People of the Preserve
Our Staff
MILES ARNOTT, Executive Director
215.862.2924 x104, arnott@bhwp.org
Miles Arnott has been the executive director of the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since 2000. He oversees long-range planning and the educational, horticultural, financial and administrative operations of the Preserve. His goal is to further the Preserve as a national resource in the conservation of northeastern wildflowers, and to educate the public about the importance of floristic diversity to all life.
Miles has a B.S. degree in biology and environmental studies with a concentration in plant science from East Stroudsburg University, and a M.S. in botany from Tulane University, specializing in plant taxonomy and pollination ecology. Prior to coming to the Preserve, he designed and maintained the indoor butterfly exhibit for the Audubon Zoological Gardens in New Orleans; served as horticulture manager for the Audubon Institute; and supervised the operation of Audubon Park and the zoological gardens. He also worked as interpretive horticulturist at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga.
“I have been with the Preserve since 2000 and am more driven than ever by my passion for life-long learning. This special place offers so many meaningful stories about the interdependence of all life, and I learn a new story here every day.
“I delight in being a voice for the Preserve’s vibrant life and critical mission, and I love to share the Preserve’s fascinating ecological story with visitors from around the world.”
JAKE FITZPATRICK, Nursery Manager
215.862.2924 x111, fitzpatrick@bhwp.org
Jake Fitzpatrick is responsible for the safekeeping of the Native Plant Nursery’s inventory and the propagation of plants native to the Delaware Valley.
He earned his B.A. in environmental studies from Ithaca College with a concentration in conservation. Prior to joining the Preserve, he was the park interpretive technician at Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“I grew up in Bucks County and frequented the Preserve with my family. My visits helped me develop an appreciation for our natural environment and drove me to focus my career on conservation. Now, as the nursery manager, I strive to get more native plants out into the community to create a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.”
Learn more about our Native Plant Nursery.
RICK FONDA, Grounds and Facilities Manager
215.862.2924 x106, fonda@bhwp.org
Rick Fonda is responsible for the maintenance of plantings, trails, special habitats such as the new pond and the moss garden, and Preserve buildings. He also manages the removal of invasive species, maintains the deer fence and oversees the set up for events.
Before joining the Preserve, he was a CSA manager for Greener Partners, a farm-based educational nonprofit in Montgomery County.
“Among my aspirations in life is to pass along a piece of ground to a new generation in better condition than I found it. Working at the Preserve is one way to make the world a better place for my kids. Bringing them here to see the beautiful, verdant place where I work makes me proud.”
RICK GALLAGHER, Building Maintenance/Grounds
215.862.2924 x106, gallagher@bhwp.org
Rick Gallagher’s responsibilities include maintenance of plantings, trail and special habitats in the Preserve.
“Ever since I became a biology major, I’ve acquired a profound love and respect for the diversity of life. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has no deficit in biological diversity. If you can’t be at William Butler Yeats’ Lake Isle of Innisfree, the Preserve is the next best thing.”
AMY J. GOLDSTEIN, Membership Coordinator
215.862.2924 x305, goldstein@bhwp.org
Amy Goldstein’s responsibilities include pursuing and managing the Preserve’s membership program opportunities and ensuring long-term financial stability.
Her professional background includes kindergarten and early childhood education as well as corporate human resources experience. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Clark University and an M.B.A. with a concentration in human resources from George Washington University. Amy and her family have been members of the Preserve for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, gardening, animals and being outdoors.
“My family and I have been enjoying the Preserve for nearly 30 years. I have especially fond memories of being here when my children were young: watching the birds, meandering around the trails and searching for frogs at the pond. It’s wonderful to be able to share this special place with new families.”
SUSAN HARRINGTON, Administrative Assistant
215.862.2924 x112, harrington@bhwp.org
Susan provides administrative and office support to the executive director and staff to facilitate the efficient operation of the organization. She is responsible for human resources and office manager duties.
Susan developed a passion for nature preservation while growing up in the Adirondacks in New York State. She is a member, and has served on the board of directors, of the Canada Lake Conservation Association, which is dedicated to preserving, maintaining and protecting the lake, its tributaries and the surrounding forest.
“While growing up in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, I developed a passion for nature and its preservation. The Preserve has made it possible for me to continue to contribute to the preservation of nature in a support role to help the devoted, specialized staff members and volunteers preserve nature both for people to enjoy today and for future generations.”
KELLY JOSLIN, Education Coordinator
215.862.2924 x102, joslin@bhwp.org
Kelly plans, coordinates and executes the educational objectives of the Preserve. Her responsibilities include interpretation, docent program, lectures, classes, professional symposia, workshops, field trips, special events and educational partnerships.
Kelly brings over 18 years of experience in environmental education to the Preserve. Most recently she served as the environmental education coordinator at Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields, Illinois. She holds a M.S. Ed. from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in environmental education and interpretation from Northeastern Illinois University. Her graduate research focused on nature-based preschool programming. Kelly is an avid birder, gardener, and nature enthusiast.
“Rachel Carson once said, ‘If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder ... he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.’
“I live by these words, in both my personal and professional life, to promote that sense of wonder, so native flora and fauna will be treasured and protected by people of all ages for generations to come.”
Learn more about our Education Programs.
JASON KSEPKA, Curator
215.862.2924 x107, ksepka@bhwp.org
Jason Ksepka insures that the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve conforms to the highest standards of museum practices by fully documenting the Preserve’s living plant collections. He is responsible for all aspects of creating and maintaining the plant records database, as well as monitoring the health of the living collections. He maintains a list of sources for plant material, collects seeds and live plants from wild populations of local provenance to add to the living collection, and helps locate planting sites within the Preserve.
Jason received a B.S.F. in forestry and a B.S in fisheries/wildlife management at the University of Missouri in Columbia. His past experience includes landscape restoration work and nursing. He is a passionate gardener and maintains a bog garden filled with carnivorous plants.
“As the Preserve’s curator, I have an amazing opportunity to continue to learn more about the natural history and culture of many species of native plants, both in the wild and at our Preserve. One of my favorite jobs is going out into the field to collect and bring back new species for introduction to the Preserve. I also help propagate and plant native species here.”
“All of this helps develop a collection of high diversity and helps make plants available to the community through plant sales and reciprocity with other agencies such as The Natural Lands Trust.”
Learn more about Curation at the Preserve.
JO ANN MITIDIERI, Visitor Services Coordinator
215.862.2924 x108, long@bhwp.org
As the visitor services coordinator, Jo Ann Mitidieri manages the Twinleaf Book & Gift Shop and facilities rentals.
She came to the Preserve with over 30 years of retail management experience. Locally, she managed retail operations at Milk House Farm and Birchwood Farms in Upper Makefield, as well as other local retail stores. Jo Ann has lived with her family in beautiful Bucks County for over 20 years and has a passion for all nature.
“As the granddaughter of a farmer and daughter of a landscaper, I was exposed to plants and the outdoors at a young age. My career experiences in the organic farming and pet industry have further expanded my connection to plants and animals.”
“Finally, my recent two-year study of the beliefs of indigenous cultures, particularly of Native Americans and the Q’ero of Peru, has solidified for me the importance of educating people about native plants, pollinators and all living creatures and our interconnectedness to them.”
Learn more about our Visitor Services.
REGINA MORIARTY, Volunteer Coordinator
215.862.2924 x110, moriarty@bhwp.org
Regina Moriarty is responsible for the recruiting, training, retention and recognition of our vast network of volunteers.
She graduated with a B.A. in English from Fordham University and has a diverse background that includes extensive local volunteer service. Living in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and children, she enjoys cooking, reading, gardening and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family.
“Frank Lloyd Wright said, ‘Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.’
“Here at the Preserve, we all have the daily opportunity to do all those things. As volunteer coordinator, I have the added pleasure of working with so many wonderful people who choose to give their time and talents to nature, and to our beautiful corner of the world.”
Learn more about our Volunteers.
SUE OWENS, Bookkeeper
215.862.2924 x112, owens@bhwp.org
Sue Owens is the staff member primarily responsible for the accuracy of the financial information. She enters all transactions including entries to reflect accrual accounting, reconciles the accounts, compiles reports for trustees and staff, provides accounting support for special events, and compiles the necessary documentation needed for the annual audit.
Prior to joining the staff, Sue volunteered to advise staff regarding Intuit’s Point of Sale software. Sue has a varied background in accounting, database manipulation, information technology, web creation, and graphic designing. She was a Certified Bookkeeper and, while a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, performed small business technical consulting work, including setting up financial systems, troubleshooting, training personnel, and establishing and compiling accounting procedures.
“I grew up in Bucks County and, as a child, frequently visited the Preserve and surrounding areas. Later, camera in hand I would spend many hours photographing and enjoying the variety of flowers and beauty surrounding me. The Preserve holds many wonderful memories; the most cherished was when my husband and I were married here.”
DONNA RHODES, Director of Development
215.862.2924 x110, rhodes@bhwp.org
Donna Carcaci Rhodes pursues and manages the organization’s funding opportunities and ensures long-term financial stability. She is responsible for securing the funds needed on an annual basis, as set forth by the organization’s strategic initiatives and annual plan, and raising capital and endowment funds as called for in the Master Site Plan.
Donna comes to us most recently from the Trenton City Museum, where she was the executive director. Prior to that, she was the historic site director at the Pearl S. Buck House and archival library for eight years. Her background includes nonprofit growth and museum operations with degrees in business and art history. The lifelong Bucks County resident lives in Holland with her husband Gerald. Both Lewis and Clark Trail enthusiasts, they have hiked along and explored the paths of the Corps of Discovery. Donna enjoys her herb garden and serves as a board member on several history and art-related boards.
“Having grown up in the area, the Preserve and the surrounding area hold personal memories for me—family hikes, school class trips, picnics with friends and family near the pavilion and of Christmas mornings witnessing the reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware. I continued the same traditions with my own children.
The Preserve represents the importance of the gifts of nature and of the dedication of the stewards of these resources.”
Learn more about our how to Support the Preserve.
SCOTT SHARFF, Development Assistant
215.862.2924 x306, sharff@bhwp.org
Scott Sharff plays an important role by providing administrative support to the Development Office and participating in all fundraising activities, including donor and public relations, direct mail appeals, membership and special events.
Since retiring as a dancer in 1991, Scott has raised over $30 million as a professional fundraiser. He has an extensive background in planning and executing numerous events. Originally from Philadelphia, Scott graduated from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts' Performing Arts School, The Juilliard School and The Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
“A few years ago, I began a small container garden and have increasingly become interested in plants and flowers. Since I started working at the Preserve, I have discovered a whole new area of nature. Seeing all the different native plants blooming has only piqued my interest more in enhancing the design of my expanding garden.”
MAGGIE STRUCKER, Pocket Habitat Coordinator
215.862.2924 x103, strucker@bhwp.org
Maggie Stucker plans, coordinates and executes the educational objectives of the Pocket Habitat Plan in cooperation with the education coordinator, education committee, staff and volunteers.
Her career path led her from the creative department of the exhibit industry to conducting nature programs for various schools and organizations. While pursuing her new career, she crafted her further education as a naturalist and served as an intern at The Wild Center Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. The former director of the Bucks County Audubon Society is certified as a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide and NAI Certified Interpretive Trainer and also served as the Director of the Bucks County Audubon Society.
Her company, Tree Frog Nature & Learning, LLC, currently provides interpretive nature programs and games for children and adults. Maggie is also on the board of directors of Fireman’s Hall Museum in Philadelphia. She lives with her husband in Carversville and enjoys hiking, paddling, gardening and exploring the natural world.
"I have always loved being immersed in the natural world. Each outing has its surprises and provocations. I love the Preserve because it is one place that celebrates and protects nature's little jewels and encourages others to see what is beautiful and valuable in the fabric of life."