Rod, also known as the Tree Hunter, played an integral role in finding Nevada’s big trees. He discovered Nevada’s champion Eastern White Pine, which is also the biggest in the nation. The Nevada Division of Forestry’s Big Tree program has some great information. Also, on YouTube all 28 of his tree walks of the UNR Arboretum and campus are archived. He also did many tree walks throughout our communities for industry professionals, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and community members. Rod was Someone 2 Know as featured on the KTVN segment. Additionally, he worked with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension in creating tree care videos.
Rod took the Master Gardener program in 1999, certifying in 2000. While he lived in Reno, he drove all the way to Carson City to participate in the program. As a Master Gardener, he participated in numerous events, always sharing his passion and his enthusiasm for gardening and specifically, his desire to identify whatever plant he saw, from childhood interest to moving to a new area and not knowing any of the plants or fauna where he moved to. He was part of the Master Gardener Greenhouse, Historic Huffaker School Garden, Home Show, The Master Gardener Seedling Sale, Seed Swap (The Magic Box), Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series (where he volunteered for years before he began presenting and he did 10 or more presentations). He hosted several “Tree Walks” for Master Gardeners and as a presenter for Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series he covered a multitude of topics from Seeds, Trees and Landscaping.
You could always find Rod in the community. Find a plant community, and he would be part of it in some way. He was an active member of the Wilbur May Arboretum and deeply involved with the City of Reno Greenhouse for many years. He was also heavily involved with the University of Nevada, Reno Arboretum and their board. Whether he was leading an educational program, actively volunteering, or simply participating, Rod showed up for anything related to plants.
He also had a gift for building community. Rod was passionate about connecting people with shared plant interests and needs. He collected seeds, hunted acorns with friends, grew plants, and shared them at every opportunity. Many people in our community have a tree grown from one of Rod’s acorns or a plant he nurtured from seed in his own yard. Countless community members and Master Gardeners have plants grown by Rod that they discovered at the Master Gardener seedling sale.
And then there was Rod’s beloved “Magic Box” — always full of carefully collected, sorted, seasoned, and packaged seeds, ready to share. Each packet was thoughtfully labeled with growing instructions, pictures, and anything else he believed someone would need to succeed. Multitudes of Master Gardeners and community members carry seeds from that "Magic Box", and with them, a small piece of Rod’s generosity and spirit.
Rod Haulenbeek enriched our community on so many levels. His passion for plants and his desire to connect everyone around them has had a profound impact. He will be missed every single day.
Thank you for your part in our journey, Rod the Tree Hunter and keeper of the Magic Box. Rest now. Your legacy lives on forever.
*Several organizations are planning memorial activities, and tree plantings in Rod’s honor. The University of Nevada, Reno Arboretum, Washoe County Master Gardeners, Wilbur May Arboretum and others. Please check with these organizations for details.
