We want to give a shout out to Merilee Buehler one of our stellar volunteers! Check out her highlight in the Garden Island news below to see some of the amazing work she has accomplished with NTBG and beyond. We are so thankful for our Na Lima Kokua, who dedicate their time and talent to help us achieve our mission. https://www.thegardenisland.com/2020/01/08/hawaii-news/buehler-receives-presidents-volunteer-service-award/

Today was a beautiful day for an end of year staff appreciation party. Lots of games, food, fun, and friendship in the Allerton Garden. #saveplants #happyholidays 🌴🌴🌴🌴🎄

Happening Now! Craft Fair at our beautiful Visitor Center across from Spouting Horn! Food, Live Performances, Free Tours and More!

NTBG Science and Conservation Staff Presentation at Lihue Public LibraryOn Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 p.m., join NTBG Conservation Biologist Seana Walsh and Seed Bank Curator and Laboratory Manager Dustin Wolkis for a presentation on floral biology and seed physiology. Their talk, part of the Science at Your Library Series, will introduce the conservation status of the Hawaiian flora and highlight collaborative projects that guide management of rare plants on Kauai.

Hoping to see you soon at one of our five gardens on Kauai Maui & Miami #tropical #botanicalgardens #plantlove #allertongarden #mcbrydegarden #thekampong #kahanugarden #limahuligarden #hibiscus #lotus #palms #flowers #trees #saveplants #loveplants

NTBG will be at Kukui Grove tomorrow (Sat. Nov. 2) with 250 native plants to give away including ohia, wiliwili, native hibiscus, and others. See you there!

When you visit NTBG’s Kahanu Garden in Hana, Maui, you will notice some changes including our new Visitor and Education Center. This beautiful new facility just opened this year and is ready to welcome you! Read more here: https://ntbg.org/news/kahanu-visitor-center

TONIGHT!! → Tuesday, Oct 15th from 5:30 p.m. at @kauaicommunitycollege Campus Center Cafeteria, join our new Director of Science and Conservation Dr. Nina Rønsted as she presents a talk on the role of medicinal plants in the Andes mountains. Don’t miss this fascinating introductory talk by Dr. Rønsted in this month’s Earth Matters public lecture series, a collaboration between NTBG and KCC. #saveplants 🌿

From the lo‘i kalo (taro pitches) of Limahuli Garden, a reminder of the beauty, the fragility, and the interconnected nature of the natural world. It all needs to be taken care of — the air, the water, the land, the plants, the animals, and yes, us too. Everyone has something at stake and everyone has a role to play in protecting life on earth. In our work we focus on plants and we thank you for helping us do that. #saveplants.

Join us this coming Saturday, Sept 7. as we gather with breadfruit lovers, growers, gardeners, and chefs at Maui Nui Botanical Garden in Kahului, Maui for a day of ‘ulu (breadfruit). Learn more here: https://www.mauinews.com/news/community-news/2019/08/celebration-of-ulu-set-for-sept-7/

You probably know somebody who loves Hawaiian plants, right? The gift shop at our South Shore Visitors Center on Kauai now has the 1992 classic La‘au Hawai‘i, Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants by Dr. Isabella Abbott available for purchase. “This classic, award-winning book provides the first comprehensive description of Hawaiian traditions of plant use. Topics include not only food, but clothing, cordage, shelter, canoes, tools, housewares, medicines, religious objects, weaponry, personal adornment, and recreation” (Google Books). After being out of print for several years, this classic is once again available. This is book is a “must-have” for your plant book library and would make a wonderful gift for plant and book-loving friends and family in the holiday season ahead… #saveplants

If you’ve never seen a breadfruit tree or walked through a grove of many different breadfruit varieties, this is a great time of year to change that! As chef Gordon Ramsay recently discovered on a recent episode of #Uncharted, breadfruit trees are leafy, big, and beautiful. Find out how NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute is supporting conservation, regenerative agriculture, food security, and economic development with our collections and many partnerships. Plan your visit to Kahanu Garden on Maui and McBryde Garden on Kauai today! https://ntbg.org/gardens/tours

Don’t miss Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted on Hawaii’s Hana Coast this Sunday, Aug. 11 where Gordon Ramsay learns to cook with breadfruit. His comments: “Trust me, from the most amazing deserts to the most amazing ground flour, you name it!” (watch preview below): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/shows/gordon-ramsay-uncharted/gordon-ramsay-hawaii-cooking/

It’s a busy week of science and environmental education and fun for our Keiki O Ka Aina summer day camp in the garden. Teaching kids to understand and enjoy nature will help them grow up to be better stewards of the environment as adults. Mahalo to all our supporters & partners!

Kokia kauaiensis now #inbloom in #McBrydeGarden

A very big MAHALO (thank you!) to Dave, co-owner of @hubboards for being one of our biggest supporters and for the countless hours of hard work he has volunteered to our Breadfruit Institute. Read all about it: https://www.thegardenisland.com/2019/06/19/hawaii-news/hubboards-donates-to-the-breadfruit-institute/ #Kauai

THERE ARE ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT for you to experience the botanical illustration exhibit at the Botanical Research Center at NTBG headquarters in Kalaheo, Kauai. Open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Bring a friend and discover the beauty when science and art come together to capture plant life!

If you can take ten minutes, give this important interview a listen → Often Overlooked, Declining Plant Biodiversity Sows Trouble For Humans https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/05/09/plant-biodiversity-un-report?fbclid=IwAR1thSg7OONNt0k0SxXx_1dn-OB_HXJRqR8ZoUnjBZyI-mLO7ke_twzEQo4

“In many cases, gardens and nature are more powerful than any medication.” https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/opinion/sunday/oliver-sacks-gardens.html

Mahalo Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono for co-introducing the Extinction Prevention Act. Read about this important bill here: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-introduces-bill-to-protect-endangered-and-threatened-pacific-island-plants

On December 15 in Miami, Florida, NTBG President Charles R. “Chipper” Wichman, Jr. was honored for his “persistent stewardship of our environment” with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Florida International University (FIU). As he presented the degree, FIU President Mark Rosenberg recognized Chipper for his decades of leadership and dedication to tropical plants. Under Chipper’s tenure, NTBG began partnering with FIU in 2011 to address the global threat to tropical plants and educate the next generation of tropical botanists. This partnership led to the creation of the International Center for Tropical Botany (ICTB) at NTBG’s Kampong in Coconut Grove, Florida. FIU’s president commended Chipper for his life-long dedication to the discovery, collection, and preservation of plants in Hawaii and around the world. Following presentation of the Honorary Doctor of Science degree, Chipper delivered the commencement class to FIU’s graduating class.

Happy #IVD2019! This #VolunteerDay we welcomed volunteers to our HQ for an appreciation bruncheon. With lots of good holiday food, fun, and prizes, we played native plant BINGO and a merry time was had by all. Mahalo to ALL our volunteers in Hawaii, Florida and beyond their year-round support. If you’d like to join us, drop us a line at volunteer@ntbg.org and help us #SavePlants. #IVD

NTBG Science and Conservation Staff Presentation at Lihue Public Library — On Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 p.m., join NTBG Conservation Biologist Seana Walsh and Seed Bank Curator and Laboratory Manager Dustin Wolkis for a presentation on floral biology and seed physiology. Their talk, part of the Science at Your Library Series, will introduce the conservation status of the Hawaiian flora and highlight collaborative projects that guide management of rare plants on Kauai.

This Sunday morning don’t miss NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute featured on CBS Sunday Morning (see previous post). CBS must have really like breadfruit because they posted a recipe for ulu fries on their website. Have a look! https://www.cbsnews.com/news/recipe-breadfruit-fries-ulu/

Next Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30pm at Kauai Community College, join Kauai anthropologist and sailor Dr. Mimi George for a special showing of We the Voyagers: Lata’s Children, a documentary film that tells stories of how traditional navigation lives on in the Solomon Islands. Dr. George and Meph Wyeth will lead a post-screening discussion. Watch the trailer here → https://vimeo.com/327639884. Event details here → https://ntbg.org/myevents2/we-voyagers-lata%E2%80%99s-children-film-screening

We think the Limahuli Stream is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. If you’ve never visited, sign up for a tour and see for yourself. NTBG.org/gardens/tours

One of the most beloved native Hawaiian hibiscus is Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus. Look for it in the McBryde Garden on the south shore of Kauai and at Limahuli Garden on the north shore of Kauai. This hibiscus is endemic to Kauai island… Learn more: https://ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/hibiscus-kokio-ssp-saintjohnianus

Fall color: Hawaiian style 🍁🍂→→ The Kauai endemic Hibiscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus (Koki‘o ‘ula‘ula) in the Limahuli Garden. #saveplants

ICYMI: Botanical Garden on Kauai goes green by installing water bottle filling stations via @KITV Channel 4
https://www.kitv.com/story/41004397/botanical-garden-on-kauai-goes-green-by-installing-water-bottle-filling-stations

Lā ‘Ulu (breadfruit day) is coming to Maui this Saturday, Sept. 7. from 10am to 3pm. We’ll see you at Maui Nui Botanical Garden! Learn more at https://ntbg.org/myevents2/l%C4%81-%E2%80%98ulu-breadfruit-day

Mahalo to @thegardenisland for covering exciting news from our Science and Conservation Dept. as we welcome Dr. Nina Rønsted to NTBG! → https://www.thegardenisland.com/2019/08/18/hawaii-news/new-roles-filled-at-ntbg/

Mahalo @midweekhawaii (Kauai) for the fine write-up about our mission, our programs, and our upcoming (this Saturday 8/17!!) big annual event Moonlight and Music 🎶🌝🌴🕺🏽🍹💃🏻 Use the hashtag: #MoonlightMusic. Story at: http://www.midweekkauai.com/kauai-coverstory/moonlight-music-fundraiser-ntbg/

Don’t miss the upcoming episode of award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted in which he visits the breadfruit conservation collection at NTBG’s Kahanu Garden. Check out the Hawaii’s Hana Coast episode on August 11 on the National Geographic channel. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/HL_h8ek-GNw #Uncharted Photo: National Geographic/Michael Muller

Summer reading suggestion: You may have heard of renowned plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, but until you’ve read The Food Explorer, you only know part of the story. This wonderful summer read has a delightful mix of history, science, travel, exploration, with fascinating tales of how our gardens and kitchens came to be as they are today. Whether your’re a botanist, a gardener, a farmer, or just someone who loves to eat and read, you’ll probably have a hard time putting this one down. 🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭 (Five mango rating!) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/books/review/food-explorer-daniel-stone.html

Happy #FourthOfJuly 🌺#RedWhiteAndBlue

This week road access to Kauai’s north shore west of Hanalei resumes after more than a year of repairs. Today we are happy to at last reopen Limahuli Garden to the public. Read about what has changed and what hasn’t here: https://ntbg.org/news/limahuli-garden-preserve-reopening-soon. Online reservations can be made here: https://ntbg.org/gardens/limahuli#tours

Mahalo to everyone who voted for Allerton Garden (#1), Limahuli Garden (#2), and McBryde Garden (#4) in the “Five Best Botanical Gardens on Kauai” category of HAWAII magazine’s 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards. We are honored to have your support! https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blog-series/best-best/5-best-botanical-gardens-kauai

Five days of #NTBGEJ2019 (our 2019 Environmental Journalism Program) has come and gone. Once again this year our diverse mix of visiting science and environmental journalists went into the field, the garden, and the lab to learn directly from scientists and cultural practitioners firsthand about how @NTBG and our partners are discovering, collecting, and saving the rarest of rare plants (and much more). If you are a journalist who covers science and the environment for print, web, broadcast or other new media, consider applying for this program next year. Follow us on social media (FB, Instagram, Twitter)for future announcements.

Hang in there — it’s almost the weekend!! 🦎🌺🦎

Sharing this lovely photo of one of our awesome tour guides (Bob) posted on Instagram by @tamaramapd. Hope to see you on a garden tour soon!

The holidays are a great time to visit our gardens on Kauai, Maui and in Miami! We hope to see you soon, but please note the following changes during this season:

ALLERTON GARDEN AND MCBRYDE GARDEN (South Shore of Kauai)
Dec. 18 Closed for staff appreciation party
Dec. 24 Open
Dec. 25 Last Allerton Garden tour departure is 12 noon. The last McBryde Garden tour departure is 12:30 p.m
Dec. 31 Open
Jan. 1 First Allerton Garden tour departure is from 11 a.m. The first McBryde Garden tour departure is from 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 742-2623 For more information.

LIMAHULI GARDEN (North Shore of Kauai)
Dec. 24 Open
Dec. 25 Closed
Dec. 31 Open
Jan. 1 Closed

KAHANU GARDEN (Hana, Maui)
Dec. 20 Open from 9 am with last admission at 10:30am (Closed early for Kahanu Staff Appreciation Party)
Dec. 24 9am-2pm
Dec. 25 Closed
Dec. 31 9am-2pm
Jan. 1 Closed

THE KAMPONG (Coconut Grove, Florida)
Dec. 24 Closed
Dec. 25 Closed
Dec. 31 Closed
Jan. 1 Closed

The National Tropical Botanical Garden has proudly received BGCI Botanic Garden Accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International. The BGCI Botanic Garden Accreditation assesses and places a high value on the unique skills, knowledge, and data in botanic gardens.

Accreditation by BGCI firmly acknowledges NTBG’s dedication to enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. Representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries around the world, BGCI aims to mobilize botanic gardens and engage partners in securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet.

NTBG is proud to be among the globally leading botanic gardens striving for excellence and for making a positive difference through its programs in Hawaii, Florida, and elsewhere.

https://ntbg.org/news/ntbg-earns-bgci-botanic-garden-accreditation

ICYMI: Great Big Story produced a 3 minute micro-documentary on how Kampong founder David Fairchild introduced quinoa to the United States. This slickly produced piece features comments from Kampong Director Craig Morell. Check it out!!
https://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/the-international-man-of-botany

MUST SEE TV! This Sunday, November 24, watch @cbssundaymorning correspondent @conorknighton as he is immersed in breadfruit culture during a recent visit to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. In this annual holiday episode devoted to food, Conor visits NTBG’s Kahanu Garden in Hana, Maui to see and experience the world’s largest collection of breadfruit with 150 varieties. While in Hana Conor experiences Kahanu Garden’s ‘Ulu (Breadfruit) Cookoff in which contestants enter an array of creative and delicious breadfruit dishes to be judged by a panel of distinguished chefs and breadfruit entrepreneurs. Conor also visits the McBryde Garden on Kauai where he interviews Dr. Diane Ragone, Director of NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute, about breadfruit and the work of institute. Joining Dr. Ragone in McBryde Garden’s Regenerative Organic Breadfruit Agroforest, Conor enjoys a hands-on lesson about different breadfruit varieties.

The four and a half-minute segment will air this Sunday, Nov. 24 at 10am (Eastern)/ 7am (Pacific)/ 5am (Hawaii). Learn more at https://ntbg.org/.

Next Tuesday, November 12 at 5:30pm at Kauai Community College, join Kauai anthropologist and sailor Dr. Mimi George for a special showing of We the Voyagers: Lata’s Children, a documentary film that tells stories of how traditional navigation lives on in the Solomon Islands. Dr. George and Meph Wyeth will lead a post-screening discussion. Watch the trailer here → https://vimeo.com/327639884. Event details here → https://ntbg.org/myevents2/we-voyagers-lata%E2%80%99s-children-film-screening

Earlier this year, Chef Gordon Ramsay visited the Breadfruit Institute’s collection at Kahanu Garden in Maui. He discovered that breadfruit is delicious, versatile, and makes a fantastic side dish. Check out this quick “how to” video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=354053182184627

What is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and why is it important? In each issue of our member’s magazine The Bulletin, we feature a species that has been red listed. Learn more about this when you receive NTBG’s Bulletin, one of the many benefits of NTBG membership. Here’s a sample: https://ntbg.org/news/red-listed-capparis-sandwichiana
Featured plant: Capparis sandwichiana

We’re always eager to tell the story of saving plants and appreciative of all the environmental journalists and science reporters who help share these stories. Look for this short piece in the October 2019 print issue of National Geographic:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/09/going-to-extremes-to-preserve-rare-tropical-plant-species/

Join us as NTBG and KCC present ‘Earth Matters’ public lecture series at Kauai Community College this Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 p.m. with Limahuli Garden and Preserve’s Conservation Operations Manager and Ecologist Dr. Uma Nagendra:

https://www.thegardenisland.com/2019/09/14/hawaii-news/limahuli-flood-recovery-is-talk-topic/?TGI=75b321b762513b3b4713a3989c75c4dd6cf1b618

With the unfortunate discovery of more Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) in two new locations on Kauai, the preventative measures described in this short video are more important than ever. Please watch and share! → Clean boots and gear to help stop the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death. (Find more Kauai-specific ROD updates in the first comment of this post)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0h-fP3CEZY

Today (August 19) is the 55th anniversary of the signing of Congressional legislation by President Lyndon B. Johnson that established the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden, now known as the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Mahalo to all of you for you partnership and support over the first half a century plus. Here’s to the next 55! 💚🥂🌿💚 #SavePlants

Breadfruit is a highly nutritious tropical tree crop that can address global hunger and improve environmental conditions as a tree. Gluten-free and rich in iron, calcium, magnesium and dietary fiber, breadfruit is a complex carbohydrate with more potassium than bananas and is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids and flavonoids. It’s also a very versatile ingredient and tastes great— just ask chef Gordon Ramsay who discovered it for himself when he visited Kahanu Garden for his new series. Learn more here: https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/food/nutrition

Mahalo to Hanalei, Kauai taro farmer Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama for suggesting people experience our gardens! We were mentioned in this nice article in @SouthwestAir magazine https://www.southwestmag.com/lyndsey-haraguchi-nakayama/

Today’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser has a story about a watershed restoration project and broader conservation efforts on the island of Kaho’olawe led by the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC). Since the 1990s, NTBG botanists have collected seeds from Kaho’olawe, stored seeds in our seed bank, and in late 2017/early 2018, returned seeds to KIRC for outplanting. We’re proud to partner with KIRC and others and congratulate them on their successful efforts. Read more here:
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/07/15/hawaii-news/kahoolawe-watershed-rehabilitation-project-is-bearing-fruit/?HSA=9ef04fb560ebbdf7873f6b48ced8ad0f23de3954

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Diane Ragone of NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute for being named the Society of Economic Botany’s next Distinguished Economic Botanist. She will be honored at the SEB 2020 meeting in Jamaica next summer. Read more here! http://www.econbot.org/index.php?module=content&type=user&func=view&pid=13

‪You still have time to reserve a spot on our next Twilight Tour Monday, June 17 on Kauai’s south shore. Check-in: 5:30 pm for 6pm departure of this 2.5-3 hour tour. Experience the garden as night falls. More info: https://ntbg.org/myevents2/twilight-tour-0 ‬
‪#Poipu #Koloa #Hawaii ‬

In our line of work, everyday is #BiodiversityDay. Thank you for your support in helping us #SavePlants 🌿 #biodiversity

NTBG’s Florilegium Society presents Something old, Something new – an exhibition of botanical art at NTBG’s Botanical Research Center in Kalaheo, Kauai from May 7, 2019, open for public viewing Tue-Wed-Thur from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through June 13, 2019. More details about these incredible works here: https://ntbg.org/myevents2/something-old-something-new

Begin the 2020s with a 5-day Botanical Illustration workshop in Miami, Florida at The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Join illustrator and instructor Sarah Roche as you start with field sketches on the grounds of the historic Kampong grounds and explore botanical forms with live specimens in flower and fruit. All abilities welcome. Monday, Jan. 20. through Friday, Jan. 24. (9a-4p). NTBG members $540, non-members $640. For more details and registration, call The Kampong at (305) 442-7169, Ext 100.

If you’d like to sign up for our next botanical illustration workshop on Kauai in Feb-March, see details here!

On this #GivingTuesday, we ask for your support and partnership. Like us, you may also recognize that plants are the answer to many of the global challenges we face. Plants keep our water clean, provide food, shelter, medicine, and perform vital ecological functions worldwide. They provide the foundation of healthy ecosystems and natural solutions to climate change.
Unfortunately, plants are disappearing faster than ever. Scientists estimate that we are losing species 1,000 times faster than the natural rate with 68% of known plant species worldwide currently at-risk of extinction. With you as our partner, we can make a difference. Click here to help now → https://ntbg.org/support/donate

Today (November 26, 2019) at the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Botanical Research Center on Kauaʻi, a bronze bust sculpture of NTBG President Chipper Wichman was unveiled in a ceremony attended by NTBG Trustees, Fellows, staff, volunteers, supporters, and friends. The bust was commissioned and donated by NTBG Trustee Emeritus Thomas S. Kenan III and created by sculptor J. Brett Grill of JBG Sculpture of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Kenan, an NTBG supporter for four decades, commissioned the bust to honor a lifetime of commitment, dedication, and accomplishments of Chipper Wichman and his wife and Executive Assistant Hauʻoli Wichman.

Chipper’s NTBG career began with an internship in 1976 at the urging of his grandmother Juliet Rice Wichman. Under the leadership of Chipper Wichman, the National Tropical Botanical Garden has grown to become a network of five botanical gardens and five preserves in Hawaiʻi and Florida with programs that fulfill the Garden’s mission of enriching life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. NTBG has come to be recognized around the world as a leader in rare plant discovery, conservation, research, and education.

Now *that’s* a commitment to #saveplants: NTBG Conservation Biologist Seana Walsh (R) and research partner Susan Dean cross-pollinating Kauai endemic Brighamia insignis in the conservation collections at @chicagobotanic. They’re wearing winter coats because it was 15℉ outside! 🥶🌿🥶🌿🥶🌿 #Chicago #Hawaii #plantlove

Great article on how NTBG is collaborating with others to save rare plants from extinction. This was written by a reporter who joined our 2019 Environmental Journalism Program. Have a look: Could a Gene Bank Save Endangered Plants From Extinction?
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/plant-studbook-endangered-plants-extinction

When you support NTBG as a member, you are not only helping us conduct critical science, conservation, and education programs, you are helping advance the groundbreaking work of the Breadfruit Institute. Become a member and you will receive our member’s magazine in the mail. Here’s a sample of the kind of articles you can enjoy as a member: https://ntbg.org/news/eye-plants-breadfruit-artocarpus-altilis

We will be offering our next botanical illustration intensive workshop on Kauai (at NTBG HQ) December 9-19. Learn more here: https://drawbotanical.com/product/botanical-illustration-intensive-workshop-hawaii-december-2019/

It’s not too late! You can still sign up for our Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop at NTBG headquarters on Kauai in December!
Dates: December 9 – 19, 2019 (Week 1 Dec 9-12; Week 2 Dec 16-19)in Kalaheo, Kauai, HI. Study the fundamentals of botanical drawing using graphite and colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and watercolors. Improve your skill as an artist under the surpervision of botanical illustrator Veronica Fannin. Learn more at: https://drawbotanical.com/community-event/botanical-illustration-intensive-in-hawaii/

‪Tonight (9/9/19) at Kauai Community College in Lihue: planning for Climate Resilience – a panel discussion. All welcome to attend: https://ntbg.org/myevents2/public-eventpanel-discussion-planning-climate-resilience‬ ↓↓↓

Please keep our Kampong ‘ohana (family, colleagues) in your thoughts as Hurricane Dorian approaches south Florida where The Kampong is located. Our staff in Coconut Grove says: “Please excuse our delays while our staff at The Kampong is preparing for Hurricane #Dorian. We will keep you posted with updates of any closures.” More current postings maybe found at @thekampong. #saveplants #staysafe

‪We can’t walk past this native Hawaiian Hibscus kokio subsp. saintjohnianus and *not* stop to snap a picture… it’s just so beautiful. ‬#saveplants

When award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay visited the breadfruit conservation collection at Kahanu Garden in Hana, Maui, he discovered the joy of cooking with breadfruit. NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute has dozens of great recipes to try on the BFI website: https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/food/recipes

Sharing a middle-of-the-week close-up of a just-watered alula (Brighamia insignis) in our South Shore nursery. One of our favorite plants!

Mahalo to this year’s science teachers and to instructor and dedicated KCC botany educator Brian Yamamoto and our partners @kauaicommunitycollege for another successful STEP (Science Teachers Enrichment Program)! (Because #sciencematters) #saveplants 🌱

You may know that we have four gardens in Hawaii (one on Maui, three on Kauai), but do you know about our garden in Miami? It’s called The Kampong and it’s pretty spectacular. We hope you will join us soon! 🌿 https://ntbg.org/gardens/kampong

One of the many Critically Endangered plants we are growing is Kadua st.-johnii (Kamapua’a) in the Rubiaceae or coffee family. Endemic to Kauai, today there may be fewer than 20 plants in the wild, but working in partnership with the Plant Extinction Prevention (PEP) Program, we have collected seeds and are growing plants on our property. You can read more about our efforts to save rare plants (and how you can help) in our member’s magazine, The Bulletin. Join us today and we’ll send you the latest issue: https://ntbg.org/support/membership

The iliau (Wilkesia gymnoxiphium) is an Endangered member of the daisy family that is endemic to the island of Kauai AND it is in bloom right now! Fantastic! #Saveplants

When your mission includes the discovery, collection, study, and conservation of rare and endangered plants, everyday is #EndangeredSpeciesDay.

Water is life. For all of us and the plant life we protect. Please help us secure water resources in the gardens, preserves and research centers for the plants we protect. Donate today. https://ntbg.org/support/donate

It’s not too late to show your support for plant conservation and claim your charitable gift on your 2019 tax return. As a supporter of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you know plants are the answer to many of the global challenges we are facing. From food insecurity to climate change, plants are the foundation we need to build and maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems worldwide.
Unfortunately, plants are disappearing at an alarming rate. Our success and the future of the threatened and endangered species we protect depends on you. Help us protect plants and fund critical conservation and research. Pledge your support and make your year-end donation now. Click here https://ntbg.org/support/donate to help us #saveplants🌿 Mahalo!

This week we are pleased to welcome back botanical illustrator and instructor @vernoceros who is leading a December botanical illustration workshop at our HQ on Kauai. The next workshop will be offered on Kauai in February and March. Visit ntbg.org/education/adult for more info. 🌿🖋#botanicalillustration

NTBG Science and Conservation Staff Presentation at Lihue Public LibraryOn Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 p.m., join NTBG Conservation Biologist Seana Walsh and Seed Bank Curator and Laboratory Manager Dustin Wolkis for a presentation on floral biology and seed physiology. Their talk, part of the Science at Your Library Series, will introduce the conservation status of the Hawaiian flora and highlight collaborative projects that guide management of rare plants on Kauai.

Look for beauty all around you. #saveplants #plantlove

We’ve launched a new tour! Join us for the Wailele (Waterfall) Tour!
Explore a hidden section of the McBryde Garden during the NEW Wailele (Waterfall) Tour at NTBG. See one of the most beautiful and private sections of the Lawaʻi Valley, where you will be able to enjoy the tropical forest surrounding the Waihulili Waterfall. Learn about the history of the valley from royalty to plantation to its current status as a home of exotic and endangered plants. Afterwards, experience the Canoe Garden where you will discover which botanical treasures the ancient Polynesian voyagers brought with them from across the sea to settle Hawaii. Sit under a hale (traditional Hawaiian structure) and view our 8′ star compass while the sounds of the stream bring you back in time, to the valley before modern times. https://ntbg.org/gardens/tours?field_garden_taxonomy_tid=6

ICYMI: @greatbigstory told the story of our longtime partner Kumu (teacher) Sabra Kauka who grows cares for important cultural sites and perpetuates the Hawaiian culture through education and malama aina (caring for the land). Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5nCKvz83No

This week, NTBG’s fall interns begin their journey to Kahanu Garden. For the next two weeks they will be exposed to plant conservation, cultural site management, regenerative farming practices, community myevents2, and the world’s largest collection of breadfruit!

Here’s an important article about how we need to do much more to protect endangered plants. You may recognize the cover image — Brighamia insignis (alula), a Kauai endemic cliff-dwelling plant NTBG has spent many years collecting, protecting, studying, and making sure it is not completely lost to extinction. https://www.science101.com/us-neglecting-endangered-plants/

Working quietly, getting the job done. Mahalo volunteers, mahalo interns. 🌿 #SavePlants

ICYMI: Here’s a recent TV spot on the importance of the #EndangeredSpeciesAct and how threatened and endangered plants and animals are being lost at an unprecedented rate https://youtube.com/watch?v=uMyGosv6f40 #saveplants

Now that you know a bit about breadfruit, how can you get involved? The Breadfruit Institute’s website is filled with facts, photos, and useful information. Just click here: https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/. If you are a in a place where you can grow breadfruit, be sure to check out our recently published Breadfruit Agroforestry Guide in print (available online) or download this free PDF version: https://ntbg.org/sites/default/files/breadfruit_agroforestry_guide_web_edition.pdf. If you can’t grow breadfruit or find any to eat, you can still play a positive role in helping us help others. Support the global work of the Breadfruit Institute today at: https://ntbg.org/breadfruit/donate. Mahalo!

The National Tropical Botanical Garden is pleased to announce Dr. Nina Rønsted as NTBG’s new Director of Science and Conservation. Read the full press release here: https://ntbg.org/news/national-tropical-botanical-garden-names-new-director-science-and-conservation

Join Botanical artist Veronica Fannin for a botanical illustration workshop here at NTBG headquarters on Kauai Dec 9-19, 2019. Register at drawbotanical.com/myevents2

We sent our science teachers on a botanical treasure hunt on our Kauai headquarters campus before sitting down at the microscopes. It’s Week #2 of our STEP (Science Teachers Enrichment Program). Interested science educators can learn more at: ntbg.org/education ✏️🌿

If you haven’t yet seen Saving ‘Ōhi‘a: Hawai‘i’s Sacred Tree (or even if you have), we encourage you to watch this his 30-minute documentary about Rapid Ohia Death and what can be done to prevent its spread. Watch it here: https://savingohia.com/full-documentary/ h/t #KISC #RapidOhiaDeath https://savingohia.com/full-documentary/Saving

Did you know our member’s magazine The Bulletin of the National Tropical Botanical Garden was first published almost half a century ago? The first issue came out in January 1971. If you become a Garden member today, we’ll send you the latest copy and you can look forward to subsequent issues being mailed directly to you. The Bulletin features exciting stories, news, and photos of our work — from rare plant discovery and conservation, to growing and preserving heritage plants, conducting groundbreaking scientific research, and advancing understanding and appreciation of plant life around the world. #TBT #throwbackthursday #saveplants 🌿 #Hawaii #Florida #Maui #Kauai

Following NTBG’s recent rediscovery of Hibiscadelphus woodii, there has been a lot of interest in how we are using drones in rare plant discovery and conservation. Here’s a good, in depth interview with NTBG’s GIS Specialist and drone operator Ben Nyberg. Check it out!
https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/hunting-for-rare-plants-in-inaccessible-spots-qa-with-drone-pilot-ben-nyberg/

Botanical Gardens are community resources, catalysts for change and resilience, and safe-havens for at-risk plants and endangered species. As a nonprofit organization and network of botanical gardens, preserves and research centers, we are thrilled to celebrate National Public Gardens Week week from May 13-19 with public gardens across the country. Text MYGARDEN52 to 71777 this week to support plant conservation, research, education and public programming at all NTBG locations in Hawaii and Florida.
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/MYGARDEN/team/NationalTropicalBotGarden?fbclid=IwAR0hf36e5d2thScHSFMu6XD2VKBLbE0-5Z_KLZLSlRBVMygkD1O-2Hmalis

The recently published UN Report on nature’s unprecedented decline and accelerating species extinction rate is extremely sobering. The report (read a summary and key findings here: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/) is of great concern, but it also bolsters our determination to do all we can to continue our work in all its forms. From plant discovery, conservation, and research, to education, restoration, and outreach, our mission has never been more urgent. As an NTBG member or supporter, you play a vital role in helping us continue saving plants, saving people. Thank you.