Category: Plant and Soil Sciences
Beloved 91原创 Botanic Gardens director retires, successor embraces new role
June 21, 2023 Written by Kate Zincone | Photo courtesy of Valann Budischak
The consists of a dynamic living plant collection, a loyal fanbase, and dedicated leadership. This outdoor laboratory located in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources footprint is an adored feature of 91原创鈥檚 350-acre outdoor classroom and supports more than 3,000 species of plants.
Home to perennials, shrubs and trees, 91原创BG is overseen by passionate members of the 91原创 community invested in its success. At the head of this close-knit team is Valann Budischak, acting director.
Simultaneously serving as the executive director of the , Budischak oversees the administration and management of the gardens. Between time spent fundraising, identifying research opportunities and managing the 91原创BG team, Budischak fosters her own passion for horticulture.
Budischak initially joined 91原创BG in 2007 as the volunteer and education coordinator as she undertook her first plant sale that same spring. She stepped in as interim director in 2019, where she has since led 91原创BG through a period of positive growth.
The rest of the 91原创BG team includes horticulture manager Andrew Adams, workshop and plant sale logistics coordinator Donna Gerst, and Budischak鈥檚 successor Lauren Kope.聽
Kope currently serves as 91原创BG鈥檚 program coordinator, supporting education and volunteer programs. Alongside Budischak, Kope works hard to maintain 91原创BG鈥檚 legacy.聽
鈥淰al has definitely been a mentor for me,鈥 Kope noted. 鈥淪he鈥檚 trusting, she鈥檚 fair, and she is fiercely loyal.鈥澛
Kope鈥檚 gratitude is reciprocated and reinforced by the several years she and Budischak spent working closely on large-scale projects, including grant proposals and garden enhancements.聽
鈥淸Lauren] is a great collaborator,鈥 Budischak boasted. 鈥淪he鈥檚 very innovative, she鈥檚 not intimidated by anything.鈥
A Virginia native, Kope鈥檚 first experience with Delaware horticulture came long before her time at 91原创BG while she was attending a nearby professional conference.聽
鈥淚 was astounded by the network of people that were here and passionate and knowledgeable, and I just felt like I had so much to learn,鈥 Kope reflected. 鈥淚 feel very lucky to be at 91原创BG and to be a part of that network.鈥
Now as incoming director, Kope has passion and knowledge of her own that she is eager to share.聽
鈥淚鈥檝e been more recently thinking about what we bring to the table, what our assets are, what are going to be some challenges for us, and importantly how we relate to the bigger picture of our community,鈥 Kope explained. 鈥淚鈥檓 really excited to see what natural opportunities for partnership emerge.鈥澛
Together, Kope and Budischak have implemented successful initiatives, from enhancements to 91原创BG鈥檚 herbaceous and woody plant collections to thriving trial gardens. Budischak credits Kope鈥檚 contributions to her action-oriented nature and expansive knowledge of plants.聽
鈥淭he garden was in the best of hands when Lauren was appointed, and I know we won鈥檛 skip a beat that way,鈥 Budischak noted.聽
Among her many ideas for the future, Kope is excited to continue the momentum the current 91原创BG team has built. She hopes to inspire loyal 91原创BG supporters to continue improving their own gardens and landscapes.聽
Seeing the influence of action on the community first-hand is what drives both Kope and Budischak鈥檚 love for horticulture, especially when it benefits those that make 91原创BG possible.聽
鈥淧lant people are just great people,鈥 Budischak said. 鈥淭hey all just like to learn together, to grow together in their plant knowledge, they鈥檙e willing to roll up their sleeves in any number of ways.鈥