Meet board member Geena Hill
Geena joined the Florida Wildflower Foundation board in September 2024.
What brought you to Florida and inspired you to make it your home?
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, I moved to Gainesville in 2012 with my (now) husband. Like many, the University of Florida brought us here. I quickly fell into the Florida Museum and started my first job there working in the Butterfly Rainforest. Fun fact: I worked at a zoo for many years in Pennsylvania doing landscape horticulture, which is how I landed the job in the Rainforest. My work evolved into managing large scale National Science Foundation and Disney Conservation Fund grants focused on Lepidoptera conservation that allowed me to conduct research in amazing places such as Hawaii, California, the Florida Keys and Peru. Florida was a home base to me, and it wasn’t until my time doing land management in Florida within the private sector that I became fully immersed in Florida’s habitats. I found solace within the swamp and other natural communities that harbor an incredible diversity of plants and insects. When most people think of Florida, they think of the beaches. I had no idea that “wild Florida” existed until I was able to explore all of the fascinating habitats and species, many of which are only found within the state. There is so much left to explore and save within these threatened and ever-changing ecosystems.
How did you get involved with the Florida Wildflower Foundation?
During my time at the museum, I met the wonderful Dr. Jaret Daniels who introduced me to the Florida Wildflower Foundation. I began working in his lab on various research projects involving best management practices for native wildflowers along roadsides in North Florida, as well as backyard pollinator studies in Gainesville. These projects were possible because of support from the Foundation. I officially joined the Florida Wildflower Foundation as a contractor in early 2021 as the North Florida Wildflower Alliance Liaison for FDOT’s District 2 counties. Within this role, I built wildflower advocacy by creating conservation action plans, conducting outreach to local partners and the general public, and recruiting volunteer county coordinators. I am thrilled to be in my new role as a board member of the Foundation.
How does your background in project coordination and network building advance the Foundation’s mission to protect, connect and expand native wildflower habitats?
My background in wildflower and pollinator research with the museum and other organizations has culminated in having a diverse network of partners that all have a common goal for conservation. I thoroughly enjoy organizing and managing projects and find that the process is most fulfilling when it is collaborative. One project that I’m particularly excited about is Bee City USA, where the Foundation is partnering with the City of Gainesville and the local community to establish native wildflower gardens across the city to support and expand pollinator-friendly habitat.
What are some of your favorite areas to visit and see native wildflowers?
Some of my favorite places are closest to home. Prairie Creek Preserve (managed by Alachua Conservation Trust) is near and dear to my heart; it has a diversity of habitats and is always interesting to visit the wildflowers blooming in different seasons. Morningside Nature Park is another favorite and has had some of the best displays of blazing star following prescribed burns that I’ve ever seen. When I get the opportunity, I love exploring roadsides in the western Panhandle — there’s always something interesting to find there.
What is your favorite native Florida wildflower?
It’s difficult to pick just one! One of the most mind-blowing native (and near endemic/federally endangered) wildflowers I’ve ever seen is the Fringed campion (Silene catesbaei). I will always be completely infatuated with the Pinxter azalea (Rhododendron canescens) and Elliott’s lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii) — and they both do great in most North Florida yards! And lastly, a shout-out to Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis), which is a host plant for the rare Frosted elfin butterfly.
photos by Geena Hill