Amy Szabo
Horticultural Technician - Toledo Botanical Garden

Hometown
Swanton, Ohio

First Job
Hoen’s Greenhouse

Achievement you are most proud of, career or other
This is a hard question for me to answer as I don’t feel there is solely one achievement I am most proud of.  Really I think I am just proud of how much I have grown in almost every aspect in recent years, in my career and personally.

Dream Trip
Ireland and New Zealand

Notable pet
My Australian Shepherd Wesson is my best buddy/child and has been with me through many moves and life changes. He is the best boy and does some pretty cool tricks. Also our newer dog Beau, horses Chessy and Nova, cat Kenworth (AKA Mr. Meowgee), and all of our chickens including rooster Cluck Norris.

What is something few know about you?
I have a ton of interests. Along with growing vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers, horses are a big passion of mine. I have been riding since I was 9 years old and competed through 4-H, my high school equestrian team, The Bowling Green State University Equestrian team, and have participated in many local shows.  I also keep honey bees, can and preserve, make cold process bar soap, knit, keep chickens, and bake.

What brought you to Metroparks?
I was an environmental Science major at Bowling Green and applied to work here as a seasonal to use as my internship and never left.

Your favorite park visited?
There are really 2 that are my favorite. Oak Openings holds a special place in my heart for the horse trails, as trail riding is one of my favorite things to do. Also, the formal gardens at Toledo Botanical Gardens are very special to me as they are so unique to our park system and have plants you don’t get to see anywhere else.