Matt Rader

Member since: 2022

Proposed by: The Garden Club of Philadelphia, Zone V

Seconded by: The Gardeners, Zone V

Since becoming president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in 2016, Matt Rader has focused on expanding PHS's efforts to use horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the communities in the greater Philadelphia region and beyond. Mr. Rader's strategic plan, "Gardening for the Greater Good," demonstrates that horticulture has the power to make positive social and environmental changes.

Civic improvement has blossomed. The Tree Tenders program educates residents on the importance of planting and maintaining newly planted trees to benefit urban communities. Responding to COVID-19, Mr. Rader moved the celebrated Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors to FDR Park in June to widespread approval.

PHS partnered with the Tyler Arboretum to increase the vegetable food production in the one-acre garden to meet COVID-19 food needs at two local food pantries. A new program, "Harvest 2020," will help over 10,000 individuals grow their food and share it in their communities.

Honorary member since 2022.