Brendan Keegan, Arboretum Horticulturist

I joined the Arboretum as a seasonal gardener in May 2016 and was brought on as a full time employee the following September. As a landscaper, I worked with Jed Romanowiz to keep the grounds accessible to the visiting public. In my current role as a horticulturist, I care for much of Peter’s Hill and manage the wildflower meadow at Weld Hill.

In addition to my plant care responsibilities, I am generally interested in the Arboretum’s value as an urban ecosystem. For example, I help manage our no-mow areas, organize collecting trips for native plants, manage the Arboretum’s pollinator meadow, and participate in wildlife related research. I also build and install the Arboretum’s nest boxes and lead our volunteer nest monitors.

I also enjoy working with the Arboretum’s Education and Public Program’s Department. This includes leading bird walks, giving plant and animal focused tours, and presenting on various topics at Arboretum TreeMobs. I collaborate with the Arboretum’s communications’ specialists as well, contributing blog posts for our website and writing articles for Silva and Arnoldia.