Stephen Hayes Jr

Executive Director, PLA, LEED AP, CFRM, ISA Certified Arborist

Stephen Hayes Jr., a licensed Professional Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional, is the Executive Director of Hayes Arboretum. He is a 2003 graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Stephen practiced Landscape Architecture in Virginia and Maryland prior to moving to Richmond, Indiana in 2010.  He is currently active at the board level with the Wayne County Cardinal Greenway, Soil & Water Conservation District, Richmond Rose Garden, and Purdue Extension. Stephen enjoys promoting environmental awareness and strengthening the community’s connection with our natural world. Stephen and his wife Amy enjoy jogging with their terrier-mix dog, Georgia. 

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Contact at shayes@hayesarb.org

Stephen Hayes Sr.

President of the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc

Stephen H. Hayes, Sr. is the President of Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation Inc, the operating foundation that funds Hayes Arboretum. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University & an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. He has been active with the Foundation & Arboretum since 1973 serving in Foundation Board and Executive Capacities. In the late 90’s, he spearheaded plans for a Hayes History Museum on site for the benefit of our visitors to showcase the storied history of the founder of Hayes Arboretum. A complimentary guided tour of the Hayes Museum is yours for the asking! He has 4 children, all of whom carry an active interest in the organization: Catherine Hayes Hurd, Stephen H. Hayes, Jr., Caroline S. Hayes & Brice E. Hayes, II as well as 3 grandchildren.

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Contact at stephenhayes13@yahoo.com

Jenilee Braun

Naturalist, Program Coordinator, Certified Interpretive Guide

Jenilee Braun, a 2016 graduate from Indiana University East, is the Naturalist and Program Coordinator at Hayes Arboretum. She obtained her BS in Biology with minors in Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Anthropology along with graduating with Honors and Highest Distinction in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics. Jenilee interned and volunteered at Hayes Arboretum before being officially hired in August 2017. Her love of connecting nature with community extends to her volunteer work at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue. Jenilee is certified as an Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. She continues her education, including Nature Explore Programs focusing on infants & toddlers, Climate Change in Indiana sessions., and Environmental Education Association of Indiana conferences.  

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Contact at jbraun@hayesarb.org

Rex Lanning

Grounds Maintenance

Rex Lanning joined our Grounds Maintenance crew in August 2020 after completing his volunteer work on our Annex Renovation Project. Rex was born and raised in Rushville, Indiana. Pursuing a Degree in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis, he put his knowledge to work at both Reid Hospital and Centerstone of Indiana until his retirement. When Rex isn't working, he enjoys golfing, ballroom dancing, gardening, and building things. He lives in the country with his sweet little rescue cockapoo named Holly.