Kim Shearer’s Biography
Kim Shearer is a tree and shrub breeder at the Morton Arboretum where she manages their New Plant Development Program and serves as the Chicagoland Grows® woody plant liaison. Kim advances the arboretum’s mission to make the world a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place by introducing plant selections with broad adaptability, disease resistance, and pest resistance. Kim acquired her bachelor’s of science from NC State University working under the mentorship of Dr. Tom Ranney, and from there she continued her studies at Oregon State University. She is very active in the horticulture industry with the American Society of Horticultural Science and the eastern region of the International Plant Propagators society. In this episode we talk about a wide range of topics from the plants she’s worked on over the years, her passion for quilting, and her love of Maybelle Jones, her beautiful dog. You can find out more about Kim online through her profile page on The Morton Arboretum’s website and her Instagram handle @kimintransit.
Show Notes
Kim’s introduction to plants (and watering and weeding skills) with her mom
Kim’s early practice of forest bathing
The lack of awareness of careers in horticulture
The role plants and green spaces play for human health
The importance of internships for Kim in helping her find her career
Diane Mays and the Marye Anne Fox Science Teaching Laboratory Conservatory
The internship at the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab with Dr. Tom Ranney
Ethyl methanesulfonate’s mode of action for inducing mutations
Staying current through memberships in the American Society for Horticultural Science and International Plant Propagator’s Society eastern region
Attending the Iowa State University Shade Tree Short Course, Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course, and Farwest Show as the woody plant liaison for Chicagoland Grows
Reading Arnoldia, Digger, and HortScience
Daily practices including refilling the humidifier for plants and early morning walks with Maybelle Jones
The importance of weekly meetings, reading books to discuss trees, and talking about a plant group together
Kim and her passion for quilting with her grandmother
Legacy Ulmus (elm) breeding program following Dr. George Ware’s work
The possibilities with lingering ashes (Fraxinus) in areas hit with emerald ash borer in the US
Black walnut and the effects of juglone on plants
Helping to propagate gardeners by helping and being kind to gardeners of all backgrounds and contact with people who can change policy