NILES, MI – October 3, 2024 – After 17 years of dedicated leadership, Carol Line has announced her plan to retire as Executive Director of Fernwood Botanical Garden in December 2024. Line’s retirement also marks her 40-year career in the public garden world.
In 2007, Line joined Fernwood as Executive Director, assuming the mantle of leadership with a vision fueled by Fernwood’s founder, Kay Boydston’s, love of nature, gardening, and the craft arts. Line embraced the vision that has been thoughtfully reimagined over the years while being mindful of the rich history and Kay Boydson’s legacy. Line’s unwavering dedication to Fernwood’s mission has been evident in every endeavor. From navigating the challenges of an economic downturn and a global pandemic while still seizing opportunities for growth and innovation, Line has led Fernwood with grace, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Line credits her colleagues in the public garden world for their support and guidance on all things grand and small over the past 40 years. Line began her career in public horticulture as a junior at Purdue University, where the great Dr. Harrison Flint taught his students about trees and public gardens. Line became a member of APGA/AABGAthat year and never looked back. Prior to accepting the position of executive director at Fernwood, Line’s garden career path was an incredible blend of work at our country’s finest public gardens that included internships, fellowships, and special projects. The prestigious list includes The Huntington, Denver Botanic Gardens, Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and Arnold Arboretum at Harvard. Line was on staff at APGA when headquartered at Chanticleer and Longwood, and years later was on staff for BGCI-US when headquartered at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Line received the APGA Award of Merit in 2012 thanks to the support of staff and colleagues.
Beyond a B.S. in horticulture from Purdue University, Line pursued two graduate degrees: an MLIS fromDominican University and an M.S. in plant science with a focus on public garden management from Cal Poly, Pomona.
“I’ve had the best career imaginable over the past 40 years and have worked with the most amazing colleagues, staff, board of directors, and mentors. As a lifelong student of public gardens and how they work, I have been profoundly grateful for this opportunity to serve as executive director of Fernwood for 17 years.” said Line. “It has been a great responsibility–and amazing privilege–to lead this organization. I amhumbledbythe honor to have worked alongside our dedicated board and staff, volunteers, and supporters who make Fernwood a truly special place. As I enter into this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude and am excited for Fernwood and its future.”
“Carol leaves a legacy of inspiration and accomplishment that will continue to shape Fernwood’s future. Her vision, leadership, and steadfast commitment to excellence have laid the foundation for continued growth and success, ensuring that Fernwood Botanical Garden remains a cherished destination in the future,” said Tracy Dippo, Chair, Fernwood Board of Directors.
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About Fernwood Botanical Garden
Established in 1964, Fernwood is a unique property in southwest Michigan with 105 acres of cultivated gardens and natural areas with woodlands, ravines, wetlands, and river frontage. The property is 20 minutes to the tip of Lake Michigan, minutes north of the University of Notre Dame, and 90 minutes from Chicago. The garden is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, and is located in Buchanan Township at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, Michigan. For more information, visit fernwoodbotanical.org.