Oklahoma native Brad Fowler emphasizes value of botanical garden on guest experience.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is growing its leadership team with the hire of Oklahoma native Brad Fowler as Assistant Director of Gardens and Grounds.
Fowler joined the OKC Zoo in June after working for Myriad Botanical Garden, Scissortail Park, and the Oklahoma City Department of Airports. Fowler earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Central Oklahoma with an emphasis on plant biology.
“We're incredibly excited to welcome Brad as our new Assistant Director. We envision he'll be instrumental in driving innovation and fostering growth across all facets of the Botanical Garden,” said Darren Goad, OKC Zoo’s Director of Buildings and Gardens. “We particularly look forward to his fresh perspective in enhancing the overall attractiveness of our gardens and improving our visitor experience, perhaps through new interpretive exhibits, interactive programs, or refined plant labeling and garden signage.”
For Fowler, choosing a career in horticulture was as simple as following his passions.
“I always had an interest in the outdoors since I was a child playing in the woods and in the streams. My parents always had gardens, but what pushed me toward it as a career was talking to a friend,” Fowler said. “I was trying to figure out what to do with my life when my friend asked, ‘What do you like doing?’ and I realized I could do what I loved in horticulture.”
He began his career as an intern at the Myriad Botanical Garden in Oklahoma City before moving on to the nearby Scissortail Park. Most recently, Fowler worked with the Oklahoma Department of Airports to manage landscaping, but coming to the OKC Zoo was always one of his goals. While the Zoo’s animal family is a big draw for visitors, Fowler said the guest experience is enhanced by the landscaping and plant collections, which earned the OKC Zoo accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
“Over the next several seasons, I’m looking at expanding and highlighting our botanical garden as we maintain our collection,” he said. “I’m also interested in new ways to identify plants and educate our guests on the botanical side of the Zoo.”
Goad said Fowler’s leadership will be key in strengthening the Zoo’s conservation efforts by bringing new ideas to its plant collections and living displays.
“Brad's vision and drive will undoubtedly help us cultivate new opportunities, deepen our connection with the community, and truly make the Botanical Garden a vibrant hub for our visitors,” Goad said.
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