PHOTO: Ryan Martin, incoming executive director for the Viles Arboretum, enjoys the Viles perspective from one of the many art sculptures along the art trail, this piece being a work by Andreas von Huene, artist from Woolwich. (Submitted photo)
AUGUSTA — Ryan Martin will take the executive director reins of the Viles Arboretum beginning in July. Martin replaces Mark P. DesMeules
Martin comes to the position from the Tilton School of New Hampshire, where he has been director of the Summer Institute, a residential/day summer school program. Earlier in his career, he worked for the Isleboro Adventure Camp and the Maine Trust for Education, both heavily focused on environmental education.
Working with botanical collections, public outreach, fundraising and nonprofit governance are all familiar ground for Martin.
During these difficult and unprecedented times, there’s an even greater need for Viles Arboretum and the services it provides for our community,” Martin said. “For those of us quarantining in city apartments and townhouses without green space readily available, access to the outdoors isn’t just important, it’s essential. With over 200 acres located in the heart of our historic Capital City, Viles Arboretum is the perfect place for people of all ages to explore a diverse landscape filled with rich and immersive opportunities for recreation and learning.”
This summer, the arboretum will break ground on a new Education Center, which will allow it to expand its programs.
DesMeules commented, “We are all very excited to be able to pass the baton to Ryan for the next decade of exciting and new efforts at this outstanding arboretum resource for Maine and beyond. It’s clear that Ryan is up to the task and very enthusiastic about moving forward with exceptional programming for this institution. I personally really look forward to working with Ryan on the transition and overseeing the completion of the new Education Support Center.”
The Board of Directors, both current and past, thank DesMeules for his leadership, knowledge, devotion, work ethics and tireless spirit in his 12 years as executive director. Under his leadership, memberships increased, new programs were created, areas spruced up, trees were identified and tagged, new partnerships were formed among other things which has made the Viles Arboretum a destination to visit. Local people, as well as world travelers have signed our guest book. We will miss his day to day presence but his spirit of excellence lives on.
The Viles Arboretum is on 224 acres of fields, forests, wetlands and with botanical collections from around the world. It offers an ever-changing selection of inspirational exhibits, educational and practical programs for the general public and for schools.
For more information on the arboretum, which is at 153 Hospital St., visit www.vilesarboretum.org, checking the Facebook page, call 207-626-7989 or stop in.
