Historic Reno Preservation Society’s free programs offer topics related to Reno and Nevada history.

Established in 1983, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden houses more than 4,000 native and non-native plant species on nearly 23 acres inside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. It’s a showplace for plants and wildlife in the transition zone between the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin.

Luke Sorenson, the arboretum’s horticulturist, will talk about the day-to-day challenges of maintaining this local gem and some of its history as a Reno showplace. He’ll also reveal its next big project.

Luke Sorenson was born and raised in the Reno area. He spent many hours walking the May Arboretum as he grew up and now is the Horticulturist in charge of maintaining the grounds.

Luke graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University, Idaho, with a BS in Horticulture and Plant Sciences. He obtained his certification as an arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. He is skilled in arboriculture, tree identification, soil management, pruning, irrigation management, lawn care and the German language.

Before coming to the arboretum, Luke worked for Brightview as a Tree Care Manager, Reed Landscaping as an Operations Manager/Arborist and worked an internship at AgReserves, Inc. as an Agronomist Assistant.