In 2021, Jason Morse set out on the ultimate bucket list journey for a landscape architect and garden enthusiast – a 4-½ month road trip to visit over 30 of America’s most compelling public gardens.  At each stop, he conducted in-depth interviews with members of senior garden leadership and made at least one early-morning visit to capture the unique beauty of the place.  From San Francisco to Pheonix, Dallas to Miami, up the East Coast to Boston, and back home through Chicago and the Midwest, Jason’s trip took him through 25 states and demonstrated the amazing depth and variety of the landscapes and gardens to be found in each region.  Join Jason as he shares some of his stunning photography and some fascinating insights on the intriguing ways America’s botanical gardens are meeting the challenges of the 21st Century.

Instructor Bio:

Born and raised in Montana, Jason obtained his landscape architecture degree from Washington State University and pursued a successful 25-year career in that field.  Through his master planning work, nonprofit board leadership, and his travels, interviews, and writings, Jason has maintained a focus on the challenges faced by modern botanical gardens as they seek to redefine their role in a changing world.  Jason joined the board of directors at the Arboretum Foundation in 2014, and filled leadership roles in fundraising, capital projects planning, and public advocacy, and serving as president of the board for part of that time.  After completing his board tenure, Jason joined the staff of the Foundation for a two-year in the role of strategic advisor.  Jason is an avid garden photographer, and also loves to hike, travel, and collect antique maps.

Recording will be available for 3 weeks.