Ecologist and former University of Central Florida Arboretum director named UW Arboretum director

Patrick Bohlen, a professor of biology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has been selected as the new director of the UW Arboretum.

The Arboretum, which comprises 1,200 acres in Madison, plus outlying properties throughout Wisconsin, is a global source of knowledge of and a model for restoring ecologically sustainable relationships between people and the land through integrative, innovative, and collaborative approaches in science, stewardship, education, and public engagement.

From 2010-2022, Bohlen was director of Landscape and Natural Resources and Arboretum at UCF. As director, he oversaw landscape design and operations, natural lands management, and student and public engagement with the campus’s nature-based programs. Under his leadership, the UCF Arboretum implemented a student leadership development program that now includes nearly 60 student interns and co-coordinators per semester.

Bohlen’s research interests have spanned ecosystem ecology, agroecology, urban ecology, and wetland ecology. His current research focuses on the ecology and conservation of pollinators and other insects in urban ecosystems. Earlier in his career, he studied the effects of earthworms on nutrient cycling in a variety of ecosystems. His post-doctoral research was focused on soil processes and plant-soil feedbacks in northern hardwood forests.

Bohlen, who received his PhD in entomology from The Ohio State University, will begin his leadership role at UW–Madison on Oct. 20 and as Arboretum director will report to the Vice Chancellor for Research.

“I’m grateful to Florence Hsia, associate vice chancellor for research in the arts and humanities, who led the search committee for this leadership position, and to Josh Goldman, associate director of the Arboretum, for his interim director role,” says Cynthia Czajkowski, interim vice chancellor for research. “Patrick’s experience in fostering conservation partnerships and leading interdisciplinary research programs makes him the right person to help lead the Arboretum’s efforts to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic.”

Prior to working at UCF, Bohlen was director of the Agroecology program at Archbold Biological Station, which is now part of the USDA’s Long-Term Agricultural Research Network (LTAR).

Bohlen’s experience there included several conservation partnerships, including a payment-for-ecosystem-services program on Florida ranches. That program was developed through a collaboration with state and federal agencies and environmental NGOs, and was spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund.

As research director, he led multi-disciplinary research projects with university partners focused on the ecology, environmental impact, and conservation value of Florida’s cattle ranches.

“I am honored and humbled that the University of Wisconsin has entrusted me to lead their Arboretum program, which is renowned for its pioneering work in ecological restoration and conservation, and for its impressive woody plant collections,” Bohlen says. “I look forward to building on the outstanding strategic direction established by the former director, Karen Oberhauser. The Arboretum has an incredibly committed and capable staff. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with them to set new directions for the research and education program, and to enhance the Arboretum’s status as a valued community resource.”

By Natasha Kassulke, natasha.kassulke@wisc.edu

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