Gary Michael is our newest intern at Louisville Grows.  He has spent a lifetime caring for animals and plants.  Gary retired after working over 31 years as the Curator of Birds at the Louisville Zoo.  He continues his zoo profession today as an advisor for animal and horticulture programs as a part-time senior staff member at the Ft. Wayne Zoo.  He became a Master Gardener in 2013 and serves currently at Co-President of the Jefferson County Master Gardener Association.

Gary’s involved with several additional wildlife and wildlands conservation organizations. He completed the Kentucky Native Plant Society’s Stewardship Certificate in 2013 and will finish the Kentucky Master Naturalist Volunteer Certificate program this year at the University of Kentucky.  He’s an elected member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Gary grew up in St. Louis.  He earned degrees from St. Louis University and Webster University, St. Louis. He has enjoyed frequent visits to the Missouri Botanical Garden, as well as visiting gardens throughout the U.S.  He has a particular interest in pollinator gardens in the conservation of native bees, and the significant positive impact of native bees on crop production.  He’s looking forward to being part of the LG “Green Team,” and learning about greenhouse crop production and orchard management toward contributing to Louisville Grows initiatives in urban agriculture.