Reflections

When I was invited to join the Board of Trustees at Tower Hill in 2008, my involvement with the Garden had been peripheral for nearly 30 years. What drew me in was the energy of the Board and its clear sense of purpose.

During my tenure, the Garden underwent a remarkable transformation, from the leadership transition following John Trexler through several interim CEOs, to the arrival of Grace Elton, whose vision and steady hand have guided us into a bold new era.

Once a hidden gem, New England Botanic Garden is now a recognized cultural icon-both in Central Massachusetts and across the national landscape of botanical conservancy. It has blossomed from a quiet flower among many regional attractions into a vibrant destination that inspires families, horticulturists, and lifelong learners alike. The Garden today offers a colorful, inclusive palette of opportunities for all who visit.

I credit this extraordinary growth to Grace's leadership, supported by a deeply talented, passionate staff and a legion of dedicated volunteers.

After 14 years as a Trustee, some of my fondest memories are from our Board meetings-gatherings that were not only productive but genuinely enjoyable. Unlike many boards, ours was cohesive, purpose-driven, and filled with people who became close friends. We brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, united by a shared commitment to cultivating an organization we deeply valued-and hoped to see fully flourish. And it has.

Personally, I've taken tremendous pride in being involved with projects like the Worcester Tree Initiative, community outreach efforts, exceptional garden enhancements, the Paul Rogers Lecture Series, and other educational programming. These projects, along with the Community Greening Awards, have provided me with a powerful sense of purpose and the joy of knowing I've helped make a difference.

To have played even a small part in the transformation from Tower Hill Botanic Garden to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is an enduring source of pride-and a legacy that my family and I are proud to continue supporting.

John Lee
Trustee 2008-2022, Member and Supporter