Dr. Arthur Hayes is an ethnobotanist who studies the deep, historical relationship between people and plants. His work has taken him across the American Southwest, where he has worked alongside indigenous communities to document and help preserve traditional knowledge of native flora for medicine, food, and cultural practices. With a Ph.D. from Cornell University, his research bridges the gap between hard science and cultural heritage.

He is a passionate advocate for biodiversity and the protection of traditional ecological knowledge. Dr. Hayes believes that these ancient practices hold vital clues for modern challenges, from developing new medicines to creating sustainable agricultural systems. He writes for EduEarth4U to share the fascinating stories of these plants and the people who have cultivated a relationship with them for centuries.

When not in the field, Arthur maintains an extensive greenhouse of rare and medicinal plants and enjoys hiking the high desert trails near his home in Santa Fe.