By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Natural Land Institute has named Alan Branhagen as its next executive director, succeeding Kerry Leigh after she retires July 14.
Branhagen launched his career in Winnebago County before working in land conservation, horticulture and natural resources in other parts of the country.
He has worked as the director of operations at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, Minnesota, since 2017. Before that he was the director of horticulture at Powell Gardens in Kansas City for 21 years.
“The Board of Trustees and I are thrilled that Alan will be the next leader of NLI,” Paul Baits, president of the NLI board, said in a news release. “Alan has amazing experience in land protection, land conservation, and leading a large organization that gives him the knowledge to ensure that NLI continues to be a leader in our environmental protection community.”
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Branhagen’s tenure with NLI begins July 15 at its Wine & Brew event at Nygren Wetland Preserve.
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His career started as deputy director of resource development for the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County more than 35 years ago. He started that role in 1987 and spent nearly a decades planning acquisition, design and development of all forest preserves, including the establishment of Klehm Arboretum.
“I’m excited for my career to come full circle back to Rockford with the opportunity to carry on the Natural Land Institute’s legacy of land preservation and stewardship,” Branhagen said in a news release. “I look forward to return and build relationships with the Rockford and northern Illinois community — fostering a sound system of natural lands and nature that will benefit the citizens of the region into the future.”
Branhagen holds a bachelor and master’s degree in landscape architecture and is the other of three books — “Midwest Native Plant Primer,” “Native Plants of the Midwest,” and “The Gardener’s Butterfly Book.” He has also served as editor for several publications and was the project coordinator for the update to the flora and vegetational history of Winnebago County.
Leigh will help assist with the transition to Branhagen’s leadership and will stay involved with the organization as a volunteer.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas