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MassHort Announces New Hires for Downtown Project and Education
By Hilda M. Morrill
The Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MassHort) has announced that Roy Blomquist and Trish Wesley Umbrell have joined the Society as the new Greenway Project Manager and Director of Education and Outreach, respectively.
In the new role of Greenway Project Manager, Mr. Blomquist will coordinate the design and improvements for the MassHort Greenway parcels in downtown Boston and will collaborate with other nonprofits and governmental agencies on interim horticultural programming for the space.
Roy Blomquist has worked extensively in the public horticulture and parks development fields. Prior to joining Elm Bank, he worked as the General Superintendent of Parks for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and held positions at the Boston Housing Authority and Boston Urban Gardeners.
He serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston Greenspace Alliance and the Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design. He received his Bachelor's degree in Botany and Environmental Geoscience from the University of Maine at Farmington.
"I am looking forward to taking the Greenway Project to the next level and planning some exciting interim uses for the space," he says.
As MassHort's Director of Education and Outreach, Trish Umbrell will develop and implement the Society's horticultural education and programs for adults and children. She will coordinate the outreach programs and all educational content, such as the Society's successful Master Gardener Program, lectures and workshops, and Flower Show programming. Ms. Umbrell will also manage MassHort's renowned library and archival collections.
Trish Umbrell has a strong connection to Elm Bank Horticulture Center in Wellesley, which has been the home to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society since 1991.
"I grew up in Natick and have spent a lot of time at Elm Bank over the years. I'm thrilled to be able to return here and expand MassHort's educational offerings," she says.
Before joining the Society, she worked with Boston-based "Horticulture" magazine, where she joined the editorial department in 1994 and held many titles including those of Editor and Editorial Director.
An avid gardener, cyclist, and community activist, Trish grew up working in the gardens of the Natick Community Organic Farm and now serves on Farm's Board of Directors. Trish has a self-designed degree in plant studies and communication from Cornell University. She and her husband garden in Waltham, MA.
"Trish and Roy are ideal for these positions. Their work in local communities and backgrounds in horticulture truly embody the mission of MassHort. We're thrilled to have them on staff," announced MassHort Executive Director Thomas Herrera-Mishler. "These positions are emblematic of MassHort's upward momentum and our expanding horticultural and educational programming."
Founded in 1829, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is a member-supported organization dedicated to encouraging and improving the science and practice of horticulture and developing the public's enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment.
Congratulations and Best Wishes all around!
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