Adkins Arboretum announces that Ginna Tiernan has joined the staff as Adult Program Coordinator. A resident of Easton, Tiernan plans and manages the Arboretum’s slate of education programs and coordinates its volunteer program. She joined the staff in February.

“We are pleased to welcome a long-time friend of the Arboretum to the staff,” said Arboretum Executive Director Ellie Altman. “Ginna brings a wealth of experience and passion about protecting our natural resources. She is already planning an array of new education programs for 2009.”

Before moving to Easton in 2005, Tiernan had a 17-year career with the Parks and Recreation Department of DeKalb County in Atlanta, Ga. She managed natural, historic and cultural properties, expanded community access to these resources and evaluated potential greenspace for acquisition.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of Adkins Arboretum,” Tiernan said. “I have great respect for the Arboretum, its mission and its talented, passionate and warm and welcoming staff and volunteers. I look forward to contributing to the good work being done to educate about the ecological significance of native plants and their role in our lives.”

Early in her career, Tiernan partnered with nonprofit conservation organizations, watershed and riverkeeper groups, and the community to address non-point source water pollution and restore riparian corridors. More recently, she was involved in the management and preservation of Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, where she was responsible for raising public awareness of the preserve, balancing stewardship of the natural and cultural resources with creating and expanding opportunities for public access, and development of educational resources.

Before joining the Arboretum, Tiernan worked for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. Through its Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, the Arboretum will build a new LEED-certified Arboretum Center and entranceway to broaden educational offerings and research initiatives promoting best practices in conservation and land stewardship. For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.