MVEFF: GIANTS RISING

Since 2004, Tim Boland has been the Executive Director of the Polly Hill Arboretum. He holds an undergraduate degree in Horticulture and a Master’s Degree in Botany, Plant Ecology, and Systematics from Michigan State University. His graduate work involved cataloging the oak diversity of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Tim has a specialty in oaks from around the world. He is actively engaged in various plant conservation projects focused on preserving rare and endangered oaks in North America, Europe, and Asia. He serves as a board member of the International Oak Society, which oversees a grant program currently supporting eleven projects, five of which are located in Mexico. Additionally, Tim and his conservation partners are collaborating on creating a modern flora of Martha’s Vineyard and the surrounding islands. They have already cataloged an estimated 85-90% of the vascular flora, which is accessible online and can be viewed by appointment at the Education and Botany lab at the PHA. Tim also possesses expertise in propagating rare North American trees and shrubs. He has participated in seven expeditions to map and collect two species of native North American Stewartia, which are facing decline in their natural habitats. Under Tim’s leadership, the PHA has evolved into a leading plant science organization for the island, and their plant curation training program has produced several alumni who are now serving as Curators in gardens across North America.