Meet Dr. Michael Taft
Mike was born and grew up in Virginia Beach, attended Princess Anne Elementary and Junior High Schools, and graduated from Kellam High School. He continued his education by receiving a BS in Criminal Justice from Law Park University, an MA Ed from Central Michigan University, an MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Embry Riddle University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Capella University.
Mike served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps for twenty years and an additional twenty years as a Department of Navy Civil Servant. During these years Mike lived in various places all around the country. He retired in 2023 while living in Panama City Beach, Florida, at which time he and his wife, Beth, returned to this area and settled in Norfolk.
Mike is a beekeeper and this sparked his interest in learning more about all pollinators. He started volunteering at the Norfolk Botanical Garden as a butterfly house docent. He became interested in native trees, shrubs, and plants, and this led him to join the Norfolk Master Gardener Class of 2026.
Mike loved the classes and the opportunity to continue learning from experts, but he is missing the biweekly classes. He particularly loved the exposure to such a diverse group of Master Gardeners.
To attain the required fifty hours, Mike participated at Jam ‘n Jams, Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary, East Ocean View Children’s Garden, Urban Ag Van Wyck Library planting, Neon District service project, seed packing, and the Zoo Garden.
As a certified MG, he plans to continue these projects but also participate as a butterfly docent at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
When Mike isn’t involved in MG projects, he is a beekeeper. He enjoys baking, volunteering with Team Rubicon USA for disaster response, Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team member, City of Norfolk Emergency Management Advisory Council chairperson, and City of Norfolk Community Emergency Response Team member.
Mike’s family consists of his wife, Beth, of thirty-three years, four children—Christine, Heather, Brenton and Amanda—and seven grandchildren.
When you see Mike, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.
