amI porter
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Ami has been honored to serve as executive director of the Quad City Botanical Center since 2007. She started at the Botanical Center in 1998 as rental facility manager. She is a Moline native and graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in English Literature. Ami has a love of gardening and a passion for promoting interaction with the natural world, so she greatly enjoys serving the Quad Cities by bringing people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways.
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dave searl
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Dave has been the head gardener for the Botanical Center since 2000. Growing up on a farm in rural Port Byron, Illinois, he developed an early interest in nature and plants. Working at the Center has given him the opportunity to share his interests and knowledge with others. Dave enjoys traveling and is a long-standing member of the Moline Horticultural Society.
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KARI CAMPBELL
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Kari uses her highly refined customer service skills and positive attitude to assist with rentals, memberships and events. Kari has been a hands-on participant in events at the Center since starting here in 2002. When not at the Center, she can be found spending time with her grandchildren, baking or shopping.
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KATE MAPES
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Kate is an assistant gardener and office project coordinator. She enjoys overseeing the Children’s Garden river maintenance and watching children and families enjoying the water. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in Port Byron, Illinois, where the outdoor world inspired her to pursue a career in plants. Kate earned her Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. She has been with the Center since 2007.
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SARAH BALKOVEK
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Sarah joined the Botanical Center in 2016. She studied accounting at Saint Mary's College, and continued her education while studying political science at the University of Notre Dame. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities, and after a brief stint working in California, she made her way back home to start a family. Sarah continues gaining knowledge of plants and gardening at the Botanical Center and applies those experiences to her home garden.
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PAIGE UNDERWOOD
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Paige joined the Botanical Center in the fall of 2019. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities and studied event planning, recreation, and tourism at Western Illinois University. Paige enjoys home and indoor gardening, supporting the music and arts community, and exploring more ways to live sustainably.
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ALICIA DIERIKX
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Alicia enjoys interacting with all the visitors and connecting with the community. She was born and raised in Orion just outside of the Quad City area and attended Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism Administration and Event Planning. Alicia completed her internship at the Botanical Center over the summer of 2019 and completely fell in love with the people and plants. She started this newly created position at the gardens in January 2020.
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LISA AMENT
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Lisa provides administrative support to staff in the gardens. Originally from Wisconsin, she has lived in Iowa for 25 years and graduated from the University of Iowa. Lisa enjoys studying biology and the environment and embraces health and wellness. Gardening and outdoor activities are among her hobbies. She recently moved to the Quad Cities and loves the community.
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