Meet a Board Member: John Crowder
January 2026
A lifelong gardener joins the Capital Trees Board, bringing deep roots, design insight, and a passion for the natural world that connects and calms.
We’re delighted to introduce John Crowder, one of Capital Trees’ newest Board members. John brings a passion for gardening and landscape design to the Board, along with years of experience in landscape maintenance and a strong belief in the power of gardens and parks to connect and restore communities.
“The role of the garden is more important than it has ever been.”
Q. When and how did you learn about the work Capital Trees does throughout RVA?
A. My wife Mary Bacon was involved early on with Capital Trees, working with Meg Turner and Susan Robertson to establish the organization as a nonprofit. I knew about Capital Trees through her efforts and through the transformation of the Low Line, which I followed closely and found incredibly inspiring.
Q. What inspired you to want to be on the Capital Trees Board?
A. When Susan Robertson and Molly Anderson spoke with me about joining the Board, it felt like a natural next step. In retirement, I spend time most days working in our garden and studying others. I saw an opportunity to share that interest and perspective as Capital Trees steps into exciting new projects.
Q. What skill set, knowledge, or unique perspective do you bring to the Board?
A. In the last phase of my business career, I ran a golf course maintenance company which was a subsidiary of the country’s largest landscape services company. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how outdoor spaces thrive over time. Our own garden—designed by Meg Turner 25 years ago, has helped me develop as a gardener and a student of landscape design. I enjoy studying how others create and how thoughtful planting choices transform spaces.
Q. What Capital Trees project are you most proud of or excited about?
A. Without a doubt, the Low Line. It is an extraordinary transformation of misused vacant land, every bit of which is under an active railroad trestle. The testament to its success was how quickly it became a beloved public space. It makes total sense to people. Right away people were walking, exercising, or simply taking a quiet moment there. That kind of immediate connection is rare. I’m also excited by the many small garden opportunities we have, as well as Mayo Island and the possibilities there.
Q. In your own words, why do you think urban gardens are a vital resource?
A. They’re more important than ever. We need them. They are good for us. Whether it’s a single flower box, a backyard, or a large public garden, they all offer refuge from the outside world. They give us a place to breathe, think, and reset.
Q. What is your favorite public landscape or greenspace?
A. Mary and I love the gardens at Winterthur—so sophisticated, historic and beautifully managed. On the other end of the spectrum, we’re equally drawn to the wild serenity of Back Bay Wildlife Preserve at the southern end of Sandbridge Beach. We’re lucky to spend lots of time there. Both places are examples of how landscapes of all types put things into perspective. They remind us of what is enduring.
We’re pleased to welcome John Crowder to the Board and look forward to his insight, experience and love for garden building as Capital Trees continues to grow a greener, more connected Richmond.
