Jacqueline Crepeau joined our team this year as the Middlesex County Master Gardener Coordinator. She’s originally from Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) and is a lifelong learner.
What is your area of interest?
My primary area of interest is community-focused horticulture, particularly creating engaging and educational gardening spaces that foster collaboration, sustainability, and respect for the environment. My journey began with a love for nature and all living things, sparked by noticing the intricate beauty of camellias and insects, as well as a desire to give back to my community. I am drawn to projects that inspire learning and engagement and make gardening accessible for everyone.
What is your role with UConn Extension?
My role involves supporting the Master Gardener program in Middlesex County, fostering connections among volunteers, interns, and the community. I’ll help guide interns during their classroom instruction and assist Master Gardeners in managing projects that emphasize education, environmental stewardship, and collaboration to create sustainable and impactful gardening practices.
What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?
What excites me most is the opportunity to work with a program that emphasizes education, community engagement and sustainability. I’ve seen how gardening can bring people together and make a difference, and I’m inspired by UConn Extension’s commitment to helping individuals grow both plants and connections in ways that positively impact their communities.
What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?
I hope to show that gardening can be a means to cultivate meaningful connections between people, nature, and their communities. I want to help others see gardening as a way to make an impact and to find joy in nurturing the world around us.
What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?
As someone from Florida, my favorite thing to do in Connecticut is experience the wonder of the changing seasons!
What is the most unusual job you’ve had?
The most unusual job I have had was helping my father hang drywall. My role involved cleaning up the job scraps and holding drywall up with my head (and a lot of determination!) while standing on scaffolding as he secured it. I did this for a few summers in a row when school was out.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?
I am always observing and documenting the world around me, whether through writing, photography, or data collection. I like to do creative projects like designing visual content, organizing family events, and upcycling crafts. I also love to read and listen to podcasts on environmental philosophy, horticulture, and personal development. And, of course, my favorite place to be is outside.
Anything else you think we should know?
In my former life, I managed Homeowner Associations in Florida, where my favorite duties involved landscape design, installation and maintenance. That experience taught me the importance of balancing diverse interests and strengthened my commitment to creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels encouraged to contribute. I value collaboration, continuity, and bringing creativity and care to every project I take on. I’m proud to be a 2024 UConn Master Gardener class graduate, which has deepened my connection to the gardening community here.