About the Garden

Rooted in Nature Conservation

The mission of Sonoma Botanical Garden is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants, and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.

Since its founding in 1987 by Jane Davenport Jansen, Sonoma Botanical Garden has been dedicated to celebrating and conserving the plant diversity of temperate East Asia. In 2021, this vision grew to encompass another biodiversity hotspot: the California floristic province. At first glance, the Garden is meandering pathways, seasonal features, and hidden picnic spots, but a closer look reveals there is so much more. Every plant is accounted for with unique identifiers (accession numbers), species name, and source information. 

Seasonal changes of specific species are recorded, and data is added to a national community science effort that tracks the impacts of climate change.

Rare and endangered plants grown from wild-collected seed are carefully cultivated so their offspring can be sent to other botanic gardens increasing not only the genetic diversity in cultivated populations but as a safety measure against loss from fire or other natural disaster.

Cuttings and samples are sent to plant researchers around the world for analysis and study, enhancing our understanding of how to save these unique plants and minimize unintended consequences from humans such as introduction of invasive species.

Last, but not least, the Garden is a protected habitat for a variety of local wildlife. This corridor connects with the wildland interface along the Garden’s fence line to combat local habitat fragmentation and further ecosystem alterations.

The result – a unique, tranquil, immersive experience of conservation in action.

Garden Bridge

The Garden Bridge

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Staff

Jeannie Perales (she/her), Executive Director
Jeannie Perales (she/her), Executive Director
Kelsie Childs (her/she), Senior Manager of Business Operations
Michael Wenzel (he/him), Curator of Living Collections
Michael Wenzel (he/him), Curator of Living Collections
Sharon O'Neil (she/her), Membership Associate
Julianne Culley (she/her), Membership Associate
Salvador Calderon (he/him), Director of Horticulture & Facilities
Salvador Calderon (he/him), Director of Horticulture & Facilities
Guillermo Calderon, Gardener
Guillermo Calderon, Gardener
Baldo Larios Moya, Gardener
Gardener, open position
Valerie Brown, Visitor Experience Associate
Valerie Brown, Visitor Experience Associate
Jack Hart (he/him), Visitor Experience Associate
Kristina Lindh (she/her), Coordinator of Marketing & Communications
Britget Beck, Gardener
Harper Zee, Gardener

Board of Trustees

Kent Anderson, Treasurer
Kent Anderson, Treasurer
Charlyn Belluzzo
Ricardo Capretta, Vice Chair
Ricardo Capretta, Vice Chair
David Lei
David Y. Lei
Mark Menke, Chair
Mark Menke, Chair
Richard Mabe
Kimberly S. Morris
Kimberly S. Morris
Robert Patterson
Robert Patterson, Secretary
Susan Peterson
Susan Peterson
Anderson Pugash
Anderson Pugash
Magnolia stellata
Paul Rozanski
Harvey Shein
Harvey Shein
Robert Smith
Robert Smith
Jenni E. Zaidi, Secretary
Jenni E. Zaidi
Chestnut Rose (Rosa roxburghii)
Chestnut Rose (Rosa roxburghii)
Magnolia Laevifolia
Japanese Beautyberry, Callicarpa japonica
Amur Maple (Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala)
Amur Maple Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala
Board Bios
Jeannie Perales (she/her), Executive Director
Jeannie Perales (she/her)
Executive Director

Since August 2023, Jeannie Perales has served as Executive Director, where she leads a talented team of staff, volunteers, and board members in shaping the Garden’s future. She holds an MA in Educational Psychology, a K-6 Teaching Certificate, and a BS in Anthropology and Communications. Jeannie’s passion lies in collaborating with content experts to create engaging educational programs and exhibitions, particularly in museums and gardens.

Jeannie is family-oriented and the only girl among five siblings. She shares her life with Daniel, her husband of 22 years, and her children, Kique & Luci, a sweet old hound, and a silly quarter horse. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and good wine.

Jeannie loves working in public gardens, especially because of the inspiring people they attract. What excites her most about the Garden is its potential for growth and opportunity for community connection.”

Kelsie Childs (she/her)
Director of Strategic & Creative Initiatives

A California native, Kelsie Childs is an arts and culture professional with experience in visitor services, collections management, and exhibition planning, along with administration and event management. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Museum Studies, and has contributed to museums and botanical gardens in Arizona and Florida. Kelsie is passionate about gardens becoming inclusive, dynamic spaces for learning about our shared natural environment, history, art, and each other. In her role as Director of Strategic & Creative Initiatives, she is excited to support the Gardens as it continues to develop into a unique destination for the Sonoma County community.

Michael Wenzel (he/him), Curator of Living Collections
Michael Wenzel (he/him)
Curator of Living Collections

As the Curator of Living Collections, guided by the mission statement, Michael Wenzel manages and documents the composition both in quality and quantity of the living plants on the grounds. Michael has been with the Garden since December 2020 and almost three decades of botany experience. He holds a Master of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in plant systematics.

Michael’s highlights include successfully reworking a plant records database, presenting to the staff at the Smithsonian, delivering presentations for the Gesneriad Conservation Center and the Guilin Botanic Garden in Guilin, and leading a propagation workshop for a rare conifer in Fiji.

Michael is interested in coding, marine aquaria, and horiticulture. His favorite part of working at the Garden is experiencing the entire cycle of a botanical garden, particularly regarding the plant collection. It begins with the collection itself, continues with collaborating with great people who share a mutual appreciation for plants, and ends with sharing the fascinating world of plants with visitors and researchers.

Sharon O'Neil (she/her), Membership Associate
Julianne Culley (she/her)
Membership and Visitor Services Manager

Julianne Culley is our Membership and Visitor Experience Manager. Her position plays an essential role in creating a welcoming Garden experience and helping to grow our community of members and supporters. She joined the Garden team in March 2024, with a background of customer service and event coordination. Earning her degree in political science, Julianne is passionate about the ways botanical gardens and similar institutions advocate for social justice and environmental responsibility. Her favorite thing about working at the Garden is the dynamic people who work alongside her and visit each day!

Harper Adams (she/her)
Gardener

Harper Adams cares for the Garden’s collection of rare plants as a Gardener. Her background is in creative arts, and she worked in the art industry before joining the the Garden team. Harper began at the Garden in 2024 and has been a lifelong gardener and lover of plants and nature. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts and Photography and is currently studying environmental Horticulture. She is also an artist, who works across multiple mediums including traditional film photography and pressed botanicals. She has shown her art in various exhibitions. Her interests include hiking and all things outside (naturally), as well as cooking, and anything artsy. Her favorite part about working at the Garden is being able to be a part of connecting people to the magic of mother nature.

Bridget Beck (she/her)
Gardener

Bridget Beck is a Gardener at the Garden. She has spent most of her career working with plants and in the gardening and landscaping industry. She holds an associate’s degree in Horticulture & Landscape Design and a bachelor’s degree in applied studies. Bridget’s favorite garden tasks include small-project management, garden-overhaul, plant nurturing and pruning. Her favorite part of working at the Garden is being surrounded by amazing plant life—specimens that grew from seeds in a retired rock quarry. “Such amazing creatures!”

Jack Hart (he/him)
Visitor Experience Associate

Jack Hart was born and raised in beautiful Sonoma Valley which has helped shape his appreciation for scenic sights, the outdoors, and of course wine! He holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration and a minor in Business Administration, and explored Northern California throughout his education, solidifying his love for nature and the outdoors. Jack has previously worked as a coach for Sonoma Valley High School and has experience at various instructional youth sports programs. With his strong desire to connect with others and appreciation for the natural environment, Jack is a great addition to the Visitor Experience team!

Kristina Lindh (she/her)
Coordinator of Marketing and Communications

As the Coordinator of Marketing & Communications, Kristina Lindh plans and executes content for social media, newsletters, and the website while maintaining brand integrity, and coordinates with our amazing vendors for graphic design, print production, and public relations. Kristina joined the Garden in 2024 and has 5 years of marketing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Digital Studies.
Kristina’s favorite part of working at the Garden is witnessing how the garden changes through the seasons.
In her off time, Kristina is likely to be spending time with her dog, Millie, reading a book, or exploring a museum.

Press & Media Assets

Solidarity Statement

Embracing Biodiversity and Human Diversity

In reverence of the rich tapestry of life on this planet, and in acknowledgement of the indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for millennia, we, the Sonoma Botanical Garden community, stand together in unwavering solidarity.

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Sonoma Botanical Garden, in Glen Ellen, California is situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo peoples, past, present, and future. We recognize the enduring relationship that these indigenous communities have maintained with this land for countless generations. We honor their resilience, wisdom, and cultural contributions, past and present, and commit ourselves to ongoing respect, collaboration, and learning from their heritage.

Solidarity Statement

At Sonoma Botanical Garden, we embrace a profound respect for the biodiversity of our planet, understanding that every species, from the tiniest microorganism to the towering redwoods, is a vital thread in the intricate web of life. Just as each plant, animal, and microbe plays a unique role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems, so too does every human being bring their own unique experiences, knowledge, and perspective to our shared human tapestry.

We recognize that the conservation of biodiversity is not just a scientific endeavor; it is a moral imperative. It is a commitment to honoring the inherent value of all living beings and understanding that the diversity of life, both natural and cultural, enriches our world in immeasurable ways

As stewards of this magnificent garden, we pledge to:

  • Celebrate Diversity: We celebrate the diversity of life by maintaining a wide variety of plant species from around the world and by cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.
  • Learn & Share: We commit to continuous learning about the plants, animals, and ecosystems in our care, as well as the cultural traditions and knowledge of the indigenous peoples of this land. We will share this knowledge with our community to foster greater understanding and appreciation.
  • Collaborate: We will actively seek partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to biodiversity and cultural diversity, working together to protect and preserve our natural and cultural heritage.
  • Advocate: We will advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and respect for human diversity, recognizing that these principles are intrinsically linked.
  • Inspire & Connect: Through our garden, programs, and events, we hope to inspire a deep connection between people and the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and love for the Earth and all its inhabitants.

In solidarity, we commit ourselves to the vital work of respecting, preserving, and celebrating the biodiversity of life on our planet and the diverse human family that shares it. Together, we can nurture a world where every species, including our own, thrives in harmony with the Earth.