A season of growth

Adkins Arboretum is where people, nature, and art come together. Guests and members stroll footbridges over the Blockston and Piney branches of Tuckahoe Creek, wander through meadows and upland woods, and find cool shade beneath native trees.

Best known for its focus on native plants and exceptional experiences in nature, the Arboretum also fosters creativity through a rotating schedule of art exhibits, seasonal festivals, and community programs.

Whether through immersive installations, nature-focused classes, or joyful public events, this 400-acre native plant preserve and public garden has long been a refuge where people can slow down, learn something new, and reconnect with the natural world.

Now, with new staff and a donor-funded leadership position soon to be filled, the Arboretum is preparing to strengthen those connections and broaden its impact. Growth is underway — not just for the plants, but for the future as well.

A Vision Rooted in Nature
Founded with a mission to promote native plants and environmental stewardship, Adkins Arboretum is unique in the region. Its expansive trails, hands-on classes, vibrant art programs, and biodiversity education have made it a cherished retreat for families, students, nature lovers, and guests from across the Atlantic Seaboard.

For Ginna Tiernan, executive director since 2016, the Arboretum has always been a magical, restorative place. She brought her daughter to preschool programs and eventually joined the staff in 2009 as the Adult Programs and Volunteer Coordinator.

“Our visitors will often mention the ‘magic’ they feel at the Arboretum,” Tiernan said. “In addition to the fascinating nature, that ‘magic’ also comes from the most welcoming, kind staff at the Arboretum who warmly greet people upon their visits.

That magic has drawn nearly 30,000 guests annually, a number that continues to rise. From hikers with leashed dogs to plein air artists, from Instagram and TikTok followers to seasoned naturalists, people are discovering what some have long known: Adkins Arboretum is a treasure.

A Transformational Time
Recent staff changes have signaled a pivotal moment for the Arboretum. In fall 2024, Abby Lorenz joined as Director of Public Engagement, a restructured role that looks to the future and reflects a broader focus on community connection.

Lorenz brings a dynamic background in horticulture, public garden leadership, and art. A native of Kent County, she studied at Virginia Tech and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with professional stints at Lincoln Park Zoo and Longwood Gardens. Most recently, she worked at Mt. Cuba Center before returning home to the Eastern Shore.

For Lorenz, joining Adkins Arboretum is a moment of full circle.

“I grew up exploring places just like this, and I visited the Arboretum as a child,” she said. “Coming back here with the experience I’ve gained—it feels like everything has led me to this.”

Her vision is grounded in cultivating deeper community ties.

“Adkins is a place of joy, creativity, and connection,” she said. “My job is to help people find their way to that experience.”

Tiernan agrees. “Abby’s role is critical in helping us grow to become a true regional destination with national recognition.”

Building Capacity, Growing Strong
While the Arboretum’s impact has grown steadily, its staff has remained lean. With just one land steward caring for 400 acres, the need for more support is evident. That’s why the anticipated hiring of a new Director of Advancement marks a milestone for the organization.

Thanks to an unrestricted planned gift from the estate of B. Vance Carmean Jr., a longtime Ridgely, Md., resident and business owner who passed away in March 2024, the Arboretum is now able to fund this new role. This position will focus on donor relations, sponsorships, and major gifts.

“The gift gave us the confidence to take this step,” Tiernan said. “Bringing someone on board to focus on development will help ensure our financial sustainability and allow us to build capacity and support the great people already doing the work.”

Carmean’s legacy continues a long history of support from the Carmean family. Vance’s wife, Kathy Carmean, is a founding board member and has played a pivotal role in shaping Adkins from its earliest days. She is now serving as the organization's only board emerita.

“The Carmeans have been transformational for us,” Tiernan said. “Their vision and generosity have touched every part of the Arboretum’s growth.”

The gift is also a powerful reminder of the importance of planned giving.

“It’s a way to leave a legacy and sustain an organization you believe in,” Tiernan said. “And we’re so grateful.”

A Gathering Place for All
As guest numbers grow, so does the Arboretum’s role as a community gathering place. From school field trips and guided walks to native plant sales and artist talks, the grounds offer something for everyone.

Signature events this fall include Beer Garden, Fairyfest, and Plein Air Adkins, a weekend celebration of outdoor painting open to artists of all levels. Lorenz notes that even small programs, like letterboxing, help bring people into the fold.

“These events create low-barrier opportunities for people to get to know us,” she said. “They may come for a beer or a painting demo, but they leave as part of the community.”

Accessibility also remains a priority. While not all trails are paved, most are wide, shaded, and relatively flat. An FY25 Maryland State Highway Recreation and Trails Program grant will help fund the installation of handrails and the restoration of paths. The Arboretum also maintains a strong volunteer base, with more than 50 active helpers, including docents and Maryland Master Naturalists.

“It’s about making the experience welcoming for everyone,” Tiernan said. “Whether you’re here for a walk, a class, or just to listen to the birds, we want you to have an exceptional experience.

Art and Nature, Hand in Hand
Beyond native plants, Adkins has built a reputation for blending art and ecology. Its botanical arts program draws students from across the region, and exhibits—both indoors and along the trails—encourage guests to see nature through an artistic lens.

“We don’t just tell one story,” Lorenz said. “We share the full picture of our region—its history, its culture, and how biodiversity and community have evolved together.”

A long-held dream may soon become a reality: the construction of a dedicated art gallery on-site. The Arboretum is pursuing a $500,000 Maryland State Arts Council grant to support the project’s first phase, with a concept design underway by Delaware architect Scott Edmonston, AIA, NCARB, known for his award-winning work at the Delaware Botanic Gardens.

“This would be a game changer,” Tiernan said. “It’s the next imperative step in expanding what we offer.”

Looking Ahead
Adkins Arboretum is growing in capacity, visibility, and impact, while remaining steadfast in its mission. With a new strategic plan in development, an upcoming master plan funded by an FY24 Congressional Discretionary Spending award supported by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and a continued commitment to accessibility, the Arboretum is evolving to meet the needs of a modern audience while staying rooted in its core values.

For Lorenz, that evolution feels both personal and universal.

“I believe public gardens can change the world,” she said. “They help us slow down, reflect, and connect. And in doing so, they nurture both people and the planet.”

Tiernan, reflecting on 16 years at the Arboretum, agrees.

“There’s joy here. People come, and they are inspired. They walk the trails, they admire the art, they hear the birds—and something shifts inside,” she said. “That’s the magic. And we’re working hard to preserve it, to grow it, and to share it with everyone.”

To plan your experience or to explore Adkins Arboretum, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org.

(Publisher Deborah Bowden serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees.)