Early Bird through August 16
Members: $75, Nonmembers: $90
Hort Support Table for eight guests for $700.

August 17 through September 4
Members: $85, Nonmembers: $100
Hort Support Table for eight guests for $700.
All ticket sales close September 4.

James Henrich

The SCHS is pleased to honor James Henrich, curator of living collections at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, as our 2026 Horticulturist of the Year in recognition of his many career achievements. Locally, one of his most lauded accomplishments is the development and implementation of the conservation management program for the Arboretum’s extensive Engelmann oak collection.

With a BA in biology and chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and an MS in horticulture from the U of M, St. Paul, Henrich began working at the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis in 1979 as Coordinator of the Flora de Nicaragua in their research department  In the horticulture department, he held other positions including: manager of the living research collection, production greenhouses, and as a plant propagator, horticultural coordinator and acting director of horticulture.

From 1992 to 1999, Henrich was the director of horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG) - working with teams in the gardens as well as disparate groups of people from the community.  He was intimately involved in the planning, design, construction oversight, and program development of numerous glasshouse and landscape construction projects, including the renovation of the Boettcher Memorial Conservatory in Denver.

After coming to California, Henrich held several positions at the Conservatory of Flowers and San Francisco Botanical Gardens at Strybing Arboretum, from 2001 to 2006, including curator, assistant director and acting director. He implemented capital improvement projects, evaluated the existing living collection, and acquired plants for their exhibit program – working closely with city representatives, architects, engineers, contractors and exhibit designers.

In 2008, he joined the staff of the L.A. Arboretum as curator of living collections, where he is presently responsible for all aspects of managing their internationally significant 12,000-taxa living plant collection of temperate, Mediterranean and tropical species on a 127-acre site. In addition to spearheading the conservation program for the Englemann oaks, Henrich handles plant acquisition, accessioning, records, labeling and mapping, and manages staff responsible for living collections in the plant nursery, orchid greenhouses, and public greenhouses.

Photo courtesy of James Henrich

SCHS Pathmaker Award will be presented to:

Dr. Chaz Perea 

The SCHS Pathmaker Award was established in 2025 to recognize individuals who break novel ground through excellence, innovation, and a commitment to continued progress in the horticultural field.  

This year, we recognize Dr. Chaz Perea, Landscape Manager at Dodger Stadium and a horticulture professor at Mt. San Antonio College. Widely recognized as an innovative leader in sustainable landscape design and environmental stewardship, he led the transformation of Dodger Stadium into becoming the first sports venue in the U.S. to be accredited as a botanic garden. Since joining the Dodgers organization in 2009, Dr. Perea has overseen large-scale sustainability initiatives focused on drought-tolerant landscaping, biodiversity and water conservation, incorporating hundreds of California native and climate-resilient plant species throughout the stadium grounds.  

In addition to his work with the Dodgers, Dr. Perea is passionate about education and mentorship - helping develop the next generation of environmental and horticulture professionals through his teaching and community engagement efforts.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Chaz Perea