Get To Know Project Pando: Meet Caroline

Today we’re getting to know Caroline. Caroline spends the majority of her time in the "grove" behind our shop, where the magic of Project Pando happens.

Nora: Jump right in. Introduce yourself!

Caroline: I'm Caroline Richardson, and I first got involved with Pando in 2021 as a volunteer. I’ve been a horticulturist for over 20 years, working in various settings, including botanical gardens and arboretums such as the J.C. Raulston Arboretum at NC State and the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University. I've also had the opportunity to build school gardens and care for plants in nurseries and greenhouses. More recently, I’ve worked for the NC State Extension Master Gardener program.

So you’re a professional horticulturist! Did you always want to be a horticulturist?

I actually didn’t start out in horticulture. I studied International Development and Economics, and one of the things I did was help homeless people transition to housing as part of an effort to alleviate poverty. One thing I became aware of was the critical importance of green space to mental health. Even having just the smallest bit of green near your home can improve your health and well-being. I noticed that some of the housing situations we offered were quite gloomy and didn't do much to promote wellness or enhance mental health, so I began to think about ways I could connect these things.

That led me to horticulture. Eventually, I went back to school and earned my Master's degree in Plant Biology from the University of New Hampshire.

How did you find out about Pando? And why do you dedicate time to it?

I’ve followed Leaf & Limb for years and discovered Pando through the website. I got to know Basil and heard him speak during my time at the JC Raulston Arboretum. When I heard him talk about how he was changing the business model to transition from traditional removals to 100% caring for trees, I thought, “Wow, this is a cool company.”

Pando was a natural fit for me. I was getting frustrated with my HOA over the decision to cut down trees in our neighborhood. After several attempts to change the dialogue, I wanted to direct my energy toward saving trees in a more positive environment. And there was Pando, waiting for me!

I see you here back in “the grove” a lot. I think you're one of us now. What kind of things do you do in a day at Pando, and what’s your favorite thing?

One of my major responsibilities has been managing seed collection and planting. Pando collects seeds from the entire community, and when they come to us, I help determine what is needed to get them ready for planting.

I research growing plants from seed, and then we prepare them with the help of volunteers. Fall is very busy because it’s when we plant the majority of seeds. Late winter and spring are also busy as we prepare all the young trees that have been growing for a year, or sometimes two, and then get them into the hands of the public.

I think my favorite thing to do is pot up the saplings that are ready to go to their forever homes. It’s a time when I slow down and really appreciate the growth, the strong roots, and the fact that I remember what the seed was like when we planted it, and maybe I even planted that seed myself!

Tell us a couple of things about yourself apart from horticulture.

One thing that connects me to others is that I am a parent. It has been such a significant part of my life and is the most important job I have ever had. All the emotions that come with parenting and the way it has taught me to connect with people are a big part of my identity.

The other thing is that I need to be outside. All my hobbies, including gardening, running, and hiking, are related to being outdoors. I need to get that dose of the outdoors for my mental recharge.

I always want my jobs to focus on learning—whether it's about an insect, a disease, or something new that I’ve discovered in the plant world. That’s very important to me.