National Tropical Botanical Garden’s annual Moonlight & Music fundraiser benefitting plant conservation rocked the South Shore for the tenth year on Saturday, August 5, 2017. With more than 350 guests in attendance and a special commendation from Governor David Ige, this year’s event was one for the record books.

“Moonlight & Music is our annual opportunity to celebrate plant conservation, research, education and the NTBG supporters that make it all possible,” said Chipper Wichman, NTBG President, CEO and Director. “Thanks to our supporters, NTBG has lead conservation efforts in the state of Hawai’i and tropical regions around the world for more than 50 years. To be recognized by the State and presented with the Governor’s Commendation at this year’s event was a tremendous honor,” Wichman continued.

Governor David Ige addressed attendees at the event and commended NTBG for its commitment to protecting biodiversity and helping Hawai’i lead the way to a clean energy and sustainable future. “It wasn’t until I met Chipper personally that I connected the notion of cultural and historical preservation with conservation,” said Ige. “We can do both. We can be sustainable and protect our invaluable cultural resources and biodiversity. It’s time for Hawai`i to lead the world in this effort and show that we are all one planet.” he continued.

Guests at the event dined on fine food catered by Chef JP Filion of Stone House Catering and danced the night away to the groovy tunes of Kaua’i’s favorite rock band, The Quake. In addition to a traditional silent auction, several live auction items drew oohs and ahs from the crowd including two-round trip Alaska Airline tickets.

For those unable to attend this year’s Moonlight & Music event with an interest in supporting plant conservation and research, the public is invited to volunteer, visit NTBG gardens on Kaua’i, Maui and in Miami, FL, or join NTBG family as a member or fellow. 

ABOUT NTBG

National Tropical Botanical Garden (www.ntbg.org) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental institution with nearly 2,000 acres of gardens and preserves in Hawai‘i and Florida. The institution’s mission is to enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. NTBG is supported primarily through donations and grants. Media contacts: Jon Letman, (808) 332-7324 x 219, Tessa McSwain, (808) 332-7324 x 216

“Visits to the seed bank at the National Tropical Botanical Garden begin with removing your shoes. The seed bank, on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, is housed alongside NTBG’s collection of 80,000 dried plant specimens and rare botany books in a building that can withstand Category 5 hurricanes. It does have a vulnerability, though: pests. Funguses or bugs — like booklice — hiding in a visitor’s soles could threaten the collections. For the same reason, anything that’s brought into the building — office supplies, furniture, books — is frozen for two weeks.”

Read the complete story by NTBG Environmental Journalism Program alumna, Alessandra Potenza, published on The Verge.

Photos: Alessandra Potenza/The Verge

Join us and explore the world! NTBG offers its Circle of Fellows the opportunity to travel to public and private gardens, and botanical hotspots around the globe through the Fellows Travel Program. For more than thirty years, the NTBG Fellows Travel Program has offered specialized, small group travel arranged just for us and hosted by NTBG staff. Experience some of the world’s most amazing plants, places and landscapes with NTBG!

Fall 2017: Patagonia

Explore some of the most beautiful sites in the world as you traverse the famous Lake Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas, and cruise through the Straight of Magellan in luxurious style. Have the opportunity to explore some of the best of Buenos Aires and Patagonia and let the magic take hold of you throughout this 12 day expedition with wonderful accommodations and excellent guides. You will not want to miss this specially arranged tour! 

Dates: October 30 – November 10, 2017