Maggie Redfern, Connecticut College Arboretum Assistant Director

Maggie Redfern

Director

Maggie joined the Arboretum staff in November 2014. Her primary responsibility is to coordinate the design and implementation of education programs for the College and community. She also leads tours, teaches classes and oversees the volunteer program. In 2020 Maggie worked with a group of community members to establish New London Trees, a non-profit organization with a mission to increase the city's tree population through community planting and care, education, and advocacy.

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Kraig Clark

Kraig Clark

Senior Groundsperson

Kraig joined the Arboretum staff in November 2013. Previously, Kraig worked in the Facilities Management Department as a groundskeeper. His background in residential and commercial lawn care and maintenance is extensive due to his time spent working for his family business in the lawn care industry. In his spare time Kraig enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time with his family and friends, including his dog Bridget, an Australian Shepherd.

Nicholas McCarthy

Grounds Horticulturist

A team member since March 2021, Nick brings his strong desire to learn everything he can about arboriculture to his daily responsibilities. Working at Harkness Memorial State Park for multiple seasons began his passion for creating a long-term impact on the environment. His fondness of the Native Plant Collection, Caroline Black Garden and greenhouse are evident in the care he takes maintaining these areas. He is CT Deep Diversity certified and Wildfire and Ranger trained, and most recently acquired his Commercial Arborist License in July 2023. In addition to his Natural Resources Economics courses, he is continuing his education with the CT Nursery and Landscape Association and CT Tree Protective Association. He enjoys retro electronic game collecting, hiking, kayaking, traveling and Sci-Fi.

Jamella Etienne

Jamella Etienne

Office Coordinator

Jamella joined the Arboretum staff in October 2022 and is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the office as well as the marketing and promotion of educational programs.  She manages the website, membership and the financial accounting for the department.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mitchell College in New London. 

Jason Eklund, Arboretum Curator

Jason Eklund

Curator

Jason joined the Arboretum staff in June 2023. His duties include conducting plant inventories and keeping maps and plant records up-to-date. He also manages the plant accessions database and the Arboretum library of books, periodicals, plans and images. Prior to joining the Arboretum, he was a Plant Healthcare Specialist with Bartlett Tree Experts. Jason graduated from Connecticut College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences/Ecology and Botany. As an undergraduate at Connecticut College, Jason interned with the Arboretum where he developed a passion for working with plants.

Scan to apply for 2024 Summer Arboretum Student Jobs

2024 Summer Students

We're Hiring for 2024 Summer Interns!

Each summer the Arboretum employs talented interns to aquire hands-on work experience in horticulture, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, research and plant collections curation. We are currently hiring for Horticulture Interns, a Curatorial Intern, Urban Forestry Interns and an Ornithology Field Research Assistant. Interested students are encouraged to apply through Handshake.

Retired Staff

Glenn D. Dreyer

Charles and Sarah P. Becker ’27 Arboretum Director Emeritus

Glenn served as the first full time Arboretum director from 1988 to 2018. He oversaw all department functions including planning, land management, public education, collection curation, research, and fundraising. Mr. Dreyer reported to the Provost/Dean of the Faculty, and worked closely with faculty and students to facilitate the use of the Arboretum as an academic resource.

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Senior Groundsperson

Bryan Goulet

Senior Groundsperson

Bryan Goulet retired in June 2020.  Bryan had joined the Arboretum staff in March 2005 as an Arboretum groundsperson, transferring from the Facilities Management Department of the College where he had worked since 1999. He received his degree in Arboriculture from the University of Massachusetts in 1981, bringing with him a valuable background in tree care. Bryan and his wife Christie enjoy motorcycling, traveling and hiking. He has one grown daughter, Chelsea.

Leigh S. Knuttel

Horticulturist

Leigh Knuttel retired in July 2021 and served the Arboretum for over twelve years providing leadership and guidance to the Arboretum team.  She was responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Arboretum and the greenhouse. She also worked with the Botany Department faculty and supervised the horticultural staff and student workers. Leigh attended Connecticut College with a major in botany and her past work includes growing of specialty annuals, perennials and woody ornamental plants, grounds and garden design as well as garden writing.  Leigh became well known to the Arboretum community offering popular workshops such as wreath making and invasive plant eradication.  In retirement, Leigh will continue to be a community volunteer and enjoy sailing adventures with her family. 

 

Mary Villa

Curator/ Information Resource Manager

Mary retired September 2022 after more than 18 years as curator/ information resource manager. Her duties included conducting inventories, evaluating plants and keeping maps and plant records up-to-date. She also managed the accessions database and the Arboretum library of books, periodicals, plans and images.

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