Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden is the newest addition to Natural Lands Trust’s network of 43 nature preserves in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The 42-acre property, located in Villanova, PA, was the family home of the late John and Chara Haas, whose estate donated it to Natural Lands Trust in late April. Over the coming 18-months, Stoneleigh will be transitioned from a private home to a public garden that showcases and educates visitors about the joys and benefits of gardens that emphasize the use of native plants. The property currently includes a mix of mature trees, meadows, and formal gardens that were designed by a number of notable landscape architects over the past century—including Olmsted Brothers.
The Director will work with Natural Lands Trust staff to prepare Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden to open to the public and have primary responsibility for its ongoing operations. This will include implementation of a landscape vision that honors the existing garden design while showcasing and interpreting the use and benefits of native plants, as well as, development of public amenities in anticipation of a fall, 2017 opening.
The Director will work with a staff horticulturist and other garden staff to implement a Master Plan, and oversee and participate in planning and land/garden management to maintain, protect and enhance the natural, cultural and historic elements at Stoneleigh. The Director will also be responsible for cultivating positive community relationships, building public support, and elevating general understanding of Natural Lands Trust’s mission and the role of Stoneleigh, while promoting public visitation and engagement.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to help launch the Philadelphia region’s newest public garden.
At a minimum, the successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or Natural Resource Management, or equivalent experience. The new Director will also bring demonstrated experience in horticulture, botany, silvaculture, forestry, or similar fields as well as landscape design and project management. Effective communication skills and a philosophy of customer service and collaboration will be needed to achieve the expected results.
For a full job description, please visit our website: Director, Stoneleigh: a Natural Garden
