2013-2014

News Release

REF NO.: 108

SUBJECT: Memorial University's Botanical Garden receives provincial award

DATE: April 22, 2014

Memorial University’s Botanical Garden has been honoured with the provincial Green for Life Community Award by Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador (LNL).  
The award was presented in conjunction with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence that was held in St. John’s for the first time this year.
The award is based on community spirit, innovative ideas, environmental sustainability and community impact. It recognizes the Botanical Garden as an exemplary green space in the province.
“The Botanical Garden has been educating and inspiring the local community and visitors of all ages for over 42 years,” said Liz Klose, garden director. “The Green for Life Community Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and Friends of MUN Botanical Garden Inc. (FOG) volunteers past and present, who have spent a lifetime creating and preserving a lasting legacy. From its humble beginnings in 1971, it has evolved into the province’s premier botanical garden, and will continue to grow with a strategic plan for future development.”
“A treasured haven in the St. John’s area, and indeed for the whole province, the Botanical Garden is an inspiration to gardeners and to the landscape industry,” said Krista Russell, president of LNL, the provincial nursery, greenhouse and landscape trades association.  
One Green for Life Community Award is presented in each province annually. The provincial recipients then advance as candidates for the national award, presented at the National Awards of Landscape Excellence hosted by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
The Botanical Garden is a resource centre for basic and applied botanical research and education with a particular interest in the flora of Newfoundland and Labrador. It seeks to foster an appreciation of natural history in the development and future of the university and the province.
The Botanical Garden’s 100 acres of natural area features five nature trails and a large cultivated garden area that showcases a living museum of plants in various themed gardens. Diverse educational seminars and curriculum-based school programs are featured throughout the season. The Botanical Garden opens for the season May 1 and will be open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and from Sept. 1-Nov. 30 will be open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. To view events and activities visit www.mun.ca/botgarden.

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