Executive Director Appointed
March 1, 2021
The Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon K. Baker at the first Executive Director at Portland’s renowned Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The garden is managed by the ARS Portland Chapter in partnership with the City of Portland Parks & Recreation Department.
New Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Executive Director Brandon Baker
Brandon brings experience in volunteer management, program management, donor and board cultivation, and strategic growth initiatives. He most recently served as Executive Director for Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum, and previously in a number of roles with Portland Japanese Garden including Membership Manager and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator where he assisted the executive team to bring premier cultural programming, conferences, and symposia to a global audience and built strong relationships with public gardens locally, nationally, and internationally. Brandon ‘s other nonprofit work included Cascade Educational Broadcast Service, Friends of Zenger Farm, and Reedwood Friends.
Brandon says “I am excited about the opportunity to join such a beloved horticultural asset here in Portland. I hope to bring a shared vision and strategic process to serve the city and its visitors. Gardens have the power to enrich lives through peaceful natural landscapes and botanical education and I’m honored to be part of that effort.”
About Crystal Springs Botanical Garden:
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was jointly established in 1950 by Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. Its 9½ acres contain an outstanding collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other lesser-known ericaceous plants, as well as many companion plants and unusual trees. Volunteers from the Rhododendron Society, Master Gardeners, and other experts care for the plants and maintain the garden year-round.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a popular wedding venue, school trip destination, photography subject, and nature walk. The more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants have been donated by volunteers and interested individuals or purchased from the profits of the annual sales events at the Garden. Beginning in early spring and into summer, the plants provide a magnificent display of color, giving visitors the opportunity to view many varieties rarely seen in the Pacific Northwest. Spring-fed Crystal Springs Lake surrounds much of the garden, attracting many species of birds and waterfowl.
This internationally recognized Garden is enjoyed by thousands of guests each year. Visitors stroll by three waterfalls via two picturesque bridges and wander down shaded paths to Crystal Springs Lake. Marveling at the reach of the fountain spray, exploring the garden, and watching the sun set over Portland’s West Hills are favorite pastimes. Long regarded as a photographer’s dream, this tranquil setting makes it easy to forget that downtown Portland is only minutes away.