Imagine dedicating your entire career, 40 years, to nurturing a place as magical as EPCOT. That’s exactly what Gary has done at Walt Disney World Resort, and his story is truly inspiring. He’s seen the magic take root and blossom, season after season, for over four decades.

Gary started as a simple gardener at EPCOT. Today, he’s an Urban Forester, leading a team of arborists who look after thousands of trees across the entire property. Their mission? To make sure you, and future generations, can always enjoy those beautiful shaded walkways, immersive environments, and stunning landscapes we all love.

“I started because I liked being outside, working with plants,” Gary explains. “But over time, I realized the scale of what we do here is something unique. You just don’t experience it anywhere else.” He points out that they care for landscapes that do more than just look pretty; they support storytelling, guest comfort, and the overall Disney experience. “That’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” he adds.

Gary’s career has seen it all: from relocating enormous trees to helping craft the immersive alien flora in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He always balances Walt Disney World’s constant growth with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility and land care. It’s a huge job!

But EPCOT holds a truly special place for him. He started his Disney journey there decades ago, witnessing the park’s transformation firsthand. And guess what? He even helped support the very first EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival back in 1994!

“At the time, no one imagined it would become what it is today,” Gary reflects. “Did I expect it to grow into this? No. Not at all. But every year, it just gets better.”

Gary doesn’t plan the festival, but he’s been instrumental in supporting every single one since the very beginning. His real magic happens behind the scenes: crane operations, massive installations – he helps bring the festival to life safely, thoughtfully, and sustainably. It’s pure dedication.

From a simple plant showcase, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has blossomed into a park-wide celebration. It’s a true blend of storytelling, incredible craftsmanship, and horticultural artistry – a perfect reflection of EPCOT’s evolution and its commitment to nature and innovation.

Gary’s work embodies a key principle: mature trees matter. Seriously, they do! Protecting them demands foresight, endless patience, and strong advocacy.

“They provide shade, environmental benefits, and a sense of place you just can’t create overnight,” Gary explains. He’s right. You can always plant new trees, but the benefits from a mature one are simply exponential. “They’re the backbone of the landscape,” he states, and we can all see why.

As Walt Disney World grows and EPCOT continually evolves, Gary and his team are always proactive. They inspect trees, manage risks, and preserve existing landscapes. They find smart, thoughtful solutions that support both the old, established infrastructure and all the exciting new developments.

One of Gary’s proudest achievements? Helping build an arboriculture program to train the next generation of Cast Members. They’ll carry this vital responsibility forward. He’s always quick to praise his teams, but his leadership truly ensures that caring for the land remains a top priority, no matter how much the resort changes.

From EPCOT’s very first days to its amazing ongoing transformation, Gary has had a unique, front-row seat. He’s seen innovation, environmental stewardship, and storytelling all grow together. And you know what? Each spring, when EPCOT bursts into bloom again, every single vibrant garden reflects decades of dedicated care, immense patience, and the hard work of Cast Members like Gary, working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Want to see more? This Earth Month, you can go behind the blooms in the latest episode of Disney Unscripted. It explores the greenhouses and gardens where the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival truly begins, showing off the amazing craftsmanship that turns simple seedlings into vibrant works of art. If you’re inspired to join the team that cares for Disney’s iconic landscapes, you can even learn how to become an arborist at The Most Magical Place on Earth.