In the Arboretum’s Forest Ecology Research Group, Brendon Reidy collects phenology data to better understand the relationship between trees and drought in urban environments.

Reidy is interested in the intersections of human-built and natural systems, and the unexplored connections between the two. He is also interested in novel approaches to education and interpretation related to ecology and tree conservation.

Reidy began his career at The Morton Arboretum as a research coordinator managing the Forest Ecology Research Group’s Phenology Monitoring Program. In that role, was responsible for more than 26,000 sets of observations on the leaf and reproductive behavior of 226 oaks (Quercus), 157 elms (Ulmus), and 140 maples (Acer). These data monitor the changing timing of leafing and reproductive phenophases and assists scientists from the Arboretum and around the world in the preservation of trees globally.

In addition to his research in the Forest Ecology Research Group, Reidy also manages the Living Collections Wood Archive at the Arboretum’s Center for Tree Science and monitors the Arboretum’s East Woods.