UCF Arboretum Hosts Community and Alumni at Special Event, Showcasing Innovative Work and Initiatives

Through immersive interactive stations and guided tours, UCF alumni, staff, and community partners explored and learned about the UCF Arboretum’s environmental initiatives and its impact on the community.

By: Ana Hidalgo | March 24, 2025 

The UCF Arboretum is host to a community garden, natural lands, student initiatives on Leading by Learning™ and on March 13, it was the featured area for the College of Sciences’ Women Supporting Science event series. This series is open to all and encourages learning about and supporting innovation across the sciences at UCF. Community members and donors gathered with UCF staff, faculty, and students in the scenic Arboretum Park to learn more about the Arboretum’s initiatives. 

The event provided a spotlight on students who work at the Arboretum, engaging attendees through eight interactive stations—including public garden development and the plant production greenhouse. 

UCF College of Sciences Dean and Vice Provost of Strategic Initiatives, Maggy Tomova, opened the reception by emphasizing the value of the Arboretum’s role in supporting students’ educational journeys. She stressed how providing hands-on experience outside the classroom helps students develop competitive skills for today’s rapidly changing environment. 
 
“As one of the most innovative universities in America, we provide students opportunities to have practical applications of what they study. We call this experiential learning, and the UCF Arboretum is a unique example of that,” says Tomova. 

Founded in 1983, the UCF Arboretum serves as a natural space for the UCF community and visitors to connect with nature, while offering educational opportunities on the importance of plants, ecosystems and biodiversity to human well-being.

Jennifer Elliott, Director of the UCF Arboretum and Sustainability Initiatives, also addressed the crowd at the event, sharing about the Arboretum’s Learning by Leading™ program in preparing students for the workforce.  

“Helping students apply what they’re learning in the classroom, gain real-world skills, and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding,” says Elliott. “It’s fulfilling to see them not only develop these skills but also pass them on by teaching volunteers, continuing the cycle with the next generation.”   

Elliott is an alumna of the College of Sciences and has been closely involved with the Arboretum since 2002 through the Biology Department while earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, with a focus on marine turtle biology, ecology, and habitat conservation.  

“I’m deeply connected with this physical space, program, and UCF. I’m grateful to be in a role where I can contribute to the Arboretum’s work, helping students succeed and serving our UCF community and beyond,” says Elliott. 

With her strong ties to UCF, Elliott reflected on how rewarding it has been to engage students with the Arboretum’s initiatives, while maintaining connections with alumni, some of whom remain actively involved in various capacities.  

“It’s an exciting time for us. Seeing alumni return and continue supporting this program has been a wonderful experience and serves as an example for our students,” Elliott says.

Tina McIntyre, UCF alumna and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, also spoke at the event, shared how her work as a volunteer, and later staff, at the UCF Arboretum helped her to pursue her landscape management career. McIntyre credits her UCF education with laying the foundation for her career journey. 

“Working here for six years and earning my master’s degree in conservation biology enabled me to gain field experience and provided a strong foundation for teaching in the Biology Department, which led me to my role with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division,” McIntyre said. 

Now at UF/IFAS Extension, McIntyre emphasizes the importance of science communication and education in her work with communities and students. 

“There’s really not a day that goes by that we’re not engaging with the public, educating, doing science communication, and science education,” says McIntyre. “The skills that prepared me were public speaking and understanding how to translate research and science into language that’s accessible to the general public and students.” 

The Arboretum has also focused on building partnerships to enhance its programs and extend their impact beyond UCF. 

“With UCF’s influence in the region, I believe it’s important to build partnerships, as they provide students with networking opportunities and expose them to potential careers after graduation,” says Elliott.