Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Regenstein School Faculty and Instructors

PHOTO: Nyree teaching PHOTO: woody plant symposium

Anderson, Alan, Chicago Audubon Society and member of the Board of Directors since 1977. Member of the Evanston North Shore Bird Club, Chicago Ornithological Society, Illinois and National Audubon Societies, and the Illinois Ornithological Society.

Appleby, James E., Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is particularly interested in studying the life histories of the numerous insects and mites that are found on landscape plants in Illinois.

Arkin, Bonnie, Mosaic/jewelry teacher. Member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and award-winning mosaic and jewelry designer.

Ault, Jim, Ph.D., director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Research includes plant breeding of native taxa to develop new perennial plants for garden use, plant propagation and plant exploration.

Awazu, Yahna, Cultural and culinary instructor who is known for her fun and hands-on "learning by tasting" teaching style.

Ayres, Darin, Sales and technical services representative for FX Luminaire, manufacturer of specification-grade low voltage outdoor lighting components; former founder and owner of local outdoor lighting design/build firm; B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois with over 14 years experience in the Green Industry.

Baik, Stephanie, Floral designer. B.A. in fine arts from University of Southern California and studies in art therapy in master's program at the Art Institute of Chicago. Ikebana teacher's certificate from Soketsu School, Japan.

Bailey, Steven D., Ornithologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey and is especially intrigued with owls. Co-author of Birds of Illinois, Steve has given owl presentations throughout the state and can be coaxed into doing his world-famous Barred Owl call. Steve also is associate editor of Meadowlark, the state's quarterly ornithological journal.

Baker, Cynthia, Manager of horticultural services at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of Arizona.

Bastian, Rex, Ph.D., vice president, field education and development, the Care of Trees. Past president of the Illinois Arborist Association.

Becker, Wayne A., Ph.D., AIFD, Doctorate in horticulture from Texas A&M, master's in plant breeding and genetics/horticulture from Michigan State University, B.A. in horticulture and associate's degree in floral design and marketing from Ohio State University.

Belding, Richard, Horticulturist, Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden. M.S. in horticulture from University of Wisconsin, Madison, and B.S. in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Former owner of a design and installation firm for residential landscapes.

Bement, Lynn, Principal, the Organic Garden. Coach and advisor for Soil Foodweb, Inc. Master Gardener, treasurer and board member of the Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association. Horticultural certificate from Morton Arboretum, Master Composter certification from Michigan State University and additional certification from Iowa State University.

Bergmann, Craig, ASLA, registered landscape architect, garden designer, plantsman, and lecturer. Editor of Sunset's Midwestern Landscaping.

Bird, Stephanie Rose, Featured aromatherapist and herbalist for www.naturallycurly.com, columnist for Sage Woman, author of Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones, and Four Seasons of Mojo: an Herbal Guide to Natural Living. Bird is also a practicing fine artist exhibiting widely.

Birutis, Tadas (Todd), founder of LIFEBIRD, a nature tour company. Tadas has traveled to all seven continents exploring and leading nature enthusiasts to see the world's most fascinating birds & other wildlife.

Boothe, Susan N., Curator of numerous exhibitions at the Chicago Botanic Garden, including In Search of Paradise: Great Gardens of the World and sLowlife, a multimedia presentation of the invisible world of plants.

Botts, Beth, Chicago-area garden writer. Raised on the South Side by an organic gardener, she was an editor, reporter, and garden writer for the Chicago Tribune for 21 years. Currently a senior editor at Chicagoland Gardening magazine. She also writes, speaks, and works on her mostly shady garden in the near west suburbs, and blogs at growinginchicago.com.

Breuer, Linda, Owner of Barnswallow, a Wild Bird Concern, dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wild birds with the goal to returning them to the wild and educating the public. Barnswallow admits aproximately 150 injured and orphaned raptors (hawks, owls and falcons) a year and conducted 70 programs to over 7,000 adults and children in 2007.

Brockman, Terra, is the author of The Seasons on Henry’s Farm: A Year of Food and Life on a Sustainable Farm, and the founder of The Land Connection, an educational nonprofit that saves farmland, trains farmers in entrepreneurial farming, and connects local producers and consumers.

Bryan, Linda Oyama, Photographer with specialty in landscapes and architecture. Photographed extensively for the Chicago Botanic Garden and for the most notable landscape and architectural professionals in Chicagoland.

Cantwell, David S., Assistant horticulturist, berm and wall gardens, Chicago Botanic Garden. M.S. from Roosevelt University, Chicago.

Carloftis, Jon, Contributing editor of Garden Design and a regional writer for Country Gardens. His designs have been featured in House Beautiful, Country Home, Southern Living, Interior, Metropolitan Home, The New York Times, Country Living Gardener and Garden Shed, published by Better Homes and Gardens. He has made television appearances on The Style Channel; Martha Stewart Living (twice); ABC's Good Morning, America — where two of his gardens were featured; and HGTV, on which two of four designs in a show called The Secret Gardens of New York were Jon's. HGTV has named Jon the only garden expert on their advisory panel. Jon is the recipient of a landscaping design award, given for his overall body of work, from the Museum of the City of New York City. His customers have included the Lauder family (of Esteé Lauder fame), Sotheby's auction house, actors Julianne Moore and Edward Norton and Chris Heinz, son of Theresa Heinz Kerry.

Carlson, Jack, Certified professional photographer specializing in natural scenic images. Awarded the Commercial Print of the Year for 2005 by the Chicago Professional Photographers Association, and continues to be an active member of that group.

Carlson, Robin, Garden photographer of the Chicago Botanic Garden since 2006. Earned a B.F.A. in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2003 and is now pursuing an M.F.A. at Columbia College Chicago.

Carman, Jack, ASLA landscape architect, president, Design for Generations, LLC. Specializes in creating therapeutic exterior environments for senior communities and healthcare facilities.

Carroll, Benjamin, Senior horticulturist, Chicago Botanic Garden. B.S. in horticulture, Writtle College in Essex, England. Benjamin was employed for two years at Cambridge University Botanic Garden before joining the Chicago Botanic Garden staff.

Catlett, Rachel, Artist, designer and gardener. She has worked in the horticultural field in the Chicagoland area for the last 15 years. She moved from the east coast in 1992 to work at the Chicago Botanic Garden, ran her own garden design and consulting firm, The Garden Fairy, and most recently has been the Associate Head Gardener at Craig Bergmann Landscape Design Inc. She currently works with her husband as the caretaker of a private estate in Wisconsin, closer to her home and family in Delavan.

Cavallino, Lucia, Realized a lifelong dream when she and her husband Enzo opened their namesake Long Grove restaurant Enzo & Lucia's in December 2001. She shares and adapts generations of family recipes with a loyal clientele who appreciate fresh, cooked-to-order authentic Italian food.

Clifton, Nancy, Horticulture program specialist in visitor programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden with specialization in containers, troughs, wreaths, herbs and other botanical crafts.

Cowles, Chris, Senior consulting urban forester, Tree Preservation & Land Restoration Division, the Care of Trees. ISA Certified Arborist with more than 30 years' experience in tree preservation, urban forestry and arboriculture, including positions held in state, county and municipal forestry and planning departments. B.S. in forestry from the University of Florida.

Crawford, Wylie, Resident carillonneur for the Chicago Botanic Garden since the dedication of the Theodore C. Butz carillon in 1986. Member of the Guild of Carillonneurs. President of the World Carillon Federation.

Danielson, Donna,Plant clinic assistant at the Morton Arboretum. A.A.S. in Ornamental Horticulture, College of DuPage and M.A. in Crop Science, University of Illinois, specialization in pest management of woody ornamentals.

Darin, Sam, Master Gardener, volunteer at Chicago Botanic Garden, tool and die designer. Sharpens and maintain tools for many of the Horticulturists at Chicago Botanic Garden. Instructor for "Tool Time with Sam", "Tool Care & Sharpening" and "Felco Pruner Care" and "The Master Gardener Tool Care & Sharpening."

Darke, Rick, Pennsylvania-based consultant, author, photographer and lecturer whose work blends art, ecology, and cultural geography in the design and conservation of livable landscapes. He was a member of Longwood Gardens' staff for twenty years, traveling the world in search of plants and ideas to enrich the global garden. Darke's work has been featured on National Public Radio and in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, Garden Design magazine and others. He has authored and illustrated multiple award-winning books including The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest, In Harmony with Nature: Lessons from the Arts & Crafts Garden, and The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes. His latest book, The Wild Garden: Expanded Edition places William Robinson's classic concept of wild gardening in modern ecological context and illustrates its relevance for today's gardeners and landscape stewards. For further information visit: www.rickdarke.com.

DeVore, Sheryl, Reporter for the Chicago Tribune and author of three books about birds. She has given presentations throughout the Midwest on birds, and is the chief editor for Meadowlark, published by the Illinois Ornithological Society. Her nature and environment stories have won numerous regional and national awards.

Diblik, Roy, Co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm, est. 1991, specializing in growing perennials, native plants and ornamental grasses, and landscape design and installation. Has propagated more than 140 prairie species and was recently involved in the installation of the Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millennium Park.

Dion, Daniel, Supervisor specialty areas and garden wall at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.A. from Southern Illinois University in Forestry/Outdoor Recreation Resources Management and Plant and Soil Science.

Docktor-Smith, Mary Ann, Vintage costume and jewelry collector for over 20 years and a member of the Vintage Fashion & Costume Jewelry Club. Mary Ann has lectured and written extensively on various costume jewelry topics, and is also an active member of Jewel Collect, The Jewelry Ring and Discovering D&E and Juliana Jewelry.

Donelley, Marlene Hill, Scientific illustrator in the geology department at the Field Museum. Degrees in zoology and art. Co-author of Painting Wildlife in Watercolor.

Donovan, Mary Chapman, ASID, CAPS, principal, Donovan Design, residential designer. B.S. from Florida State University, A.A.T. in Environmental Horticulture from Gwinnett Technical College.

Dorigan, Diane, Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and has been a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators for more than 10 years. Her sketchbooks were recently recognized as among the seven favorites in their Bar Harbor, Maine Conference in 2005. Her work includes botanical and other natural science subjects in pencil, watercolor, etching and engraving. She has had her work included in numerous juried shows in the U.S. and Portugal.

Duax, Kerry,Assistant horticulturalist at the Chicago Botanic Garden with a B.S. in Horticulture from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Interned at Disney World.

Eskandari, John, Buyer/manager of Gethsemane Garden Center's trees and shrubs department. Has a degree in horticulture from Michigan State University as well as a degree in English literature from the University of Michigan. Is a certified arborist and maintains active memberships in many Illinois landscape/horticulture organizations. As a sought-after guest speaker at neighborhood garden clubs and schools, shares his experiences with plants, trees, and shrubs, opening peoples' minds to the joy of growing woody plants.

Feldman, Pamela, Artist/instructor, weaver, and natural dyer. M.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and certificate of excellence in dyeing from the Weavers Guild of America. Copublisher of The Turkey Red Journal, a newsletter about natural dyes.

Feldner, Elizabeth, Horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.Sc. in horticulture from University of Wisconsin, Madison, and fine cheese connoisseur.

Fisher, Laurey, Ceramic artist and designer. B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University Instructor of classes for all levels, ages, including multigenerational and craft workshops.

Fleeson, Lucinda S., An award-winning journalist with extensive international experience. She has trained professional journalists in Eastern and Central Europe, the Balkans, Africa, and Latin America. Her training manual for teaching investigative reporting in developing democracies has been translated into 18 languages.

Fraley, Tobin, Photographer and author of three books, Tobin is currently working on a multi-year project of photographically documenting the Reed Turner Woodland Nature Preserve. Tobin and his wife, Rachel, also own and operate several stores and art galleries in Long Grove.

Frank, Jennifer, Photographer and multimedia specialist of Jennifer Frank Imaging

Freeman, Carol, Photographer and founder of the Endangered Species Photography Project, which attempts to photograph all the threatened and endangered species in Illinois. Award-winning contributor to books and magazines.

Fritz, Tom, Plant health care specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden. Associates degree from Joliet Junior College in horticulture (turf management) and an associates degree from Kankakee Community College in agricultural business. Has worked at a number of different golf courses as assistant superintendent. Spent 11 years with the Des Plaines Park District as landscape maintenance supervisor and six years with the Wheeling Park District as horticultural supervisor.

Fucik, Dirk and Terry, Owners of Dirk's Fish and Gourmet Shop, a market dedicated to bringing fresh fish to Chicago. Their love for eating and cooking fish is poured into fun and educational tag-team cooking classes.

Garner, Jerry, Ph.D. and B.S. in horticulture from Virginia Tech and an A.B. in English from the College of William and Mary. A freelance writer and consultant, he specializes in garden design history, botany, and orchids.

Garrity, DJ, Served three consecutive tours of duty as Sculptor-In-Residence of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and is an award-winning sculptor. He is known as a sculptor, painter and journeyman along the margins of abstract expression.

Gates, Galen, Director, plant collections and curator of perennials at the Chicago Botanic Garden, overseeing collection of 2.4 million plants. Founding member of four horticultural organizations and Chair of the Midwest Plant Collecting Collaborative.

Geiger, Barbara, Adjunct professor, Illinois Institute of Technology, on faculty at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and in the Design Certificate Program at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Landscape historian and member of the Council of Educators in landscape architecture. Writing biography of O.C. Simonds for Library of American Landscape History/University of Massachusetts Press. M.A. in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Gerdes Lemme, Valerie, ASLA, registered landscape architect. Chicago Botanic Garden Instructor for more than 12 years and a private practice residential designer. BLA from Iowa State University and a MLA from University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Gianneschi, David, Horticulturist and landscape designer. David was involved in the award winning Michigan Avenue streetscape and the Ruan Center in Des Moines. He is a regular lecturer at local garden clubs, serves as Technical Advisor for HGTV's "The Seasoned Gardener" and on Mayor Daley's Landscape Advisory Taskforce as a Green Roof/Flowerbox Committee Member.

Greenberg, Joel, Avid birder and naturalist. B.A., M.A., Environmental Policy, J.D. Co-author of A Birder's Guide to the Chicago Region and author of A Natural History of the Chicago Region. Previously employed by the Cook County State's Attorney, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, City of Chicago's Dept of Environment, and DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Grosch, Glenn, B.S. in agronomy from University of Illinois. Associate degrees in horticultural science and parks and grounds management from Harper College. Certified ISA arborist.

Grubba, Sue, Practical Gardening Trainer™ and Forum Moderator and a senior instructor at the Michigan School of Gardening. Owner of Creative Scapes, specializing in the design and installation of Landscape Night Lighting and perennial garden design. Sue has been an active member of the Association of Professional Gardeners, including serving on the board from 2005 – 2007

Guen, Terry, Landscape architect, urban designer, principal and president of Terry Guen Design Associates, Inc. Terry was Master Landscape Architect for Chicago's Millennium Park from 2000-2005. Her current work includes a sustainable plan for both Chicago's historic Martin Luther King Boulevard and the Park and Riverwalk areas along the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, as well as the ecological restoration of Wisconsin's Duck Pond Recreation Area, Fontana. Terry has graduate degrees in landscape architecture and urban design from University of Pennsylvania.

Halliday, Nancy, Has worked for almost 50 years as a museum artist for both scientific publications and educational exhibits, and she has taught scientific illustration since 1977. BS in Zoology, University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies, Northeast Illinois University. She recently retired from the position of Artist-Naturalist for Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois. Her accomplishments include authoring the bird illustration chapter in the GNSI Handbook of Scientific Illustration, and acting GNSI Historian since 1995.

Hamrick, Bob, Head grower and sales manager, Didier Greenhouses.

Havens, Kayri, Ph.D. director of the Institute for Plant Conservation at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She holds a B.S. and an M.A. in Botany from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Biology from Indiana University. She is on the adjunct faculty of Loyola University, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois-Chicago and collaborates with a variety of academic institutions and stewardship organizations to help improve conservation efforts for rare plants.

Hawke, Richard, Plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Horticultural degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Author of Plant Evaluation Notes, columnist for Chicagoland Gardening magazine, and recipient of the Perennial Plant Association's 2005 Academic Award for teaching excellence.

Hayward, Gordon, Residential garden design consultant, author of several books and a number of articles for Horticulture magazine. Member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

Hazen, Teresia, Med, HTR, OMH pregistered horticultural therapist and coordinator of therapeutic gardens and Horticulture Therapy at Legacy Health System in Portland, Oregon.

Heath, Brent, A third generation bulb grower, and his wife Becky are owners of Brent and Becky's in Gloucester, Virginia. They have co-authored the award winning books Daffodils for North American Gardens and Tulips for North American Gardens, and consulted on numerous others.

Henning, Chris, Plant Healthcare Specialist, Chicago Botanic Garden. Chris holds a B.Sc. in horticulture from the University of Illinois and specializes in insect and disease control on woody plants and ornamentals and enjoys a midsummer rain showers.

Hoover, Mary Rose, A first-generation Italian American who learned how to cook from her mother and aunts who emigrated from Southern Italy. She has a lifetime of culinary experiences to share with you — experiences that you won't find in a cookbook or on TV.

Humay, Priscilla, Received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and MS from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She did Post Graduate Study at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. She is a juried member of Landscape Artists International. She worked as Co-Director for ARC Gallery, Chicago, and as Public Relations Director for the Colored Pencil Society of America's National Governing Board. Her most recent awards are "Award for Excellence" at the CPSA International Exhibition in Bethesda, MD and "1st Place" at Midwest Color held in Illinois. She earned her 5-year merit signature status with the Colored Pencil Society of America, CPSA.

Hursthouse, Robert, Registered landscape architect and a degreed horticulturist. Named "Man of the Year" in 2004 by Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). He lectures regularly on landscape design and related subjects

Husemoller, David, Owner of EarthWild Gardens, dedicated to providing native plants. David serves as a consultant for the installation of prairie, woodland and rain gardens.

Hyerczyk, Richard D., 1995 botany graduate from St. Xavier University, Chicago. He has taught natural history and botany classes at the Field Museum of Natural History, the Morton Arboretum and several Chicago area park districts. He has an interest in lichens, has published several papers on them, and is founder of the Chicago Lichenological Society. Other interests include his home garden, where he tends grapes and potatoes.

Jamieson, Scott, Certified arborist and Vice President, Bartlett Tree Experts. He has a B.S. in Urban Forestry from Purdue, an M.S. in Urban Forestry from Michigan State University, and an MBA from DePaul. He is a distinguished alumnus of the College of Agriculture at Purdue and in 2007 received Lawn and Landscape Magazine's Leadership Award.

Jefferson, Dr. Lara V., Restoration ecologist who has written several scholarly journal articles and has presented her work at various conferences around the world. Her main research interests are invasive plant species and using smoke to promote seed germination. She is main author of a second book on smoke, co-authored by Marcello Pennacchio and Kayri Havens, and also to be published by Oxford University Press.

Johnson, Tim, Director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.A. in horticulture from the University of Nebraska.

Jones, Elder G., Native Tennessean and revered for his wet carved concrete sculpting. He has been sculpting for over twenty years and enjoys sharing his knowledge of this craft with students of all backgrounds

Jordon, Shelley, Artist whose work "celebrates the power and beauty of domestic spaces and objects and the evanescence of time."

Joseph, Judith, Painting instructor and two-time recipient of the Illinois Arts Council Artist's Fellowship Award. Specializes in the Ketubah, a richly painted, hand-lettered document used at Jewish weddings. B.S. in art from the University of Wisconsin.

Judge, Kathy, Library technical assistant at the Lenhardt Library, Chicago Botanic Garden since March 1998. B.A. in Art History from the University of Illinois. Drawing teacher for the Young Rembrants program in the North Shore elementary schools. Attended the American Academy of Bookbinding course on Book Conservation. Completed all Bookbinding courses at Columbia College Center for Book & Paper Arts, including letterpress, papermaking and slipcases.

Jungles, Raymond, Founder and proprietor of Raymond Jungles, Inc., established in 1983 soon after graduating with honors from the University of Florida in 1981. His office is based on the river in downtown Miami, where he mentors his staff of ten. Published in numerous books including Ten Landscapes, Raymond Jungles, by Rockport Publishers, Inc., 1999, his international practice and unusual birth name have appeared in a plethora of magazines and newspapers worldwide. Honored by the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects as Landscape Architect of the Year in 2003, and by the University of Florida as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2000.

Katara, Tatiana, Art instructor and teacher for more than 10 years. Her faerie cottages have been featured in many publications, including Faerie Magazine, Capitol Times, the Wisconsin State Journal, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal. During the summer months she conducts workshops and does live art painting and event photography at various outdoor music festivals. For more information, visit www.faeriefactory.com.

Kaulas, Kim, Landscape designer, Kim Kaulas Inc. and board member of Landscape Design Association. Specializes in small urban spaces and shade.

Kelley, Sean, Upon completion of his degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois, Sean continued his post graduate studies in Oxford, England. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe visiting notable gardens. Sean applies this appreciation of garden architecture to his classic and modern residential design.

Kingzette, Shawn, District manager, The Care of Trees. ISA certified arborist with an M.S. in natural resources from the University of Illinois and a B.S. in biology from Loyola University Chicago. Instructor for Openlands' TreeKeepers, Chicago Center for Green Technology and Greencorps Chicago. Past president of Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association.

Kipnis, Nathan, his work has been widely published in local, national and professional publications including Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Magazine, North Shore Magazine, Better Homes and Garden, Renovation Style, Natural Home and Conscious Choice Magazine. Mr. Kipnis received his Master of Architecture (Emphasis: Energy Conscious Design) from Arizona State University. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. He was a key member of the City of Chicago's Department of Environment "Green Team", for their "Green Bungalow Initiative"

Kirschner, Bob, director of aquatic plant and urban lake studies at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.S. from University of Illinois, plus more than 30 years experience in lake and stream management as well as development of public policy relating to water resource protection

Klindera, Dan, arborist, vice president, and general manager, Autumn Tree Care Experts.

Kogan, Michelle, painter, illustrator and designer. M.F.A. from Northern Illinois University, B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Concurrent Instructor at The Art Center in Highland Park, has also taught at Evanston Art Center and the College of Lake County.

Koziol, Nina, horticulturist and garden writer whose articles and essays have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicagoland Gardening, Old-House Journal and other magazines. She holds a degree in education and environmental science and gardens on a deer-infested acre in south Cook County where butterflies and hummingbirds are summer residents.

Kramer, Andrea Tietmeyer, research associate at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Doctoral candidate in the Ecology and Evolution group at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2005 STAR (Science to Achieve Results) Fellowship.

Kress, W. John, Ph.D., curator of botany and research scientist at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution, and was formerly the chairman of the Smithsonian's Department of Botany. Dr. Kress is currently the executive director of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also an adjunct professor of biology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences in Yunnan.

Kuo, Yi, ASLA, landscape design instructor, landscape planner, and business associate for resourcing and business operations in Asia/ Pacific Rim. Master's of architecture with a minor in landscape architecture from Ball State University. More than 18 years of experience designing many international projects; teacher of landscape design and advanced CAD courses at College of Lake County for the past nine years.

Laiblin, Paul, project manager and senior estimator, Scott Byron and Co. Extensive experience in construction and project management and landscape design for residential, commercial, and resort landscape development. Special interest in promoting native plants and sustainable development.

Lally, Timothy, ASLA RLA. Principal of Timothy Lally Design, a landscape architectural firm specializing in residential landscape design in Chicago and the North Shore. Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Iowa State University with 20 years of experience designing corporate, commercial and residential projects.

Lawson, Laura J., Assistant professor of landscape architecture at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her knowledge of community gardens has developed from academic interest as well as personal experience as coordinator of Berkeley Youth Alternatives' Community Garden Patch.

LeClaire, Anne, a former actor, print journalist and radio broadcaster, is a memoirist and best-selling author of eight novels published in twenty-four countries. In 1992, Anne began a formal practice of silence, meaning that for the past seventeen years she has not spoken on the first and third Mondays of every month. Out of this practice came her memoir, Listening Below the Noise: The Transformative Power of Silence, (HarperCollins, 2009) which was named one of the 50 best spiritual books of the year.

Lehman, Gary W., RLA, ASLA, landscape architect, owner of G Studio, BS in landscape architecture from Purdue University. He has additional faculty positions at Northwestern University and the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Levy, Beth, custom container specialist at Chalet Nursery and Garden Shop and owner of a small residential design business. Beth is also an active Master Gardener, volunteering at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Plant Health Care as well as lecturing at garden clubs and civic organizations.

Limburger, Emily, assistant horticulturist for the Lakeside Gardens and horticulture intern coordinator at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Emily holds a BSc. in Plant and Soil Science from Southern Illinois University.

Lindemann, Stephanie, horticulture graduate from Kansas State University. Worked at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia in the horticulture and education departments. At Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, she served as a horticulturist and a horticultural educator before joining the Chicago Botanic Garden as the manager of flower shows.

Little, Laura, Environmentalist and outdoorswoman with a keen sense of fun. Believes that fostering deeper connections to places through play is one of the most important gifts we can give our children—and ourselves!

Ludwig, Kristin, holds degrees in ornamental horticulture and plant biology, and a masters in natural resources and environmental science. She has been teaching college-level courses in taxonomy, plant physiology, botany, and many others, for the past 10 years.

Lyon, Ed, director of Allen Centennial Gardens, the botanical garden for University of Wisconsin-Madison. Owner of Spellbound Garden Writing & Consultation, writing for professional and public audiences. Lectures and teaches extensively in the Upper Midwest and is a regular instructor at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Macnamara, Peggy, Art instructor and author. Artist-in-residence at the Field Museum since 1990. Adjunct associate professor (2001-present), School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Macunovich, Janet, The Gardener's Personal Trainer.™ Senior instructor of the Michigan School of Gardening. She co-founded the Practical Gardening Institute in 2004 to provide practical training and advice to gardeners across the nation.

Maldonado, Maelo, ASLA, B.S. in landscape architecture from Purdue. Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and chair of the Illinois Chapter Communications Committee. Maelo has a background in Park and Recreation, Commercial, Land Planning and Streetscape design.

Marcus, Clare Cooper, professor emerita, University of California and principal of Healing Landscapes in Berkeley, CA. Co-editor of "Healing Gardens: Therapeutic Benefits and Design Recommendations" and writes frequently for Landscape Architecture magazine.

Mariano, Jodi Z., senior associate at Teska Associates, Inc. in Evanston. She holds a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts from the School of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois (Urbana) and a Master of Fine and Applied Arts from the School of Architecture, University of Illinois (Chicago). She is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and is a registered Landscape Architect in Illinois. Ms. Mariano has experience in urban planning, landscape architecture, and architectural design. She has worked on transportation, recreational, commercial, industrial, and residential design projects ranging from thousands of acres to a fraction of an acre.

Marzahl, Stephen W., ASLA, APLD, ASAI, LDA, landscape architect, business and design consultant to private landscape design and construction firms.

Mason, Angela, graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, with a M.S. in Plant, Soil and General Agriculture Systems. She is the Coordinator of the Green Youth Farm Program at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

McFarland, Joe, outdoor writer for nearly 20 years and a staff writer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources magazine Outdoor Illinois.

McMahon, Mark, artist, nationally and internationally renowned for his on-location drawings and paintings. His approach to the subject is through the eyes of an artist reporter and documentarian. Producer and director of Ceramic Tile Murals and artist developer of a series of Hand Colored Silk Screens.

Melecio, Leo, grounds supervisor at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Veteran of 27 years at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Plant care and garden maintenance expert.

Mercado, Gabriel, certified Landscape Technician, a licensed commercial pesticide operator, and a Landscape Construction Foreman with 6 years of Horticulture and Landscape experience. He volunteers annually as a judge for the Certified Landscape Technician testing.

Mercado, Jose, residential maintenance and project coordinator and sales, Rosborough Partners, Inc., more than 16 years of horticulture and landscape experience, certified landscape technician, licensed commercial pesticide operator.

Meyers, April, former horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She is now happily retired, but continues to spread her passion for plants.

Michaud, Nick, head gardener of Westover Farms, a 50 acre private estate, since 1995. B.S. in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Over the past 20 years he has work in public gardens across this country and completed a year-long training program with the Royal Horticultural Society in Wisley, England.

Miklik, Jason, B.F.A.& M.F.A. School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Recipient of a " William M.R. French - Fellowship". Instructor of Drawing and Painting (figure, portrait, and Landscape). Faculty member North Shore Art League, Figurative Art League and private tutoring. Commissioned and collected.

Miraldi, Gerald, president, Midwest Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and president of Miraldi Landscape Design. Principal designer for Chicagoland Brick Paving & Landscaping Inc.

Montoya, Jesus, senior construction foreman, Rosborough Partners, Inc., more than 25 years of horticulture and landscape experience, certified landscape technician, licensed commercial pesticide operator, member of Rosborough's safety and training committee.

Montoya, Raul, construction foreman, Rosborough Partners, Inc. with more than 25 years of horticulture and landscape installation experience.

Moss, William, Master gardener, environmental scientist, and greening expert William Moss works as a horticultural educator to spread the good news about gardening. William writes greening articles for MyOrganicGardeningBlog, Moss In The City, and William's Web. He also serves on the board of The Talking Farm. Currently, William is on TV as the host of HGTV's “DIG IN”, a CBS Early Show greening correspondent, and a QVC gardening guest.

Mueller, Gregory, an internationally known mycologist and former curator of fungi at The Field Museum of Natural History for more than 23 years; vice president of Science and Academic Programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Nakon, Steve, is founder of Northwest Yoga and the instructor for the Yoga and Meditation programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden, is an inspiring teacher, and health advocate. A popular conference presenter on yoga, meditation, health and wellness, Steve has presented at conferences as diverse as Yoga Journal Grand Geneva Conference, Green Yoga Conference, and the North American Vegetarian Society Conference. His website is at www.northwestyoga.org.

Natura, Heidi, RLA, ASLA, founder and partner of Living Habitats, a firm offering landscape architecture, ecological restoration and fine art.

Nejman, Sharon, senior horticulturist, Education Greenhouses, Chicago Botanic Garden. Sharon came to the Garden with over 30 years of wholesale and retail green industry experience and a horticulture degree from Danville Community College in Commercial Floriculture. Sharon has taught floral design and plant maintenance courses at Parkland Community College in Champaign, IL.

Norman, Derek, founder, director, botanical artist and designer for Midwest Center for Botanical Documentation, creative director, designer, educator, faculty advisor, illustrator and co-author of six books and numerous newspaper columns.

Novak, Gertrude, M.D. pressed flower designer, teacher of floral art at the University of Illinois. Exhibited at Chicago Public Library, Merlo Branch and Chicago Botanic Garden.

Ogutu, Maurice, Ph.D. in Horticulture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Works with commercial fruit and vegetable growers in northern Illinois, and teaches fruit and vegetable sections of the Illinois Master Gardener Training Program. Member of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences and Illinois Specialty Growers Association. He carries out applied research on fruits and vegetables at St. Charles Horticulture Research Center and in commercial fruit and vegetable grower's farms. In 2004, University of Illinois Extension presented him with an Award of Excellence in Innovative Program in Food Crop Horticulture.

O'Shaughnessy, Joan, ecologist for the Skokie River Corridor and interim ecologist for the Susan B. Dixon Prairie. M.A. In Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University. Has worked in Native Habitats areas at the Garden for the last 14 years.

Paige, Dennis, M.S. in Environmental Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and an M.A.T. in Social Studies from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He works as an interpretive naturalist and restorationist at Spring Valley Nature Center where he has been employed there through the Schaumburg Park District for over 20 years.

Pearson, Dan, garden designer and writer, Dan Pearson Studios, London, England

Pennacchio, Dr. Marcello, ethnobotanist with more than 15 years experience in research and teaching in this area. He has published approximately 30 peer-reviewed journal articles in traditional Australian Aboriginal bush medicines and has written three books. He is currently a research associate with Chicago Botanic Garden's Division for Plant Biology and Conservation and a freelance science writer.

Petrocelly, Richard P., certified olive oil consultant and formerly chef and manager of Petrocelly's Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is the founder and CEO of the Olive Tap Olive Oil Tasting Emporiums.

Phillips, Ellen, extension educator in crop systems, University of Illinois Extension. B.S. in agronomy with an emphasis on soil fertility from the University of Illinois. M.S. from Iowa State University in soil management. Member of the Soil Science Society of America, the International Soil Science Society, and the American Society of Agronomy.

Pierceall, Gregory M., professor emeritus Purdue University/HLA, professor of urban ecosystem design at the University of Illinois. M.A. in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois. Recipient of the 2003 International Award of Distinction from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

Pinargote, Moshe, foreman, specialty areas at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Ingeniero Agronomo degree in Natural Resources and Biological Conservation from Zamorano, the Panamerican Agricultural School, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Pollak, Tim, outdoor floriculturist, Chicago Botanic Garden. Grower of the seasonal display annuals, containers, baskets and specialty plant displays seen throughout the Garden. Tim has written and contributed to articles for newspapers, magazines, and other publications relating to many gardening topics. He earned his degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Priest, Tim, Has been collecting suiseki for eight years and carving custom Diazas for five of them. He has been invited to display his Suiseki at the Chicago Botanical Gardens “Three Friends of Winter Silhouette Show” since it’s conception. He has also taught Diaza carving at the Michigan All State Bonsai Show for the past two years and is know as the authority on Suiseki in Michigan. People in the Bonsai community there refer to him as…“The Stone Guru”.

Quon, John, graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and baker of delicious pastries and breads at the Hotel Sofitel since 2005.

Raue, Barb, current Nursery Supervisor and formerly Horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Barb has a B.Sc. in Plant and Soil Science from Southern Illinois University. She has been at the garden for twenty-one years.

Ridenour, John, product manager, Ball Horticultural Company. Board member for the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education. Degrees in ornamental horticulture, plant biology and plant physiology.

Rodriguez, Lynette, co-owner and horticulturist, A Finer Touch. B.S. in horticulture from UW-Madison. Previously worked on private estates and with a landscape company. Now designs, installs and cares for landscapes. Experienced in designing and maintaining perennial gardens and four season container plantings.

Rokach, Allen, photographer; expert in location photography and best known for his photographs of flowers, gardens and landscapes. Served as the staff photographer and Director of Photography at New York Botanical Garden and as a Senior Photographer for Southern Living magazine. His editorial assignments include National Geographic, Audubon, Natural History, the New York Times, Better Homes & Gardens, Fine Gardening, Garden Design, Garden, Horticulture and others. Coordinated the Certificate Program in Nature and Garden Photography at New York Botanical Garden and founded the Center for Nature Photography. Co-authored eight books and numerous articles on photography, travel, nature and science

Rothert, Eugene, Registered Horticultural Therapist., manager of the Horticultural Therapy Services Department at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Design team chair for the award winning Buehler Enabling Garden. He is a frequent lecturer and author on Enabling Garden design and programming and consultant to the healthcare sector regarding therapeutic landscapes and horticultural therapy program development.

Rutenberg, Linda, photographer, author and educator for the last thirty years. Her fine art work has been exhibited internationally and can be found in many prestigious collections. In 1997, she opened Galerie Mistral, a fine art photography gallery in Montreal, Canada. Author of Mont Royal-A World Apart and The Garden at Night. Linda lives and works in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Sackett, Leslie, Enabling Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden. Member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association and has been featured in their newsletter. Professional gardener and residential garden design consultant.

Sanchez, Manuel, grounds foreman at the Chicago Botanic Garden for over 20 years. B.S. in industrial mechanics. Manny is well versed in engine repair, landscape construction and landscape maintenance.

Scarfone, Scott C., ASLA, founder and principal, Oasis Design Group. Practicing landscape architect and certified professional horticulturist.

Schaumburg, Gregory, B.L.A. from Penn State University, Senior Landscape Designer with Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors. Gregory focuses intensely on residential design with an emphasis on creative, small-scale solutions and graphic expressions of design intent.

Selinger, Jill, manager of Continuing Education for the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. She is also an instructor for the Hardy Bulbs course in Ornamental Plant Materials Certificate Program, as well as other courses. She previously worked for Synnestvedt Nursery Company and DeVroomen Bulb Company. Jill also is an avid gardener and maintains an estate garden part time.

Selinger, R. Thomas, director of design, Hursthouse, Inc. Degree in landscape architecture from Michigan State University. Program instructor for the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, College of DuPage and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

Shelton, Emily, horticulturist for the Research, Evaluation, and Children's Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.S. in Horticulture from Missouri State University.

Sherwood, Heather, senior horticulturist, English Walled Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden. Has a B.S. in horticulture from Iowa State University. Her passion for gardening was cultivated in Laytonsville, Maryland, where she worked for a cut-flower grower and a small public garden before going to college.

Shores, Bill, runs a garden management and design business focusing on intensive, small-scale gardening systems. Bill has over 12 years of experience designing and running organic commercial food gardens, designing urban landscapes, and teaching intensive techniques. Bill works with clients to utilize their indoor and outdoor urban spaces for food production, edible landscaping and native plantscapes.

Siegel, Julie, owner of J. Siegel Designs, Inc. and president of Midwest Ecological Landscaping Association. Julie has been a teacher and public speaker for many years and is very involved with various community, environmental, and social projects.

Siegel, Leora Ornstein, M.S. in library and information science and a M.S. in natural resources and environmental sciences, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is the manager of the Lenhardt Library of the Chicago Botanic Garden, where she has worked in various capacities over the last 7 years. Leora is on the board of directors of the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL) and the North Suburban Library System (NSLS).

Silverman, Paul, Ph.D., senior research scientist in plant sciences at Valent BioSciences, Libertyville. Doctorate in Plant Biology from Rutgers University. Conducts research on plant growth regulation and induced plant resistance to disease and pests. Author on more than 20 refereed scientific papers and inventor on two US patents.

Singer, Jonathan, author of the double-elephant folio of Botanica Magnifica, kept in the Cullman Rare Book Room Botanica Magnifica, kept in the Cullman Rare Book Room at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries. Dr. Singer was named a Hasselblad Laureate Award winner based on his contribution to fine art photography and to "our perception and appreciation of the botanical world."

Smith, Diane, owner, The Perennial Professionals, Inc. Graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants and Shrubs from the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Smith, Gilbert, co-owner of Arborsmith, Ltd., He is a university educated, certified arborist that has been caring for trees on the North Shore of Chicago for over forty years. He has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens Do It Yourself Magazine for his own home garden.

Smith, Lesley Bruce, co-owner of Arborsmith, Ltd., She is a university educated, certified arborist that has been caring for trees on the North Shore of Chicago for over forty years. She has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens Do It Yourself Magazine for her own home garden.

Snyder, Nancy, graphic designer and natural science illustrator. B.S. University of Illinois, Medical Illustration. Designer for 18 years at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Botanical illustrations appear in many publications including, M. A. Dirr's Manual Of Woody Landscape Plants.

Sollenberger, Dave, seed bank conservation specialist for the Seeds of Success National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank. Chicago Botanic Garden restoration ecologist of the Dixon Prairie for 25 years. B.S. in Botany at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Sousa, Jean, artist, educator, and curator. She has received numerous grants and artist fellowships for her work in photography and film from the Illinois Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts among others. She has been included in exhibitions at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Tennessee, the Rockford Art Museum, the Evanston Art Center, FLATFILE galleries, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. She is currently the director of Interpretive Exhibitions and Family Programs at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Sparling, Brandon, born with a pair of grilling tongs in his mouth. He has perfected several intoxicating recipes for the grill and kitchen and is happy to share them with us.

Stack, Greg, extension horticulturist providing leadership in horticultural programming for both homeowners and commercial horticulturists with emphasis in the area of herbaceous ornamentals. B.Sc. and M.S. in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois. He is actively involved in the development of horticulture web sites, flower show exhibits and youth horticulture programs.

Steffen, Amy, naturalist

Steffen, James F., ecologist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. M.S. in Environmental Science and B.S. in Ecosystems Analysis from the University of Wisconsin. Contributing editor to "The Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Handbook."

Sternberg, Guy, arboretum manager, consultant and lecturer. Bachelor of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture degrees from Purdue University. Numerous articles and photos featured in publications such as American Nurseryman, Arborist News,Tree Care Industry, among many others.

Stevens, Jessie, rising photographer in the Chicago area. With a degree in horticulture, her work combines photographic skill, scientific knowledge, and a passion for nature. Was exhibited at the Pilsen East Artists' Open House in 2008, and recently received purchases for Rush Memorial Hospital's new patient rooms.

Stewart-Pyziak, Marcy, horticulturist, The Gardener's Tutor

Stoller, Ying, author of Ying's Chinese Cookbook: Authentic, but Simple, grew up in China, influenced by her father. Ying has been teaching Chinese cooking classes for the last 7 years. She has appeared on television and radio, and is featured in various newspapers.

Story, David, Certified arborist and manager of Bartlett Tree Experts' Northbrook, IL, office. B.A. from Cornell University in 1976. Primary work is consulting with residential and commercial clients, to implement comprehensive tree-management programs, including tree-preservation programs. Member of ILCA Board of Directors, and MidAm Board of Directors.

Swano, Jeff, environmental economist, founder and executive director of the Salt Creek Watershed Network, and consultant specializing in environmental economic analysis, contaminated property assessment, solid waste management and watershed protection.

Tankard, Judith, landscape historian and author of six books on historic gardens and garden designers. Tankard teaches at the Landscape Institute and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and is a board member of the Beatrix Farrand Society, based at Garland Farm in Maine.

Tankersley, Boyce, manager of living plant documentation at the Chicago Botanic Garden. M.A. in Floriculture from Texas A&M University, B.S. in Horticulture from New Mexico State University and certificate in General Horticulture from the Royal Horticulture Society (UK). Has served on the Boards of the Friends of Moody Gardens, International Bulb Society among many others.

Taylor, David W., Ph.D., Doctorate in biology from the University of Michigan. Botanical and ethnobotanical fieldwork includes eight countries of Central America and the Caribbean, Cuba and Taiwan.

Thomas, Cathy, propagator at the Chicago Botanic Garden. B.S. from Northwestern University.

Thomas, Kay, Japanese Ink Painting Instructor. B.A. from Duquesne University, with extensive Japanese ink painting and Chinese painting, watercolor, oil, crafts and other experience.

Thompson, Michael, developed the beekeeping program at Garfield Park Conservatory in 2001 while employed as Horticulturist and Community Gardener. He created the Chicago Honey Cooperative in 2004 with two city beekeepers, with the shared goals of supporting a self-sufficient business, producing tasty healthy food and passing on the experience through neighborhood job-training.

Thomson, Karen, Bachelors of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University. She owns and operates a home-based business called Thomson Topiaries, L.L.C. Karen has been published in various local newspapers as well as in "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine and "Midwest Living" magazine including the April 1999 cover story. Karen specializes in giving lectures and workshops on topiary construction and care.

Tiddens, Tom, plant health care supervisor at the Chicago Botanic Garden. M.S. in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and B.S. in engineering from Northern Illinois University.

Trabka, Greg, New Product Development Manager with Ball Horticultural Company. He holds a Master degree in ornamental horticulture and a Master degree in the integrative business management from Michigan State University. Greg has over 20 years of experience in plant production, wholesale and retail trades as well as in the marketing field

Tonietto, Rebecca, Graduate student in the Plant Biology and Conservation program offered by Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Rebecca completed her MS at CBG/NU comparing the bee communities of green roofs to city parks and restored prairies. Her PhD research will investigate the effects of prairie restoration on native bee communities starting summer 2010.

Trauscht, Tori, employed by the Long Grove Park District as a project adminstrator. Tori has administered several grants to restore natural areas, including restoring the sedge meadow at Reed-Turner Woodland. She is also actively engaged in coordinating efforts for the Indian Creek Watershed Project. Tori is also a past board member of the Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership.

True, Jeffrey, vice-president for operations for Hursthouse, Inc., Landscape Architects and Contractors. More than 10 years experience and a degree from the University of Illinois in ornamental horticulture. Frequent lecturer at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, College of DuPage and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

Turner, Barbara, steward of Reed-Turner Woodland in Long Grove. Degree in fine arts, Wells College and MS in library science, Rosary College. Active in restoration management with the Nature Conservancy of Illinois Stewardship program. Photographer and lecturer on trees and wildflowers of the Preserve. Retired school librarian.

Tyler, Tom, arborist representative, The Care of Trees. ISA Certified Arborist with nearly 20 years' in plant care and horticulture. MS in Plant Breeding, Purdue University; BS in Horticulture, Clemson University. Former George Washington University instructor, extension agent and gardening radio show host.

Valauskas, Edward, Lecturer in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University where he teaches classes about the history of the book, information policy, and technology.

Van Wassenhove, Chris, President, Chicago Audubon Society

Wagenius, Stuart, Ph.D. conservation scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Doctorate in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Minnesota. Primary research is in the interaction of ecological and evolutionary effects of habitat fragmentation on plant populations.

Wagoner, Sally, RN, BSN, nurse, herbalist and the Wellness Director at the American Indian Center of Chicago. She grew up in southeast Cook County with the flora and fauna of Plum Creek, where her love for the natural world was nourished.

Walsh, Karen, OTR/L, occupational therapist with Glantz/Richman Rehabilitation Associates. Consultant and instructor for wellness programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Buehler Enabling Garden volunteer for 8 years.

Wasik, John, award-winning author of 12 books, including The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome and The Merchant of Power. Writes a weekly column for Bloomberg News that reaches readers on five continents and speaks widely. He's also the cofounder and president of the not-for-profit Citizens Action Project, an activist group dedicated to fair, open, and accountable government.

Watters, Ivan, artist and curator of the Chicago Botanic Garden Bonsai Collection, teacher for many years and recipient of numerous bonsai awards.

Weidner, Shawn, landscape designer, primarily in the Chicago area for the past five years. Graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in landscape architecture (minoring in business and horticulture). Worked as senior landscape designer/project manager of Chicago Specialty Gardens. Currently serves as director of design for Ecogardens, overseeing all design and management of rooftop gardens, green roofs, and landscape garden projects.

Weiss, Nina, nationally recognized artist who has been painting and drawing the landscape for over 25 years. She holds a BFA from the Tyler School of Art and K-12 Art Education Certification from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In 2007 she was awarded an Artist's Residency at the Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, IL, and in 2005 Artist in Residence at Acadia National Park in Maine. In addition to teaching workshops throughout the Midwest, Nina travels to Europe every summer to conduct her European Landscape Workshops.

Welch, Patsy, artist and educator. B.F.A., painting, cum laude, University of Tennessee; advanced study of painting and fresco, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris, France; M.Arch., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Previously a watercolor instructor at the Evanston Art Center, the Suburban Fine Arts Center, and Hull House.

West, Rinda, professor emerita of English at Oakton Community College and landscape designer specializing in native plants for city gardens.

Westphal, Joanne M., FASLA, AMA, AOA. professor, landscape architecture program, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University. Research interests involves therapeutic site design, health in the built environment, and the medical underpinnings of LEED.

Wilhelm, Gerald, Ph.D., principal and director of environmental services, Conservation Design Forum, Inc. Much noted for his coauthorship of Plants of the Chicago Region with the late Floyd Swink, A preeminent botanist in the field of floristics.

Williams, Rachel, principal landscape designer with Northwind Perennial Design Group. Formerly a horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden for eight years. Associates Degree in Horticulture. Studied landscape design at Kew Gardens.

Willow, Bim, bent willow furniture maker and former mime. Owner of Willow Works. Commissioned artist and instructor for a wide variety of clients, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Field Museum and Brookfield Zoo.

Wittig, Jane, steward, Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Preserve, Long Grove, IL.

Wood, Daniel, instructor for Chicago Botanic Garden, ILCA, FLDA, the Miami-Dade Community College Environmental Center, Fairchild Botanical Garden, Leu Botanical Garden with more than 25 years experience in the landscape industry.

Yiesla, Sharon, horticulturist with University of Illinois Extension in Lake County since 1993. B.S. in horticulture, Purdue University. M.S. in horticulture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has authored a book entitled Shade Trees for the Central and Northern United States and Canada.

Zampardo, Mark, Ph.D., coordinator of horticulture, College of Lake County, for 28 years. Published several magazine articles and one book, soon to be published, on perennial flowers. Lead several course trips to England to study gardens.

Zeitlin, Dave, director of tree preservation & land restoration, The Care of Trees. ISA Certified Arborist with Master of Arts in geography/environmental planning, Towson University, and Bachelor of Science in forest resource management, West Virginia University.