Meet The Team
Keelan Franzen
Founder, Head Gardener
Hi, I'm Keelan, head gardener at Newt. I've been gardening all my life, fascinated with plants and animals. My family has been in Santa Cruz for four generations, so growing up I learned much about what I do from them. When I started Newt Gardens, it was with the goal of protecting the environment and making Santa Cruz a more beautiful place one yard at a time. I want to see the local ecosystem flourish at it's highest potential. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than seeing the life a good garden can bring into the world!
Oakley
Gardener
Bio coming soon :-)
Olive
Gardener
Hi, I'm Olive. I studied ecology at the University of Denver and have experience in farming and horticulture. I love working outside and with plants, and am passionate about preserving and rebuilding our ecosystems. I think it's awesome how effectively ecological landscaping facilitates the restoration of natural ecosystems while allowing us the joy and creativity of building and caring for a garden. I also believe in the power our landscapes have to shape and sustain us. I am always excited to learn about and work in new spaces and to explore and improve the relationships we have with our physical environments.
Leedy
Gardener
Bio coming soon :-)
Logan
Gardener
Hi! I’m Logan. I have lived in the woods for the vast majority of my life and really love to see nature thriving!! I also am a big fan of a job well done and getting to see the result when I’m doing a project. I love to see the gardens that Newt has already turned into habitat and look forward to creating gardens like that myself!
Newt
Our muse
Newts are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Our mission is to make as much of Santa Cruz a habitat as possible, and then the newts will eventually find their way!
Camille Hartley
Business Manager, Gardener
Hi, I’m Camille. I studied environmental science at UC Santa Cruz and have spent the past six years working various field and farming jobs throughout California. I am a recreational botanist and ornithologist and am thrilled to be working with clients to create more natural habitat throughout yards in Santa Cruz.
Nico Hodgson
Associate Business Manager, Gardener
Hey, I'm Nico! I’m thrilled to bring a decade of experience in ecological research, restoration project monitoring, experiential education, and project management to you and the Newt Gardens team. It’s my life’s mission to encounter and circulate the beauty, lessons, and love nature has to share with us - from publishing a book on our local avifauna, conducting rare plant surveys in the Sierras, to enriching your yard’s habitat for ALL life to enjoy!
Luke
Gardener
Hi, I’m Luke! I’m an avid birder, a passionate environmentalist, and a lifelong California resident. As a biology major at UCLA I gained a true appreciation for the interconnected web of our native plants and animals, and aim to help our ecosystems flourish. Through Newt, I love curating beautiful outdoor spaces that give both people & our native species a place to thrive together.
Michael
Gardener, Arborist
Bio coming soon :-)
Mike
Founder, IT
Hi I'm Mike! I've always enjoyed growing my own fruits and veggies, and am passionate about sustainable farming and gardening. With prior experience in running a local business, I understand the value of customer satisfaction--I'm here to make sure each and every Newt Gardens client has a beautiful garden and a happy home!
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