Remembering Peter Olin: Visionary Leader and Beloved Arboretum Director Passes at 87
FALCON HEIGHTS, MN — July 3, 2025 — The horticultural and educational communities are mourning the loss of Peter Olin, the beloved former director of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, who passed away peacefully on June 30 at the age of 87. Olin, a passionate advocate for public gardens and environmental education, dedicated nearly a quarter-century to the Arboretum, transforming it into one of the most respected and accessible public garden spaces in the nation.
Olin’s death marks the end of an era for the Arboretum and the countless individuals who were influenced by his work and leadership. His contributions extended far beyond gardening — he fostered a culture of stewardship, education, inclusivity, and artistic expression within the natural world.
A Life Rooted in Nature and Vision
Peter Olin began his journey with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in the early 1980s, eventually serving as its director for nearly 24 years. During that time, he was widely credited with expanding the Arboretum’s physical footprint, increasing its visibility, and nurturing a vibrant, engaged community around it.
Under his leadership, the Arboretum underwent significant growth:
- Development of Signature Gardens: Olin oversaw the creation and refinement of numerous thematic gardens that are now iconic within the Arboretum’s 1,200-acre campus, including the Japanese Garden, Prairie Garden, and sensory gardens designed for those with visual or mobility impairments.
- Boosting Accessibility: One of his most impactful efforts was expanding access to the Arboretum for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. He spearheaded inclusive programs, ADA-compliant infrastructure improvements, and outreach initiatives that brought nature education to underserved communities.
- Environmental Education & Sustainability: Olin introduced innovative educational programs that are now embedded in the Arboretum’s DNA — from school field trips to family discovery activities and adult continuing education. These initiatives deepened the public’s understanding of plant science, conservation, and sustainable living.
- Staff and Visitor Growth: When Olin assumed leadership, the Arboretum had a modest staff and visitor base. By the time he retired, staff had more than doubled, and annual visitorship had soared, a testament to his ability to connect people with the beauty and importance of cultivated and native landscapes.
More Than a Director — A Mentor and Advocate
Olin was not only a horticulturist but a mentor, artist, and leader in every sense. He mentored emerging professionals in landscape design and public garden management, many of whom now lead similar institutions across the country.
Former colleagues and Arboretum staff describe him as warm, generous, and unwaveringly dedicated. “Peter had a way of making every plant, every garden, every person feel important,” said John Raines, current executive director of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. “He was the soul of this place for so long, and his legacy continues to shape our mission and our future.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Olin was known for his love of art, often combining his appreciation for design and beauty with botanical principles. He believed that gardens were not just collections of plants but living expressions of human creativity and care for the Earth.
Tributes from the Community
Tributes have poured in from across Minnesota and beyond. Governor Elise Schmidt issued a statement acknowledging Olin’s contributions to the state’s natural heritage:
“Peter Olin’s vision and leadership elevated Minnesota’s green spaces to national prominence. His work at the Arboretum enriched the lives of Minnesotans and visitors from around the world. We are deeply grateful for his life and legacy.”
Members of the public have also taken to social media to share memories, photos, and gratitude, often highlighting moments of peace and wonder experienced at the Arboretum thanks to Olin’s vision.
A longtime visitor, Mary Swanson of St. Paul, wrote: “When my kids were little, Peter was always there during storytime in the garden. He’d smile and talk to the children like they were his own. The Arboretum is part of our family’s history because of him.”
A Lasting Legacy
Peter Olin’s legacy will live on not only in the soil, trees, and paths of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum but in the hearts of all who visit. In honor of his contributions, the Arboretum plans to dedicate a new commemorative garden space in his name later this fall — a peaceful grove where visitors can reflect, connect with nature, and celebrate Olin’s life.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, two daughters, several grandchildren, and a vast community of friends and admirers.
A public memorial service will be held at the Arboretum on Saturday, July 13, with details to be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Peter J. Olin Education Fund to continue supporting nature education and accessibility programs at the Arboretum.