For over 25 years, Jane Outcalt has played a formative role in the evolution of Holden Forests & Gardens—offering steady leadership, supporting impactful initiatives, and engaging with purpose and grace every step of the way.  

During her Board tenure from 2008 to 2021, Jane was a dedicated and trusted presence—pragmatic and grounded, with a natural instinct for encouraging progress and affirming the people entrusted to lead the organization. In 2014, she offered thoughtful guidance during the merger of The Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden and she helped shape a shared vision rooted in the power of plants to enrich lives and strengthen communities.  

Jane and her husband Jon have long and enthusiastically supported initiatives that expanded Cleveland Botanical Garden’s programs and reach. In the early 2000s, they contributed to the Campaign for Cleveland’s Garden, which added the Costa Rica and Madagascar biomes and a new environmental education wing. Later, through the Vision for a Vibrant Future campaign, Jane helped bring the 2013 Fall Celebration to life—advancing public engagement and visibility through creative design and programming. Jane also took an active interest in the Garden’s community programs, particularly Green Corps, where she helped fund staff and a learning garden in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood and stayed actively involved as the program took root and grew.  

In Jane’s family, Cleveland Botanical Garden is affectionately known as “Bo-Garden”—a name she began using when bringing her grandchildren for visits as young children. Over the years, it became a beloved tradition: digging in Hershey Children’s Garden, watching butterflies in the glasshouse, and sharing sweet treats in the café. These moments reflect Jane’s enduring belief in the joy of gardening, the wonder of discovery, and the power of connecting generations through shared time together.  

At Twilight 2025, we are honored to recognize Jane for her years of leadership, generosity, and care for Holden Forests & Gardens—and for the lasting difference she has made in the landscapes and lives she has helped shape.  

We are delighted to honor Bill and Nancy Hendricks of Perry, Ohio at Twilight this year for their dedication to Holden Forests & Gardens. Together they exemplify true partnership, passion for nature, and environmental stewardship—values that have shaped our organization for decades. 

Bill’s journey began at age three in his grandfather’s greenhouse, where he first fell in love with plants, especially cacti. By age nine, he began cultivating a personal collection that now exceeds 4,000 species.  Totally self-taught, Bill had worked in many aspects of horticulture from his high school years joining Lake County Nursery in 1968 and becoming vice president before joining Klyn Nurseries in 1987 as president. Under Bill’s leadership, Klyn grew from 35 acres of field production and 83 varieties into a thriving 540-acre operation with over 1,850 plant species, which he used to supply HF&G plant sales and events over the years. Over the years Klyn Nurseries has also supplied HF&G with over 2,100 accessions to its collections. Bill sold Klyn to Petitti’s Family of Farms in 2024 and now serves as an advisor.  

In addition to growing extraordinary plants, Bill has been a tireless advocate and educator. He taught a plant materials course at Cleveland State University for 21 years and is an acclaimed speaker on a variety of horticultural topics. Over his extensive career, Bill has been a member and served on many boards and committees in the green industry. He is also a sought-after photographer. Many of Bill’s stunning photos have been used in professional horticultural publications.   

Bill believes that sustainability equals common sense. Among his many achievements was participating in the evaluation of an intelligent pesticide sprayer developed in partnership with USDA to cut pesticide usage by 75% and served on the review board for the USDA hardiness Zone Map.  He also recycled water for irrigation, collaborated with The Ohio State University on composting before it was a trend, and reduced the frequency of fertilizer applications through soil testing. This innovative thinking and desire to improve upon the status quo underscores the environmental commitment that he and Nancy have championed. 

Nancy Hendricks, Bill’s partner in life and stewardship, has played an essential role in their shared journey. Nancy managed the office at Klyn and was corporate secretary.  Nancy had also spent years in the nursery industry working at Cottage Gardens, American Garden Products, and in sales at Lake County Nursery.  She can always be found at Bill’s side attending industry events or visiting horticultural sites and events around the world.  Plants and a desire to travel have taken the couple to over 30 countries. 

Over their careers, Bill and Nancy have received many awards and honors: Friends of The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program; ONLA Distinguished Contribution Award; “2014 Grower of the Year” by Nursery Management Magazine; Ohio Landscape Association Lifetime Dedication and Outstanding Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award 2010; Horticultural Industries Leadership Award 2011; Associated Green Industries “Person of the Year” 1998; Friends of the Master Gardener Program Award 2008; and Award of Merit International Plant Propagators 2021.  

We celebrate Bill and Nancy Hendricks for their outstanding and lifelong contributions to the mission of Holden Forests & Gardens. Their passion for plants, dedication to education, and commitment to community continue to inspire a greener, more connected world.