information, and she can help answer those questions. She sees that her work in science has an immediate impact, not just maybe at some point in the future. 

Do you have a favorite location on the grounds or a favorite tree?

In general, the East Woods is Christy’s favorite location. In 2022, Christy took a picture once a week from March through December on the road by P10 while out studying the changes of the vegetation community in different parts of East Woods. As a forest ecologist, Christy is not accustomed to thinking about a particular tree; rather, she thinks about trees as a whole and their overall role in the ecosystem. 

What do you want guests to know about The Morton Arboretum and its mission? 

The fact that we even have a mission is important for our guests to know, and that we are more than a beautiful place to see trees. Also, what would amaze guests is to learn about the depth of the expertise that we have in areas other than science, including the horticulture staff and the education staff. And all of our staff are invested in and committed to sharing their knowledge and information with guests. As a scientist, Christy would also like to impart to others that the Arboretum uses science to be activists for trees. This sometimes isn’t as evident to others in the public and even the science community. 

When thinking of the Arboretum’s Employee Core Values, which one resonates with you and why?

Two of the Employee Core Values particularly resonate with Christy, but because her job already is to “Keep Learning,” she selected “Work Together.” Christy recognizes that one person cannot do everything, and by leaning on the strengths of others, they can have a much bigger impact than any one person can. Christy appreciates the strength in diversity of skills and perspectives that working together can yield. 

What’s an insider tip that you’d like to share with guests?

While guests should generally stay on the trails in the woods for their safety and for the sake of the forest plants, where they see green grass, they should definitely venture out and explore. Trees are meant to be looked at and spark curiosity; that is best done up close!

Share an interesting fun fact about you:

Christy started knitting in 2021 after losing her apartment in a tornado. While she was in transition, she felt the urge to make something and decided she would teach herself how to knit using online resources. She started slowly, but it has since snowballed, and she has added to her wardrobe with hats, scarves, and even sweaters!

Find the full list of 2022 Tree Ambassadors here.

Find the full list of 2021 Tree Ambassadors here.

Find the full list of 2020 Tree Ambassadors here.