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

Dylan Reichley

Grounds Maintenance

Dylan Reichley joined our Grounds Maintenance crew in April 2021. Dylan graduated from Seton Catholic High School in 2013 and continued his education, receiving his BA in Theology and Minor in Philosophy in 2018 (Marian University) and his MA in Theology in 2021 (Saint Meinrad). In his spare time, Dylan enjoys reading, outside work, and sports - especially weight lifting, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, Dylan puts pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and is the author of two published works - "The Old College Try" and "The Masochist". 

Hannah Reimsnyder & Rita Deitz

Summer Program Instructors

Hannah Reimsnyder (right) and Rita Deitz (left) have returned as our summer program instructors! Hannah joined our Hayes staff in the summer of 2018, and Rita joined in the summer of 2019. Both girls graduated from Seton Catholic High School in 2018. Hannah is pursuing a degree in Speech Pathology with a minor in Early Intervention at Indiana State, while Rita is also pursuing a degree in Speech Pathology with minors in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies at Purdue University. Hannah and Rita enjoy being lakeside or poolside, walking, and traveling - often together!