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.”
MARIN A. BYUN, Nursery Assistant
215.862.2924 Marin Byun assists Nursery Manager, Jake Fitzpatrick, with operations at the Native Plant Nursery. This includes the responsibility of safekeeping the Nursery’s inventory along with the propagation and sales of plants native to the Delaware Valley Region. She holds as B.S in fisheries/wildlife management with a focus in botany from The Pennsylvania State University. Outside the Preserve, Marin works for a landscaping design business and has recently begun taking on her own clients as a Native Plant Design Specialist.
“Growing up in beautiful Bucks County, just miles from the Preserve, I feel so thankful there is such a “sense of place” in my work space. This is my home. This is my community. These are the plants I've come to know and love. While working in the Nursery at the Preserve, I strive to educate and inspire others about protecting the plants and ecosystems surrounding us.”
Learn more about our Native Plant Nursery.
JULIA DARE, Development Associate
215.862.2924 x113, dare@bhwp.org Julia Dare joined the Preserve’s staff as the development associate in September, 2018. She provides administrative support to the Development Office, handles database management, and oversees recruitment and retention of the Preserve’s membership. Julia has a diverse background in the environmental field, from working at an organic farm to volunteering at a remote mountaintop wolf sanctuary. She received her B.S. from Rutgers University – New Brunswick in ecology, evolution, & natural resources in 2016. Julia was raised in central New Jersey and currently resides in Pittstown, NJ with her husband and their two dogs. She is an avid runner and also enjoys baking, knitting, and yoga.
“Nature has always held a special place in my heart. From exploring the rich wooded landscape behind my house as a child, to studying ecology in college, I've always felt driven to protect our natural heritage. My job here allows me to witness the beauty of the natural world and connect with other people who share my commitment to environmental protection every day, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Learn more about Preserve membership.
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.”
SUSAN HARRINGTON, Business Manager
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.”
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.
Laurie Lanning, Visitor Services Coordinator
215.862.2924 x114, lanning@bhwp.org
Laurie is responsible for maintaining the Twinleaf Book & Gift Shop. Laurie brings many years of retail experience to the Preserve. She owned and operated her own retail music store in Lock Haven, PA for 25 years, and also spent time as a General Manager of an A.C. Moore Arts and Craft store in Bensalem, PA. Laurie has a B.A. in Music Education and post-graduate credits in horticulture and green house management. Raised in Newtown, Bucks County, Laurie currently lives in Langhorne where she is working on converting her home landscape to feature many native plants.
“Animals and nature have been a life long passion of mine. I spent time at the Preserve in my childhood and would visit when I could while living out of the area. I feel so privileged now to be part of the staff and to devote time and energy to helping the Preserve continue into the future.”
Learn more about the Twinleaf Book & Gift Shop.
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.”
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."
Learn more about our Pocket Habitats.
KELLIE WESTERVELT, Development Director
215.862.2924 x105, westervelt@bhwp.org With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Kellie has worked on local, regional, national and international scales for organizations focused on biodiversity conservation. Her experience ranges from organizational development, fundraising, and strategic planning to natural resource management and ecological restoration. She began her career with the Florida Park Service and later joined the American Littoral Society to oversee the Cape Florida Project, an ecological restoration of a coastal park leveled during Hurricane Andrew. She has since served as Habitat Director for the Delaware Estuary Program, Development Director for The Wildlands Network, and Executive Director for the Florida Native Plant Society. Kellie has served on numerous boards including the Society for Ecological Restoration International and the Environmental Fund for Florida. Some of her publications include educational curricula such as Plant-A-Seed, reference materials such as A Guide to the Natural Communities of the Delaware Estuary, and more recently “From Adversity to Diversity,” a chapter on Cape Florida’s restoration published in The Human Dimensions of Ecological Restoration by Island Press.
Learn more about support opportunities at the Preserve.
HOLLY UDELL, Bookkeeper
215.862.2924 x112, udell@bhwp.org Holly Udell is responsible for the day to day accounting at the Preserve. She has a diverse financial background, including 25 years in healthcare medical billing for various specialties as well as 10 years of profit and non-profit bookkeeping experience. Holly resides in Holland, PA, with her husband, Evan, and son, Lex.
““Having grown up in Bucks County, I always had a love of nature. I grew up exploring the woods and admiring the beauty that is quintessential Bucks County. I feel privileged and honored to work to help preserve a piece of paradise here at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.”
Richard Yahn, Facilities Rental Coordinator
215.862.2924, yahn@bhwp.org Richard is responsible for coordinating private events at the Preserve. He brings wedding and event experience to this role from a six-year journey in the hospitality industry - and some dabbling in wedding photography. Richard is currently working towards the completion of his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Cairn University. Passionate about helping people, he has traveled across America and Canada on mission trips. In his youth, he spent many summers exploring the trails of Maine’s Arcadia National Park. He has climbed Glaciers in Alaska, encountered dolphins in Nova Scotia, and swam with Lion Fish in the Bahamas.
“It is incredibly refreshing to enjoy the natural beauty of this Preserve while connecting with others that seek to celebrate their lives within it. I’ve walked along these trails many times, always greeted by the peace and tranquility of nature. It truly is a special place to recalibrate from the instant everything of our society. I’m honored to assist in sharing this special place with our community.”