Staff
A. Miles Arnott, Executive Director
Miles Arnott oversees long-range planning and the educational, horticultural, financial and administrative operations of BHWP. Miles' goal is to further the Preserve as a national resource in the conservation of northeastern wildflowers, and to educate the public about the importance of floristic diversity to all life.
Miles has a B.S. degree in Biology and Environmental Studies with a concentration in Plant Science from East Stroudsburg University, and an M.S. in Botany from Tulane University, specializing in plant taxonomy and pollination ecology. Prior to coming to BHWP, Miles designed and maintained the indoor butterfly exhibit for the Audubon Zoological Gardens in New Orleans, served as Horticulture Manager for the Audubon Institute and supervised the operation of Audubon Park and the zoological gardens. Miles also worked as Interpretive Horticulturist at Callaway Gardens.
Anne Brennan, Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) Coordinator
Anne Brennan joined the BHWP staff in May 2011. She coordinates the Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) program, which has been developed to provide the land preservation community with a quantitative tool to assess and evaluate open space and natural areas.
Anne received a B.S. in Horticulture from Pennsylvania State University and has worked with native plants as a section manager at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. She spent the first 10 years of her career as a proofreader and editorial production manager for several magazines and online publications. Anne’s interest in the natural world extends to bees of all kinds, including the honeybees she keeps in her own small garden.
Sebastian Brown, Grounds Manager
Sebastian Brown was hired as a Groundskeeper in 2006. A native of Bucks County, his love of nature sprouted through family visits to naturally preserved areas such as Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and Tyler State Park. He now manages one with duties that include planting, invasive plant removal, trail building and maintenance, grounds maintenance and nursery help. In 2007, Sebastian obtained a certificate in Computer Sciences from Bucks County Community College which helps provide BHWP with on-site technical support. Prior to coming to the Preserve, Sebastian worked in the computer field and volunteered at Five Miles Woods in Lower Makefield, PA.
Joyce Burian, Business Manager
Joyce Burian began as Business Manager in 2006. Her responsibilities include managing general office operations, administration of personnel matters, managing the Twinleaf Shop and rentals of the Moore Pavilion and Gazebo, and planning and implementing special events. She also is involved in marketing partnerships with tourism groups.
Prior to joining the staff, Joyce volunteered in the BHWP Visitor Center and at special events. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Law from Temple University. Joyce's professional experience includes work as a business manager, international banking, and as a flight attendant.
Kathleen Griffin, Volunteer Coordinator
Kathleen Griffin joined BHWP as part-time Volunteer Coordinator in 2006. She is responsible for recruiting, scheduling and retaining the volunteers who are an integral part of BHWP's daily operations. Her job also includes improving the overall volunteer program.
Kathleen’s early work experience included research positions at the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Geological Survey. While raising a family, Kathleen volunteered in hospice and ran a local food pantry. She also finished a master’s degree in religion and culture, which led to a stint as editor of an online journal.
Amy Hoffmann, Education Coordinator
Amy Hoffmann began as Education Coordinator in mid-2008. Her responsibilities include developing, organizing and presenting educational programming, organizing workshops and symposia, developing and implementing the naturalist training program, managing interns, developing exhibits, creating brochures and presenting offsite programs.
Amy holds a B.S. in Plant Science from Cornell University and an M.S. from the University of Delaware Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture. She interned at Cornell Plantations, Parks and People Foundation in Baltimore, Morris Arboretum and The New York Botanical Garden.
Bob Mahler, Nursery Manager
Bob Mahler joined the BHWP staff in September 2008. He is responsible for all aspects of the Preserve’s native plant nursery, including propagation of plants for spring and fall sales and collection of seed. He also oversees propagation volunteers, works with interns and teaches propagation classes.
Bob studied bonsai and landscaping in Japan for 4 years. He worked for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for 11 years, where he was the Curator of the Bonsai Collection.
