with Hadley Dynak, co-owner, Western Hills Garden
Monday, May 15, 2023

Learn about the history of the famed Western Hills Garden and what is planned for its future. Founded in 1959, the Garden is located on three-acres in Occidental, CA and includes a critically important collection of rare plants and trees from around the world. It was transformed from pastureland and redwoods into an incredible example of cultivated biodiversity by Lester Hawkins and Marshall Olbrich. Over their 30+ year tenure they became experts in garden design and botany and inspired new ways of thinking about horticulture on the West Coast. More recent owners (Maggie Wych – 17 years, and Chris and Tim Szybalski – 11 years) made critical improvements that extended WHG’s legacy. In September 2021, Hadley Dynak and Kent Strader purchased the garden and are running it as a nonprofit for the first time in its 60+ year history. Our strategic goals are to preserve the collection, increase the public’s access to the garden, and create unique onsite experiences to link people, plants, and place to purpose, through programming and partnerships. 

Hadley Dynak works with nonprofits and social justice causes to express their vision, raise funds for impact, and join up with one another to build momentum. She partners with artists and activists to connect people to issues and drive change. In September 2021, she and her husband Kent Strader purchased Western Hills Garden in Occidental, CA — a 65 year old property with a significant history in the horticultural world. They are committed to preserving its legacy and sharing it with the community. She also just co-authored a book, released by Countryman Press in Feb 2023 called, It’s a Good Day to Change the World. 

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