ROTARY PROGRAM - SEPT 28

Peter C. Atkins

CEO, The Arboretum of Los Angeles County

As the first Chief Executive Office of The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, Peter Atkins is responsible for its maintenance, development and enhancement as a world renowned botanical, horticultural and historic center. Under his leadership, The Arboretum will be implementing its first 5-year long-range plan.  

During his tenure, The Arboretum has seen significant increases in visitor ship and membership, as well as a rise in the number of quality public events that attract people from all over the Southern California region.  The gardens have also seen improvement under his watch, with the installation of a Japanese Iris Garden, renovation of the Kallam Perennial Garden and the Herb Garden and the introduction of large-scale public sculptures.  The annual fundraiser, Baldwin Bonanza Festival of Plants, has become a greater presence in its representing garden ideas from Southern California’s best-known landscape architects.    

Before coming to The Arboretum, Mr. Atkins served as botanical curator of the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens at PepsiCo Inc. World Headquarters.  While there, Mr. Atkins revitalized guest relations programs, enhanced botanical acquisitions and continuity within the gardens including improvements to the Iris Garden, Fall Garden, and Spring Flowering Collection.  This relationship with PepsiCo enabled Mr. Atkins to successfully obtain the Japanese Iris plants that were the foundation for the new Japanese Iris Garden at The Arboretum.  His creative involvement with PepsiCo’s ‘museum without walls’ has also served as the jump-start to The Arboretum’s recent involvement with traveling art exhibits and public art displays. 

Prior to his tenure at PepsiCo, Peter Atkins was member of the original design team and Director of Horticulture at Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas.  

Located at 301 North Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia, The Arboretum of Los Angeles County is a 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  Visit the website at www.arboretum.org or call 626-821-3222 for more information.

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