Steven A. Blackwell | Desert Botanical Garden

OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

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Steven A. Blackwell

Conservation Collections Manager

Steven Blackwell profile picture - Research and Conservation staff at the Desert Botanicals Garden

B.S. Urban Horticulture, Arizona State University, 2005
B.S. Conservation Biology and Ecological Sustainability, Arizona State University, 2009

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 480.481.8175

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Developing propagation techniques and protocols for rare plants
  • Seed germination and viability studies of rare plants
  • Plant salvage and species reintroduction
  • Use of scent detection dogs for rare plant monitoring

PERSONAL STATEMENT

As the Conservation Collections Manager, I am responsible for collecting, propagating, and curating the Garden’s living collection of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. I also manage the Garden’s seed bank, which supports both research and the preservation of seeds from thousands of rare and common plants. These collections play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the mechanisms controlling seed dormancy and in supporting the long-term conservation of plant species for future research and reintroduction efforts. My primary interests lie in rare plant conservation through salvage, reintroduction, propagation and horticulture, seed biology, plant ecology, and exploring innovative approaches to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving rare plants.

 

ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC
March-April Reservations are strongly recommended for Gertrude's Restaurant
April 26: The Garden, Gertrude’s & Garden Shop will close at 12 p.m. with last admission at 10:30 a.m.