Executive Director

Stephen Hayes Jr., a licensed Professional Landscape Architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and ISA Certified Arborist, is the current 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. Stephen enjoys promoting environmental awareness and strengthening the community’s connection with our natural world. Stephen enjoys time with his wife Amy, daughter, and terrier-mix dog Georgia. 

Contact at shayes@hayesarb.org

Membership & Rentals

Stephen H. Hayes, Sr. is one of the directors of the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation Inc, the operating foundation that funds Hayes Arboretum. He previously served as the President of the Board for 39 years. Stephen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. He has been active with the Foundation and Arboretum since 1973 serving in Foundation Board and Executive Capacities. In the late 1990’s, Stephen spearheaded plans for the Hayes History Museum on site to showcase the storied history of the Hayes family. He has 4 children as well as 5 grandchildren.

Contact at shayessr@hayesarb.org

Naturalist & Program Coordinator

Jenilee Braun began as an intern in December 2015. She graduated from Indiana University East in 2016, obtaining her Bachelor's of Science 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 is certified as an Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation and as a Master Naturalist through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Her love of connecting nature with community extends to her volunteer work at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue.

Contact at jbraun@hayesarb.org

Development Director

Ash Britt graduated from Indiana University East in 2016, obtaining her Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry. With development experience in nature, sustainability, and higher education, she brings a passion for cultivating and connecting people and organizations with a shared vision of a brighter future. As a neighbor to the Arboretum, she is also excited to further connect with the Hayes community that shares a love of local and accessible wild green spaces. In her free time, she enjoys overanalyzing film & tv, graphic design, and casually birding with her husband and daughter.

Contact abritt@hayesarb.org

Tinkergarten Instructor

Lizzie Labadie lives in Richmond, Indiana with her husband and three daughters. She loves hiking, getting outside, and exploring national parks. She originally became interested in leading Tinkergarten classes because there was nothing else like it, and fell in love with the curriculum, activities, and most of all, the community. With a Bachelor's degree in Education and multiple years of experience in teaching, Lizzie is excited to bring outdoor fun, play, and learning to families in the Richmond community.

Contact at lcolton@hayesarb.org

Program & Marketing Support

Amy Hayes is a graduate of Ball State University and previously employed as an elementary school teacher. She brings 15 years of teaching and education experience to the Hayes Arboretum team. She enjoys researching and incorporating the history of the Hayes family and property into her everyday work, as well as helping to contribute to the arboretum’s continued growth through future projects and improvements. Amy enjoys hiking at Hayes Arboretum with her family and rescue dog.

Contact at ahayes@hayesarb.org

Program & Marketing Support

Ben Schweitzer is an undergraduate student at Indiana University Bloomington. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs focusing on Law, Public Policy, and Environmental Management at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. This is his second summer working at Hayes Arboretum. He is passionate about community engagement and sustainability and is committed to this mission at Hayes Arboretum. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with his family. 

Gift Shop Assistant

Amanda Moore is a graduate of Seton Catholic High School. In the fall, she will continue her education at Ball State University and major in biology. Amanda has fond memories of visiting Hayes Arboretum during field trips in elementary school and hopes to relive these memories during her first summer as an employee. She is a frequent piano accompanist for St. Anne Catholic Church in New Castle, IN. In her free time, she enjoys learning new piano pieces, listening to music, traveling, and beauty.