JAMES FAUPEL

Director of Horticulture, Curator of Living Collections

James Faupel is the Director of Horticulture and Curator of Living Collections at Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum, the first Level III ArbNet accredited arboretum in Missouri. In this role, he oversees the collection of 10,000+ trees and shrubs and many beautiful display gardens across our 314 acres, as well as the amazing horticulture team that maintains them. James curates the living collection and coordinates horticulture tours, classes, and events to connect the community with plants and the environment. His favorite part of the job is guiding tours and sharing his passion for plants and horticulture with the public.

Previously, James spent nine years at the Missouri Botanical Garden as a supervisor of ecological restoration. He began his career in traditional horticulture, first in the nursery industry and later in design and landscaping. Over time, his work evolved toward ecology-based horticulture and habitat restoration, with a strong focus on native plants. For 19 years, James has worked with native species, appreciating both their ecological value and the wildlife diversity they support—especially pollinators like bees. He holds a degree in horticulture from St. Louis Community College, where he now teaches Native Landscaping Practices. Through his work, James strives to make Bellefontaine an accessible green space that supports the Cemetery’s mission, enriches the community, and provides vital habitat for local wildlife.