San Diego Botanic Garden
Caren Clayton has extensive experience in both the non-profit and real estate sectors. Currently serving as Volunteer Coordinator, Visitor Services Programs Coordinator, and Education & Events Coordinator at San Diego Botanic Garden since March 2018, Caren has enhanced visitor engagement and volunteer management. Prior to this role, Caren worked at Realty Income Corporation as Assistant Property Manager, supporting seven Commercial Property Managers overseeing a substantial portfolio of over 4,500 commercial sites nationwide from February 2011 to May 2016. Additionally, Caren operated as a self-employed Agent in residential real estate sales and leasing from July 2007 to February 2011, collaborating with banks to market REO properties. Earlier experience includes serving as Assistant Branch Manager at DHI Mortgage between August 2002 and July 2007, where Caren established operations in Southern California and ensured timely loan closures. Caren's academic background includes studies at Loyola Marymount University from 1980 to 1982.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Established in 1970, San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) is a 37-acre urban oasis located in the city of Encinitas, in north San Diego County. We garden to create, share and apply plant wisdom in our world. The Garden’s four miles of trails display more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including 300 plants for which SDBG is the only garden maintaining a population. SDBG has 15 gardens that represent different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and the largest public bamboo collection in North America. SDBG has three children’s gardens, including its flagship, one-acre Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest kids’ garden on the west coast. The Garden works in botany, conservation horticulture, and applied plant sciences to address our biggest local and global issues—from food security and climate change to land management and home gardening. SDBG collaborates with local academics, companies and organizations to create innovative, impactful programs and initiatives; to conserve plants and habitats for the future; and to create and share new knowledge. By expanding its scientific and conservation role to address our most pressing issues and human-plant relationships, SDBG is quickly becoming a model 21st century public plant science institution.