NTBG's projects of scientific exploration and study exemplify the commitment to every aspect of our mission.

Discovery

The National Tropical Botanical Garden's core focus has been on the discovery of rare endemic species in addition to the collection of seeds and other plant materials for propagation and ex situ (the conservation and protection of plants outside of their native habitats) conservation. Collecting expeditions over rough terrain and high cliffs have brought our field botanists far and wide throughout Hawai'i and other Pacific islands to hand-pollinate endangered species and gather seeds of rare species, some of which are now extinct in the wild, for use in reintroduction efforts. These efforts extend beyond in situ (the conservation and protection of plants within their native habitats) habitat management to incorporate a coordinated strategy that integrates conservation with education, scientific research, curation of living collections, and propagation of at-risk plants ex situ. NTBG botanists have successfully rediscovered nearly two dozen species in Hawai'i that were originally thought to be extinct, and have discovered approximately 20 new species previously unknown to science. Central to conservation efforts, the discovery of unknown species is crucial.

Scientific Research

NTBG's Living Collections and Horticulture Program develops horticultural practices to care for the collections, propagate at-risk plant species, and ensure that the living collections in the gardens are properly interpreted and cared for. All plants introduced to the collection are recorded, documenting the origin of plant material and its status in the collections. Numerous and diverse, the categories of collections in NTBG's gardens require an incredible range of expertise, and at times require developing new protocol for a species that has never before been cultivated. Our research resources include state-of-the-art nursery facilities in McBryde Garden and satellite greenhouses in the other gardens; a micropropagation laboratory where in vitro trials are being conducted; and a seed bank, which serves as a repository for genetic resources. Through this essential research, we are able to utilize the most optimum techniques and methods to increase each plant's likelihood for survival.

Conservation

Serving a vital role in the protection and preservation of Hawaii's and the Pacific's cultural and botanical heritage, the NTBG offers a wide range of institutes and programs to protect and preserve tropical ecosystems and cultural knowledge for future generations. The Conservation Program at NTBG is focused on protecting and preserving tropical plants. Each of our gardens and preserves contain important and threatened natural resources. Our conservation and restoration programs allow us to focus on supporting plant preservation strategies including projects to control alien species, watershed management, ecological monitoring, conservation education and the preservation and protection of ethnobotanical and endemic plants. One of NTBG's longest on-going conservation efforts is represented by our breadfruit collection at the Kahanu Garden on Maui. It is home to over 120 varieties of breadfruit and is the most extensive collection in the world. Managed by NTBG's Breadfruit Institute, research and disbursement programs are currently being conducted throughout the tropics in the hopes that breadfruit can be developed as a sustainable source of nutrition and reforestation.

Education

More than a botanical garden, NTBG's gardens are living classrooms for students of all ages and backgrounds. Our educational programs are multifaceted and multileveled, reaching out to local, national and international audiences. Local programs such as Garden As Classroom, Science Teachers' Enrichment Program, School Program - Kahanu Garden, Junior Restoration Team and the Apprentice Program provide many students with their first introduction to understanding the importance of preserving rare and endangered plants. NTBG has also developed a variety of courses covering horticulture, botany, ethnobotany, conservation biology and restoration ecology specifically for graduate and undergraduate students all over the world. Other programs introduce physicians to the medicinal properties of plants or help to educate journalists on the deep background of the environment about which they write. National and international programs include Horticultural Internship Program, Tropical Ethnobotany Course, Science Teachers' Enrichment Program, College Biology Professors' Fellowship, Environmental Journalism Fellowship and a Physicians' Course.

Membership Information

For membership information or to become a member call (808) 332-7324 x246 or contact us.