Framingham, Massachusetts – December 13, 2023 – The Board of Trustees of Native Plant Trust today announced the appointment of Tim Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Native Plant Trust is the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants. Johnson joins Native Plant Trust from Smith College, where he was Director of the Botanic Garden and Professor of Practice.
Johnson will lead the conservation and horticulture organization, including 45-acre Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA; Nasami Farm, a native plant nursery in Whately, MA; and expanded seed-processing and storage facilities to support the new Northeast Seed Network, a regional initiative led by Native Plant Trust to create a sustainable source of seed to meet the increased demand for native plants. Johnson brings a background in environmental horticulture and biological science to a long-standing career in conservation and botanic garden administration and leadership, pillars of Native Plant Trust’s mission and organization.
“I am excited to join Native Plant Trust at this important moment, and for the opportunity to meld my experience as a plant conservation researcher and a botanic garden leader in this new role,” said Johnson. “My affection for native plants is born from a childhood spent exploring the great outdoors of Wisconsin, and my appreciation for the importance of protecting the rarest of the rare comes from my graduate studies working with threatened orchids on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. I know the importance and relevance of Native Plant Trust because it is an organization that has inspired me professionally and personally for twenty years. I have always been attracted to the organization’s scientifically sound approach to plant conservation and citizen science, desire to push the envelope on environmentally friendly native plant garden design, and ability to meet the learning needs of a diverse range of plant lovers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Tim as our CEO,” said Bill Huyett, Chair of Board of Trustees at Native Plant Trust. “Tim’s academic background and leadership experience in conservation, horticulture, and education are an exemplary fit with our organization and our plans for growth. Native Plant Trust has an ambitious vision to expand our impact in the areas of ecological horticulture, native plant conservation, biodiversity, and climate change. Our board looks forward to working with Tim to harness Native Plant Trust’s strong foundation and reputation to expand and deliver on that vision with the highest sense of urgency. I am truly excited by the opportunity to work with Tim in translating his track record of impact and innovation in relating science to diverse audiences to our work in the Northeast and beyond. This is an important moment for expansion and innovation in our organization as we approach our 125th anniversary in 2025.”
