Celebrating Annette Hein: A Legacy of Growth and Stewardship
Written by Jax Mack, Director of Conservation
For over 10 years, Annette Hein has been an indispensable and beloved presence at the Rye Nature Center. After years of diligent service in the beautification of the Rye Nature Center, Annette has decided to embrace a well-deserved retirement.
Senior interns create our garden’s herb spiral
Starting as a dedicated animal care volunteer with the Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC), Annette was later hired as our horticulturist. If you've admired the beautiful vegetables and flowers in any of our garden spaces, you've likely seen the results of her care and expertise. Annette has passionately taught students of all ages about the vital process of growing plants from seed, the importance of native species, as well as how to identify invasive plants. She even famously taught our high school interns how to make a delicious pesto from the invasive Garlic Mustard—a tasty treat the group certainly enjoyed!
That same herb spiral lush with plants
Annette's impact extends far beyond the Nature Center's grounds. For many years, she shared her knowledge with the wider community, visiting organizations like the YWCA to teach about various topics such as gardening, food production, and wreath-making. Her expertise has also been used to create stunning native plant designs for homes throughout Rye and the surrounding area. Not to mention the countless young people who have benefited from her guidance while working as a part of our summer conservation staff.
What do Annette and Bees have in common? A love of flowers, of course!
Annette has always been a warm, friendly face and a reliable shoulder for the education team whenever a helping hand was needed, from caring for complex plantings to offering cheerful support. Her influence is truly unmeasurable, touching generations of students and reaching across different communities.
We are incredibly thankful for the years we've had with Annette. We know she will be thrilled to live closer to her family in Germany and to spend her days exploring the forests with her grandchildren. We wish her the very best in her next chapter!