The Arboretum Committee
The Stony Brook University Arboretum Committee helps guide the stewardship, growth, and educational mission of the Arboretum. By bringing together expertise and perspectives from across the university, the committee works to ensure that our living collection remains a valuable ecological, educational, and community resource for generations to come.
Steward the Arboretum Collection
Help guide the care, preservation, and thoughtful expansion of the university's diverse
tree collection.
Support Tree Selection & Planting
Recommend appropriate species and planting locations with consideration for biodiversity,
resilience, site conditions, and long-term campus needs.
Maintain Tree Records & Documentation
Keep accurate records of arboretum trees, including species identification, locations,
and significant specimens.
Advance Sustainability & Resilience
Help select and manage trees that can thrive under changing environmental conditions
while supporting the university's broader sustainability goals.
Engage the Campus Community
Develop programs and events that invite students, faculty, staff, and visitors to
explore and participate in the arboretum.
Guide the Arboretum's Growth
Establish goals for future collections, educational programming, partnerships, and
improvements while supporting continued ArbNet accreditation.
Lauren Candela - Director of Communications - lauren.candela@stonybrook.edu
Alaina Claeson - Landscape Coordinator - alaina.claeson@stonybrook.edu
Michael DeBlasi - Associate Facilities Program Coordinator - michael.deblasi@stonybrook.edu
Cat Dugan - Communications Manager - catherine.dugan.1@stonybrook.edu
Sean Halliwell - Greenhouse Curator - sean.halliwell@stonybrook.edu
Erin Kluge - Sustainability Coordinator - erin.kluge@stonybrook.edu
Tara Rider - Senior Lecturer, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences - tara.rider@stonybrook.edu