Friend of the Society
Rod Haulenbeek earned a BA in Geology from Lehigh University and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin, then spent his career as an exploration geologist for Gulf Oil (later Chevron), based primarily in the Houston and Midland, Texas areas.
After retiring in 1993, he reinvented himself as a devoted arborist and naturalist. Unable to find a tree field guide for Yosemite, where he took a job after retirement, he wrote one himself: Tree Adventures in Yosemite Valley, self-published through his own imprint, Wide Eyed Publications. A second book, Tree Adventures at Tahoe, followed in 1997 after he relocated to the Lake Tahoe area.
Settling eventually in Reno, Nevada, Rod became a central figure in the local tree community. He cataloged over 15,000 trees for the Nevada Division of Forestry, edited the Nevada Big Tree Registry, and led tours at the University of Nevada Reno and numerous local parks. He co-authored A Visitor’s Guide to the UNR Arboretum (2018) and produced two comprehensive identification guides: Northern Nevada Tree Identifier (2018) and Northern Nevada Shrub and Vine Identifier (2020).
He also served on the Reno Urban Forestry and Urban Tree Commissions, volunteered with the City of Reno Greenhouse, and held certifications as a Master Gardener, Certified Arborist, and Tree Risk Assessor.
Featured Live Artist
Juliette is a profoundly gifted 10-year-old TEDx Speaker, roller-skating violinist, internationally acclaimed art prodigy, award winning mathlete, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and influencer with over 300,000 followers.
Juliette is a contemporary artist known for her expressive use of color, texture, and movement. Her work captures the emotion and energy of the natural world, often drawing inspiration from landscapes, gardens, and the quiet beauty found in everyday moments.
Juliette’s paintings invite viewers to pause, reflect, and experience a sense of connection with nature. Through layered brushwork and vibrant compositions, she transforms fleeting impressions into works that feel both spontaneous and deeply intentional.
For the May Arboretum Society 2026 Gala, Juliette will create an original painting live during the VIP Cocktail Hour, allowing guests to witness the creative process as the artwork unfolds throughout the evening. The finished piece will be unveiled and offered as a featured Live Auction item, making it a truly one-of-a-kind work created in celebration of the Arboretum and the community that supports it.
