Holden Forests & Gardens

Meet Our Experts: Emily Lewis Hilpman  Norweb Fellow / Research Specialist Department of Research | With HF&G since 2023 Emily Lewis Hilpman brings a passion for ecological restoration and a talent for turning complex data into meaningful insights. With a B.S. in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Environmental Science from Ohio State University, and an M.S. in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University, Emily’s academic background bridges genetics, field ecology, and conservation science. Before joining Holden Forests & Gardens, Emily worked as a research technician at the Chicago Botanic Garden, studying the pollination ecology of southwestern hawkmoth-pollinated plants (read the publication). She also led riparian restoration field crews with the Palouse Conservation District in Washington. At HF&G, Emily supports field research in Bole Woods, Baldwin, and the Working Woods site, investigating forest phenology and restoration management techniques. One of her proudest accomplishments has been compiling six years of Working Woods data into a single, functional master dataset to support statistical analysis—no small feat and a major step forward in understanding forest management outcomes. Currently, she’s wrapping up a data analysis project exploring how canopy thinning and invasive shrub removal affect seedling recruitment and survival in our Working Woods plots. Her work will help inform the next generation of forest restoration strategies in Northeast Ohio. Emily loves the collaborative spirit at Holden and finds joy in work that is both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding. She credits her environmental science professor, Dr. Mohan Wali, for encouraging her to blend her interests in genomics and the outdoors—a suggestion that launched her career in plant science and conservation. Fun fact: Emily has been part of a non-fiction book club since 2015 and has read more than 90 titles with the group. Ask her what she's reading next!

Tune in to Ideastream Public Media's The Sound of Ideas tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. ET, when Holden Forests & Gardens’ President and CEO, Ed Moydell and our Urban Forester, Amanda Wood will discuss the importance and benefits of “Bringing Back Trees to ‘The Forest City.’” You can listen live on WKSU 89.7 or watch the show live on The Ohio Channel The Sound of Ideas | The Ohio Channel. The show will also be available later wherever you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Apple Music, etc). https://lnkd.in/gMNYavPi

Thank you to The Davey Tree Expert Company and Cleveland Cavaliers for adding more trees to the Holden Arboretum’s canopy. Davey partnered with the Cavs by planting a tree for every 3-point shot made at home during the 2023-24 regular season. We are proud to receive 200 trees from the “Trees for Threes” program. We’re excited to add American plum, American hazelnut, flowering dogwood and gray dogwood to our canopy. We can’t wait to see the numerous benefits these trees provide. #Trees4Threes #LetEmKnow #DaveyTree #Cavs Image Left to Right: HF&G Volunteer Bill McFadden, HF&G Conservation Biologist Chad Knisely, and Kara Mayle from Davey Tree.

Meet Our Experts: A New HF&G LinkedIn Series! “Meet our Experts” is your behind-the-scenes pass to the passionate, talented individuals who bring the mission of Holden Forests & Gardens to life. From groundbreaking plant science to inspired design, this series spotlights the people whose work makes HF&G a place of beauty, discovery, and innovation. Next up: Tom Arbour Curator of Living Collections | Horticulture and Collections Department Tom Arbour is a passionate botanist and curator whose work blends scientific rigor with a deep reverence for the natural world. He holds a Master of Environmental Science from Miami University and a Bachelor of Arts from Hiram College, and brings over two decades of expertise in plant conservation, botany, and trail management to his role at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G). As Curator of Living Collections at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Tom ensures HF&G’s plant collections reflect the highest standards of scientific integrity, sustainability, and public engagement. He leads the team responsible for documenting every plant across HF&G’s three campuses—tracking origin, health, and location to maintain accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. He also spearheads plant exploration trips across the globe to expand and diversify the living collection. In 2023, Tom secured a $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop a new collections information management system. That project is now evolving into Flora Finder, an interactive web app that will allow visitors to explore and engage with HF&G’s plant collections like never before. Looking to the future, Tom is guiding the creation of a comprehensive Living Collections Master Plan to strategically shape the garden’s plant acquisition and curation efforts. Tom is driven by a fascination with plant biodiversity—especially how species evolve and adapt to distinct ecosystems. He thrives in HF&G’s dynamic, mission-driven culture, where collaboration fuels innovation and impact. Outside of his curatorial work, Tom is an accomplished nature and wildlife photographer and breeds rare African hingeback tortoises (Kinixys genus). His professional and personal passions are united by a lifelong commitment to conserving the planet’s biodiversity.

Holden Forests & Gardens is proud to present The Nature of Healing, an inspiring new art experience at the Cleveland Botanical Garden that is co-curated with Deep Roots Experience. This thoughtful exhibition, which opens this Saturday, April 5, focuses on grief and mental health and utilizing green spaces as healing spaces in the community. Cleveland, historically challenged by some of the highest crime rates in the nation and recently identified as the most stressed city in the country, presents a fertile ground for artistic inquiry. The work poses the question to creatives of “What is the relationship between flowers, botany, nature, and the grief of loss?” This show’s exploration seeks to unravel the complex interplay between natural elements and the emotional landscapes shaped by trauma and mourning. The inspiration behind the work is to dig even further to explore what it means to utilize art and natural spaces as tools to support mental health and healthy communities. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Garden, The Nature of Healing invites visitors to reflect on themes of trauma, grief, and renewal through a blend of visual and installation art. The exhibition encourages us to view green spaces as essential places for restoration and community well-being. Why visit? - Discover how nature and art can support emotional healing - Experience the garden in full spring bloom - Participate in mental health-focused programs and events in collaboration with Deep Roots Gallery Garden Hours: Tues–Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sun: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Let nature speak to your soul. Join us for this moving celebration of resilience, reflection, and the healing power of the natural world. #TheNatureOfHealing #HoldenFG #ClevelandBotanicalGarden #ArtAndNature #MentalHealthAwareness #DeepRootsExperience #NortheastOhioArtists #GreenSpacesHeal

Meet Our Experts: A New HF&G LinkedIn Series! We’re excited to kick off our new LinkedIn series "Meet Our Experts,"—spotlighting the passionate, talented individuals behind the beauty and innovation at Holden Forests & Gardens. First up: Stefanie Verish Horticulturist, Cleveland Botanical Garden | Horticulture Department With over three years at HF&G and more than two decades of experience in naturalist and landscaping roles, Stefanie brings a unique blend of artistry and horticultural science to our gardens. Her academic background— a bachelor's degree in art with minors in botany and zoology—has shaped her creative and thoughtful approach to garden design and plant care. At HF&G, Stefanie oversees the Rose Garden, White Oak Walk, and Themed Gardens—spaces that thrive under her careful attention and vision. She’s especially proud of leading the Rose Garden renovation and is currently reimagining the Themed Gardens with renewed inspiration. In the off-season, her creativity shines in the design and maintenance of our indoor shows. Stefanie finds joy in the collaboration and support of her team and brings resilience to challenges like irrigation and project funding. Outside of horticulture, Stefanie is also a self-published fantasy fiction author and a talented nature-inspired artist—proof that her creativity extends far beyond the garden beds. Stefanie’s journey is a testament to how passion, adaptability, and artistry can come together to create extraordinary spaces. Stay tuned as we continue to introduce more of the amazing experts behind Holden Forests & Gardens! #MeetTheExperts #HoldenFG #Horticulture #TeamTuesday #GardenDesign #WomenInHorticulture #BotanicalGardens #ClevelandBotanicalGarden #NatureAndArt

Holden Forests & Gardens was proud to stand alongside The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Forestry Association, and other key organizations in advocating for crucial funding to protect Ohio’s forests and state parks. This funding, which has already received the governor’s approval but must still pass through various committees, will ensure that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) can continue its essential work in preserving and sustaining the state’s forests, parks, and natural areas. Last week, Dr. Beck Swab, PhD, Director of Conservation & Community Forestry at Holden Forests & Gardens, testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on behalf of ODNR to advocate for its full funding in the 2026–2027 state budget. In their testimony, Dr. Swab emphasized the critical role ODNR plays in protecting Ohio’s forests and natural resources, stating: “It is vital that support for ODNR remain strong at the state level, to protect Ohio’s forests, which are inextricably tied to the well-being of all communities in Ohio. I ask the Natural Resources Committee to invest in the future of our natural resources in Ohio by funding ODNR, and especially the state forest fund. The Division of Forestry has a proven track record of its ability to protect our forests and the resources they provide to benefit all Ohioans and ensure our clean air, water, recreation, and economic opportunities in perpetuity.” At Holden, our vision is that all communities are transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive. Protecting and maintaining Ohio’s forests is critical to achieving this goal, as these landscapes provide clean air, water filtration, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. By securing this funding, we are investing in the health of our natural ecosystems, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from Ohio’s forests. We are grateful to be part of this collective effort to prioritize conservation and sustainable forestry in Ohio. Now, more than ever, it is essential to support the policies and resources that will keep our forests thriving. #ForestConservation #Sustainability #PublicLands #TreeStewardship #OhioForests #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #HoldenForestsAndGardens  Image: Dr. Swab testifying before the Ohio House Natural Resources Committee

Holden Forests & Gardens is at the forefront of Rhododendron research, developing hybrids that are as resilient as they are beautiful! Our pioneering breeding program—featured in Garden Center magazine—focuses on creating Rhododendron varieties that can thrive in a changing climate while resisting root rot disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This research wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Connor Ryan and Dr. Juliana Medeiros, whose work continues to bridge the gap between horticulture and climate science. We are proud to introduce Holden’s® Fuchsia, Holden’s® Peach, Holden’s® Pink, Holden’s® Pink Flare, and Holden’s® Red—hardy Zone 5 hybrids now available through Briggs Nursery. Read the full article to learn more about our groundbreaking efforts! If you're a grower, gardener, or landscaper, ask about these stunning hybrids at your local nursery. #Rhododendron #ClimateResilientGardening #HorticultureInnovation #HoldenForestsAndGardens #GardenCenterMagazine https://lnkd.in/gRNhvmTb

Calling all arborists, landscape professionals, and pollinator advocates! We’re excited to share a unique continuing education opportunity at Holden Arboretum—Trees for Bees. This program explores the critical connection between trees and pollinators, offering a hands-on learning experience in one of Ohio’s most stunning natural settings. ISA CEUs: 2.0 (Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, BCMA Science) Location: Holden Arboretum Details & Registration: https://lnkd.in/gS7yP2Tr With approval from the Ohio Chapter of the ISA, we’re looking forward to reaching a broader audience of professionals who are passionate about trees, urban forestry, and biodiversity. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or connect with like-minded professionals, this is a fantastic opportunity. Know someone who should attend? Tag them in the comments! #Arboriculture #TreesForBees #UrbanForestry #Pollinators #CEUs #ProfessionalDevelopment #HoldenArboretum

For more than six decades, Holden Forests & Gardens has been at the forefront of bird conservation in Ohio through The Nestbox Program—one of the longest-running and most impactful initiatives of its kind. Since the 1960s, this program has played a key role in reversing severe declines in Eastern Bluebirds and other native species, and 2024 was another milestone year. Led by Mike Watson, Holden's conservation biologist, along with the dedication of 40 volunteers, we monitored 228 nesting structures and banded 871 nestlings—contributing valuable data to NestWatch, a global database tracking nesting bird populations.   2024 Nesting Program Results: -395 Eastern Bluebirds fledged (Total since 1965: 14,445) -325 Tree Swallows fledged (Total since 1965: 11,939) -97 Purple Martins fledged (Total since 1965: 580) -55 House Wrens fledged (Total since 1965: 3,209) -0 Black-capped Chickadees fledged (Total since 1965: 258) -Total native birds fledged in 2024: 872 (Overall total since 1965: 30,431)   Why This Matters Between 1960 and 2000, local conservation efforts—including Holden’s—helped the Eastern Bluebird population recover dramatically. But recent data from eBird suggests renewed declines in some regions, reinforcing the need for continued conservation and community involvement.   Protecting birds protects ecosystems. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work!   #Conservation #Birds #NestboxProgram #EasternBluebird #Wildlife #HoldenForestsGardens   Image: Male Hooded Warbler at the Holden Arboretum