Thomas applies his love of cultivating and working with native plants to his role as a natural resources aide at the Arboretum.

With a strong background in landscaping and a passion for identifying plants, Thomas is a natural fit at the Arboretum. He brings many years of greenhouse cultivation, technical experience with plant propagation, a Master Gardener certification, and studies in Landscape and Horticulture to his work.

Since joining the Arboretum in 2019, Thomas has also been certified as an Illinois Pesticide Applicator, gained certification in Red Cross CPR/ First Aid, and become a crew member at the Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Program.