After five years as Director of Horticulture at Mt. Cuba Center, Travis Beck has accepted a new position as Superintendent of Parks for the City of Santa Cruz, California.
During his time at Mt. Cuba, Beck made important contributions to the strategic plan and co-led a master planning process. He led the process of reimagining Mt. Cuba’s South Garden, initiated an experimental approach to reforestation in the natural lands, oversaw the implementation of a tree risk management plan, and spearheaded the transition to sustainable turf management. According to Mt. Cuba’s Executive Director, Jeff Downing, Beck “helped us navigate the transition to general admission visitation and lent a sophisticated perspective to our thinking about the evolution of our gardens and landscapes.”
In Santa Cruz Beck will oversee the management of the city’s 1,600 acres of parks, which include neighborhood and community parks, playgrounds, street trees, community gardens, open spaces, and beaches.
