National Tropical Botanical Garden Seeks To Grow Membership With Launch Of Our Garden. Our World.

New Membership Campaign Targets Community Members Interested in Preserving the Cultural and Botanical Heritage of Hawai'i and the Pacific.

HAWAI'I - Botanical gardens naturally evoke images of plants of extraordinary beauty and value. But, did you know that Hawai'i is home to a botanical garden that also plays a pivotal role in the preservation of cultural practices and the natural environment? Working to preserve our nation's most endangered species, and the cultural and botanical heritage of the Pacific and its indigenous people, the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) has launched a new membership campaign-Our Garden. Our World.-offering community members the opportunity to make a difference by becoming a member of the network of gardens and preserves throughout Hawai'i and in Florida.

The new campaign reflects the core values of NTBG and supports its mission, which is to enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. As the only tropical botanical garden with a charter from the United States Congress, NTBG is comprised of over 1,800 acres of gardens and preserves, including McBryde Garden, Allerton Garden, and Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the island of Kaua'i; Kahanu Garden on Maui; The Kampong in Florida; and two preserves on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

Each garden has its own unique combination of ecosystems and living collections, providing visitors a close-up look at some of the world's finest assemblages of tropical plants. In addition, NTBG is involved on a daily basis in the preservation and conservation of at-risk tropical plant species through numerous research, conservation and restoration initiatives. The Garden also plays an active role in educating the public about tropical plants and their importance to indigenous societies.

Hawai'i residents and visitors can make a tangible difference to preserve tropical plants and cultural knowledge before they are lost forever by becoming an annual member of NTBG. Members' dues help support such vital activities as the rescue of threatened plant species, care of the plants in NTBG's gardens and preserves, study of tropical species and raising awareness. Memberships range from $50 to $1,000 and include unlimited admission for garden tours, 10 percent discount at the Garden Shops, members' publications and invitations to NTBG lectures and events. Supporting Member ($500) and Silver Fellow ($1,000) membership levels offer additional benefits such as special edition Our Garden. Our World. gardening gloves or an Our Garden. Our World. t-shirt.

To become a member, please call (808) 332-7324 x246 or visit OurGardenOurWorld.com.

Media Contact
Caroline Witherspoon or Danielle Douglass
Becker Communications, Inc. (808) 533-4165