Gabe Starr’s favorite quote is one that is close to the heart of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: “in the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” These words by Baba Dioum capture, too, the central mission of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens’s educational work. This summer, Gabe joins in this effort—to teach and cultivate care for the alpine—as the new Education Director at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Transitioning into her role at the most bustling time in the Gardens, Gabe has hit the ground running. “It’s been amazing jumping in at the peak of summer in the gardens,” she said, and “so neat to meet so many people—locals and visitors, and pick up on their excitement.”
A plant lover by nature and an educator by vocation, Gabe has called her new post a “dream job.” Gabe’s passion for creating curriculum and working with learners of all ages has led her to this—her dream job—here at the Gardens, sharing the wonders of nature and tapping the curiosity of young (and young-at-heart) minds.
At Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Gabe will continue to nurture her deep love for the environment and education alike, while cultivating both growth and discovery in visitors to the Gardens. “I have always loved plants and I have made my career in environmental education. To be able to combine the two at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is amazing,” she said.
Gabe holds a degree in Environmental Science and Education from the University of Michigan.
As Education Director at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Gabe hopes to continue to create partnerships between the Gardens and the Vail Valley community—and to reach those members through workshops, intentional experiences, and engaging activities.
She first moved to Eagle County in 2009 as a fellow in environmental education at Walking Mountains Science Center. Following her fellowship, Gabe taught Environmental Science at Vail Mountain School, where she developed VMS’s educational greenhouse program and curriculum.
Scarlet gilia is her favorite flower. It’s in bloom at the Gardens now. Plan a visit to the Gardens to see it, and enjoy our current summer educational offerings, including our summer exhibit, “Dinosaurs Among Us,” and thematic activities for the whole family.
