معرفی
Sonja Skelly serves as Director of Education and Academic Initiatives for Cornell Botanic Gardens and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Horticulture Section of Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science. Her dual role bridges academic instruction with practical application in public garden management and plant-human interactions.
Her research focuses on public garden leadership, plants and human well-being, and climate change education. She explores how botanical gardens can enhance community engagement and how plant interactions improve mental health and learning. Her Climate Change Demonstration Garden provides practical insights into adapting gardening practices to rising temperatures.
Sonja teaches courses on public garden management, nature and well-being, annuals/perennials, and leads a Master of Professional Studies program in Public Garden Leadership. Her educational philosophy emphasizes '20 minutes outside looking at trees' as a scientifically-supported stress reduction technique.
- Developed Cornell's Climate Change Demonstration Garden (2014-present) simulating 2050 climate conditions
- Advocates for biodiversity ('adding depth from the bench'), soil health, and water efficiency
- Promotes native lawns using Danthonia species to reduce mowing and support pollinators
With over 20 years in botanical garden education, she previously worked with Walt Disney World, EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, and directed statewide school gardening initiatives at the University of Florida. Her doctoral research examined school gardens' impact on youth development.
