Nate began his journey at Millcreek as an intern in the spring of 2020, gaining valuable experience across all departments. In early spring 2023, he returned as an experienced seasonal nursery worker before briefly relocating to Illinois. By early 2024, Nate rejoined the Millcreek team full-time as a Growing Coordinator in the IMPACT and PRO#1 Perennial Department, and by fall of 2024, he was promoted to Assistant Grower within the same area.

In December 2025, Nate further strengthened his professional credentials by earning his Greenhouse Section Grower Certification through AmericanHort. This rigorous program, taught by experienced horticulture professionals, equips growers with advanced technical skills, business knowledge, and the scientific understanding needed to improve plant health, optimize workflows, and enhance overall production efficiency.

Nate’s academic background includes a degree in Plant Biology from Ohio University, where he volunteered with the Athens Conservancy building trails and removing invasive species. He also contributed to research in a plant systematics and evolution lab, where his work supported the delineation of five distinct species within the genus Lycopodiella. After graduation, he worked at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where he monitored state and federally listed species, conducted floristic quality assessments, collected seed, and managed invasive species.

Deeply passionate about the diversity of plants, Nate spends much of his free time exploring Ohio’s state nature preserves, identifying and photographing native flora. When indoors, he enjoys baking cookies, reading, and playing video games.