Hi, I’m Juliana. Help Us Grow the Adaptive Arboretum Garden!

I’ve been passionate about nature ever since I studied Wildlife Conservation at the University of Arizona. I even had the chance to explore the Amazon rainforest, which really opened my eyes to how plants and animals rely on each other. After college, I worked as a wildlife technician and discovered that protecting wildlife starts with protecting the habitats they depend on—particularly native plants. That’s what led me to Tohono Chul. 

I joined Tohono Chul in 2022, working in the Desert Corner Nursery, where my background helped me teach visitors about the vital role of native plants. In 2024, the American Public Gardens Association awarded me a scholarship to attend their annual conference in Boston, where I learned new methods for plant conservation and collection management. When I returned, I used those insights to map and catalog our entire plant collection and spearheaded the development of our Living Collection Charter—key steps that helped Tohono Chul earn its accreditation as an official arboretum! 

I’m reaching out because we’re raising funds for this new garden addition, and we need your help to make it a reality! This project is especially meaningful as Tohono Chul celebrates its 40th anniversary on April 19, 2025. Your gift will be a lasting contribution to the garden’s future, ensuring its beauty and impact for the next 40 years and beyond.

I’m so thankful for all Tohono Chul has given me, from real-world conservation experience to the chance to share my passion for nature with our visitors. I hope you’ll join me in supporting this new garden. Together, we can make a greener, healthier future for many generations to come. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and learning why I’ve reached out to you. We’re so grateful to have you as one of our valued members. 

Here’s to a greener future,