If you’ve ever wondered how Tyler Arboretum always seems to have the perfect photo for social media or a campaign, chances are, you’ve seen the world through the lens of tonight’s honoree, Mei McNeill.

Mei’s energy, creativity, and generosity show up in just about every corner of Tyler Arboretum. She wears a lot of hats—she’s out in the Chestnut Orchard, she’s helping with Trail Maintenance, she’s in Lucille’s Garden and helps out at events. And honestly, that would be more than enough. But Mei goes even further. She somehow finds the time and heart to capture the real, behind-the-scenes moments that visually bring Tyler to life.

She’s become our unofficial—but maybe very official—Tyler photographer. Whether it’s a flower in the Pollinator Preserve, a walk with friends, or staff and volunteers hard at work, Mei documents the soul of this place. (And honestly, she’s probably taking a photo of me right now!) Her photos don’t just show the plants and pathways—they tell the stories of the people, the projects, and the little everyday moments that make Tyler special.

And that’s the power of communication. It isn’t only words—it can be visual too. A single image can stop someone in their tracks, make them curious, make them care or wonder. Mei has that gift. She has an incredible eye for beauty, for being in the moment, and for noticing the kinds of details others might pass by. She doesn’t just take photos—she creates visual stories that connect people to Tyler in a way words alone never could.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed a photo for social media, but I’ve been stuck in the office all day … and just as I’m stressing, a notification pops up that Mei has uploaded 15 new images, perfectly timed and ready to go. Her photos have filled our blogs and social media, and even inspired our Bring a Friend campaign last winter. She had brought a friend the year before, just after a light snow, and captured the sweetest photos of them around Tyler. When we were planning the campaign and couldn’t figure out how to represent it visually, those pictures popped right into my mind. They were already there—just waiting to tell that story.

But more than campaigns or posts, her photos help us see what we might otherwise miss. Through her lens, we see the determination of volunteers up on 30-foot ladders pollinating chestnut trees, the quiet grace of a visitor pausing on a bench, the joy of a family gathered around the fire roasting marshmallows at Fireside—and the smiling faces of friends and neighbors at so many of our events. And that’s no accident—because Mei is always there. Her presence at Fireside nights, plant sales, volunteer workdays, and everyday walks gives her the chance to capture not just the beauty of this place, but the spirit of community that fills it.

What makes Mei’s contributions so extraordinary isn’t just her talent, but her spirit. She’s friendly, she’s fierce, she’s dependable, and always ready to pitch in. She never misses a chance to turn a moment into a picturesque story worth sharing.

Through her camera, Mei doesn’t just capture what Tyler looks like—she captures what Tyler feels like. Because of that, she’s become one of Tyler’s strongest digital ambassadors—sharing her love of this place with her own audience and giving us the tools to share it too.

This award is all about communicating Tyler’s mission through writing, film, or photography. And Mei, you truly embody that. You don’t just do the work—you help others see it and love this place even more.

It is my great joy to present this year’s first Communications Award to Mei McNeill. Mei, thank you for everything you do for Tyler!