Dave Forehand, past president of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in charge of the gardens and their nationally acclaimed plant trials research program. Dave is excited for a chance to tell us about the Arboretum at our next annual meetings in Tulsa on February 27, 2027 and in Oklahoma City on 28, 2027.

Dave joined the Dallas Arboretum in 2000 as the Vice-President of Gardens. He has overseen all maintenance and care for the garden and has been instrumental in the design and construction of new garden spaces. Dave developed the Arboretum’s nationally acclaimed Plant Trials Research Program generating great results for the horticulture industry and North Texas.

In his new role as Principal Gift Officer, he works on targeting and maintaining donor relations, helps with garden public relations speaking opportunities, serves as liaison to The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and is an avid Dallas Arboretum garden historian. Prior to joining the Arboretum, Dave began his career in horticulture at Walt Disney World in Florida in 1985 after graduating from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Horticulture.