Join CC@H's Speaker Series as Mike Mastrota, a licensed Landscape Architect with 40 years of experience working in the Washington DC region, shares his experience as American University's landscape architect and designer of the American University Arboretum and Gardens.

Two decades ago, American University was a denuded campus struggling to attract new students. Through the good vision of the university leadership at the time, they embarked on a “beautification program” to upgrade the campus. Though not its intent, this initiative evolved into the creation of the American University Arboretum and Gardens and totally transformed not only the appearance of the campus but also American University's commitment to be a leader in sustainability. Now going on it’s 21st year, American University's Arboretum and Gardens are award winning and a showplace within the Nation’s Capital. This presentation will begin with the interesting early years of the university and the journey and connections to the present landscape.

For the past 28 years, Mike has been at American University and is a founding member of the American University Arboretum and Gardens. In his current role as Arboretum manager, he oversees the promotion, development and management of the arboretum and continues to guide the transformation of the campus landscape. Prior to coming to AU, Mike worked for the National Park Service and in private practice.

This event is presented by the CC@H Gardening/Naturalist Group and CC@H's Speaker Series Committee.