National Tropical Botanical Garden Awarded $125,000 Grant From Mcinerny Foundation For Botanical Research Center

HONOLULU (Nov. 20, 2007) - The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is closer to its fundraising goal to complete the construction of its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Botanical Research Center (BRC), thanks to a $125,000 grant from the McInerny Foundation, Bank of Hawaii, Trustee. The total construction cost for the new research center is $14 million; the latest grant brings the capital campaign total thus far to over $11 million.

“The cost to meet LEED specifications and our standards is not insignificant and requires a partnership of both private and government supporters if we are to be successful,” said Charles R. “Chipper” Wichman, director and chief executive officer of NTBG. “We are so appreciative of the McInerny Foundation for gifting us this generous grant. We now need $2.6 million to complete funding of the construction costs for this incredible building that will bring two of our major resources together under one roof.”

The BRC will be Kauai’s first LEED-certified building and one of the few in the state. Architect Dean Sakamoto designed the 20,000 square-foot two-story structure that will house NTBG’s collective research, rare book libraries, herbarium collections, laboratories and offices, a dirty room for processing and drying new plant specimens and work room for staff, students and visiting researchers. The BRC will foster unprecedented opportunities for botanical research, education, career development and conservation efforts. The building is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and is equipped with backup systems for emergencies.

NTBG is dedicated to saving tropical plants through conservation, scientific research, and education. Its network of gardens and preserves include McBryde Garden, Allerton Garden, and Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the island of Kaua‘i; Kahanu Garden on Maui; The The Kampong in Florida; and two preserves on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. With nearly 1,800 acres encompassing various tropical ecosystems, extensive living collections of endangered or at-risk species, and precious cultural and historical features, NTBG plays an important role in the complex web of life. For more information or to become a member of NTBG, please call (808) 332-7324 x246 or visit http://ourgardenourworld.com/join_today/

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