Rebecca McMackin

Rebecca McMackin is a horticulturist and ecological designer recognized for her innovative approaches to urban habitat restoration and wildlife-friendly landscapes. As the director of horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, McMackin led the transformation of a highly engineered waterfront into a model for resilient, ecologically diverse public space, demonstrating the potential for native plant communities to thrive in dense urban environments. Her work at the park received national attention for its use of ecological succession, soil development, and habitat creation for birds and invertebrates.

Beyond her role at Brooklyn Bridge Park, McMackin is a leading voice in the movement to rewild cities and advance sustainable horticultural practices. She lectures at museums, botanical gardens, universities, and design conferences, sharing strategies for integrating biodiversity, climate adaptation, and aesthetics into urban landscapes. McMackin’s public talks and essays address how maintenance practices, plant selection, and design choices impact urban ecosystems, providing guidance for both professionals and general audiences.

McMackin’s writing and commentary have appeared in horticultural and design publications, where she advocates for evidence-based, experimental management of public landscapes and the use of spontaneous urban flora as a design resource. She is known for translating scientific research into accessible, field-tested practices and for discussing the complexities of managing high-use parks under real-world conditions. Through her expertise and public scholarship, McMackin has contributed to evolving perspectives on the role of urban parks in supporting ecological health.

McMackin’s work includes independent consulting, collaborative research, and speaking engagements. She mentors practitioners and students in ecology-driven horticulture, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and long-term stewardship. Her career demonstrates that beauty, public enjoyment, and robust habitat can coexist in urban landscapes, establishing her as a leader in urban ecological design.