How one man's 40-year mission keeps Disney's magic alive through trees
For more than four decades, Gary has watched Walt Disney World Resort grow and evolve as its magic has taken root and blossomed one season at a time.
First hired as a gardener at EPCOT, Gary now serves as an Urban Forester, leading a team of arborists who care for thousands of trees across property. His work helps ensure guests can enjoy shaded walkways, immersive environments, and beautiful landscapes for generations to come.
"I started because I liked being outside, working with plants," Gary shared. "But over time, I realized the scale of what we do here is something you just don't experience anywhere else. We're caring for landscapes that support storytelling, guest comfort, and the overall experience. That's something I'm incredibly proud of."
A Festival Grown from the Ground Up
From relocating massive trees to supporting the immersive storytelling of alien flora in Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Gary has spent his career balancing Walt Disney World's continued growth with environmental responsibility and care for the land.
EPCOT has always held a special place in his journey. Gary began his Disney career there decades ago and has witnessed the park's transformation firsthand, including supporting the very first EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in 1994.
"At the time, no one imagined it would become what it is today," Gary says. "Did I expect it to grow into this? No. Not at all. But every year, it gets better."
While Gary isn't responsible for planning the festival, he has supported every single one since it began. His role focuses on the behind-the-scenes work that makes the magic possible, from crane operations to large-scale installations, helping bring the festival to life safely, thoughtfully, and sustainably.
Protecting Disney Landscapes for Generations to Come
His work reflects a core arboricultural belief: mature trees matter and protecting them requires foresight, patience, and advocacy.
"They provide shade, environmental benefits, and a sense of place you can't get overnight," Gary explains. "You can plant new trees, but the benefits of a mature tree are exponential. They're the backbone of the landscape."
As Walt Disney World continues to grow and EPCOT evolves, Gary and his team work proactively to inspect trees, manage risk, and preserve existing landscapes-finding thoughtful solutions that support both longstanding infrastructure and new development.
One of Gary's proudest accomplishments is helping build an arboriculture program that prepares the next generation of cast members to carry this responsibility forward. While he's quick to credit the teams who do the work every day, his leadership has helped ensure care for the land remains a priority as the resort continues to evolve.
From EPCOT's earliest days to its ongoing transformation, Gary has had a front-row seat to how innovation, environmental stewardship, and storytelling can grow together. And each spring, when EPCOT blooms once again, every vibrant garden reflects decades of care, patience, and dedicated cast members working behind the scenes.
