Catherine Bechtoldt

Cathy supports Arboretum leadership in developing strategies and processes to enhance Science and Conservation programs. She works closely with the Vice President of Science and Conservation and the Director of the Center for Tree Science to advance the mission and goals of the Center and communicate the work of the scientists at The Morton Arboretum to diverse audiences. She is passionate about the key role biological collections play in supporting ecological research, and how botanical gardens and other conservation organizations can facilitate scientific research, help train the next generation of scientists, and influence public attitudes towards science and conservation. Cathy has a research background in avian habitat use, tropical ecology, and the influence of management strategies on wildlife populations, and experience working with scientific organizations around the world. At the Arboretum, she has enjoyed conducting background research on the conservation of threatened plant species and urban ecology and managing the development of the Gateway to Tree Science exhibit.