Thank you, James Hull

Before the construction of Glen Garage in 2003, the Glen Arboretum (the Glen) was divided into five zones featuring several native trees in Maryland. A last-minute shift in construction plans resulted in Glen Garage facing Cross Campus Dr., which affected the zonal plan.

James Hull, with fellow Fisher College of Science & Mathematics (FCSM) faculty member Don Windler, decided to eliminate the zones and incorporate all the native trees in Maryland. This propelled Hull’s work to make the Glen a hub for learning and home for wildlife in Maryland.

A plant ecologist by trade, Hull noticed students were unfamiliar with species of Maryland trees and sought a no-cost, no-travel option to provide easy access to and information on the trees. Upon retirement in 2008, Hull took the lead on the project he and Windler began. He also played an integral role in the development of the Glen Arboretum Board, which ultimately got approved and funded in 2011.

“I was looking for a project to do after retiring and picked up the reins once the board was developed,” says Hull. “As a faculty member, I understood the need to make this space student-first, and I was excited to make it so that all students at TU could benefit.”

Throughout his tenure as the director of the Glen from 2011 to 2024, Hull never lost sight of his overarching goal: to introduce as many trees native to Maryland as possible. But it’s not an easy task.

A big problem? Invasive species. Hull had to keep them under control to bring in native species.

“The Glen requires ongoing, never-ending maintenance. Put simply, we do a lot of weeding,” says Hull.

Hull directed and managed more than 1,000 volunteers and student employees throughout his tenure. He also advised grant recipients. For example, he received a grant from the BGE Green Grants program to eliminate English Ivy, a vine that grows on trees, weighs them down and blocks necessary light. Under Hull’s guidance, Nicole Hartig ’14 and a group of students were able to eliminate most English Ivy on the trees and put the Glen on a successful path forward in keeping the ivy population under control.

Hull also started one of TU’s favorite traditions: goats in the Glen. Through his connections with Harmony Church Farms in Darlington, Maryland, Hull consistently brought goats to nibble at invasive species and bring joy to students.

Student organizations have also participated in maintaining the Glen. Each year, they participate in the garlic mustard pull, an event that focuses on removing the nonnative species. One year, students pulled more than 1,800 pounds of garlic mustard and won some cash along the way as the prize for pulling the most in the competition. The last time Hull ran the program in 2023, the students pulled 800 pounds of the edible herb.

“We are so grateful for Dr. Hull’s extraordinary dedication to the Glen and the service he provided during his tenure as director,” says Matt Nugent, dean of FCSM. “He inspired the TU community, prioritizing students along the way. His impact will be felt for years to come.”

Now, the Glen houses more than 100 of the 120 species of trees native to Maryland, thanks in the largest part to Hull’s efforts.

“It’s very rewarding to see all that’s been accomplished—primarily by the students,” notes Hull. “The support of all the deans in FCSM, including Dean Nugent, former Interim Dean Salice and retired Dean Vanko, has been essential in helping the Glen thrive. I am just an outdoors person and enjoyed doing the work. It’s been a real pleasure.”

Now, with his second retirement, Hull hopes the Glen will continue to thrive as an outdoor laboratory for students pursuing biology and other sciences and remain a wonderful place to spend time for the entire TU community.

Upper left: James Hull (left) speaks with President Ginsberg; Upper right: Hull (right) speaks with students; Bottom: (from left) Nick Gingue, Hull, Dean Nugent, President Ginsberg, Donna Anderson and Anne Gilbert (Maryland Department of Natural Resources) plant a tree for Maryland's Arbor Day celebration