5. Mission Statement of the Marie Selby
Botanical Gardens
July, 2012
“To provide an oasis of inspiration and
tranquility, while furthering the understanding
and appreciation of plants, especially
epiphytes.”
56. Thank you Volunteers, Donors & Staff!!
• Dr. Abe Epstein • Hannah Shullah • LouAnn Roy DONORS
• Alice de Vierno • Harry Luther • Marie Bonnet • Sears
• Alicia Murchie • Heather Hill • Marilyn Gulliford • Sherwin Williams
• Angel Lara • Dr. Ines Hurtado • Marjorie Pflaum • Tropiflora
• Betsy Marks • James Walsh • Melissa Bocayuva • Walmart
• BiBiche Knauf • Jane Noel • Monica Bolson
• Bruce Holst • Jean Smolens • Pattie Clendenin • COLLABORATORS
• Carol Johnston • Jo Davis • Renee Smith • Everglades
• Charles Sho • John Beckner • Richard Cardozo National Park
• Claudia Salgado • Josh Wood • Dr. Richard • Institute for
• David Lugar • Joshua Holland Manegold Regional
• David Troxell • Karen LaBonte • Rob Foster Conservation
• Dennis Pavlock • Karen Schunk • Rosalind Rowe
• Donna Krabill • Karen Stewart • Scott Stewart
• Elaine Foster • Laurie Birch • Sue Scully
• Elisabet Smith • Laurie Stoner • Susan Murphy
• Leah Holst • Tom Zahorik
• Lindsay Boehner • Wade Collier
• Lou Colombo • Dr. Wesley Higgins
62. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Miller Creek winds through saw grass marshes near its confluence with
Crystal River. Together these spring-fed waters flow into the Gulf of
Mexico.
63. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Large cypress trees stand along the edge of Lake Russell at the Nature Conservancy's
Disney Wilderness Preserve near the suburban sprawl of Kissimmee. One of the last
undeveloped lakes in central Florida, Lake Russell is part of the headwaters to the
Everglades and is near the site of a new National Wildlife Refuge.
64. Exploring the Florida
Wildlife Corridor
A White Egret preens its breeding
plumage in Shark Valley, Everglades
National Park. The Shark River Slough
is the primary source of water into the
Everglades. Its flow is being restored
by new bridges along the Tamiami
Trail, helping to reconnect the
watershed.
65. Exploring the Florida
Wildlife Corridor
A White Egret preens its breeding
plumage in Shark Valley, Everglades
National Park. The Shark River Slough
is the primary source of water into the
Everglades. Its flow is being restored
by new bridges along the Tamiami
Trail, helping to reconnect the
watershed.
66. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
A bobcat stalks through the ancient scrub of the Red Hill at Archbold Biological
Station. Wildlife species, like bobcats, bears and panthers, need connected
natural habitat where they can move freely in search of food and mates.
67. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
A diverse assemblage of trees forms the rich wildlife habitat of Highlands
Hammock State Park along the Lake Wales Ridge near Avon Park and the
Kissimmee River Valley to the east.
68. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
A water lily spreads its pedals above the surface of Chase Prairie in the
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia. The Okefenokee is
one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern US and connects to Florida's
Osceola National Forest and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
69. Exploring the Florida Wildlife Corridor
A water lily spreads its pedals above the surface of Chase Prairie in the
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia. The Okefenokee is
one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern US and connects to Florida's
Osceola National Forest and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Editor's Notes
Good Morning Members!
This wonderful seaside community has not always * been so fortunate to have a world class botanical garden available for its education and enjoyment.
While Marie Selby may have sown the idea and given the original gift that would grow into the renowned Selby Gardens, you are the people that make Selby Gardens a reality. It is your persistent, daily efforts that make Selby Gardens even possible, and we are truly grateful for your continued support
I’d like to share with you this morning the stories of two Gardens Members and how they contribute to the mission of Selby Gardens
Dr. Richard Cardozo has been faithfully volunteering in the greenhouses for the past 12 yearsFollow along with me the intriguing sequence of events that brought a cardiac surgeon from New Hampshire to Selby Gardens
It began with sultry love affair with orchids
While driving down a country road one day, Richard was lured in by a nursery with a crude ‘Houseplants for Sale’ sign out front
He found that they sold mostly orchids, and thought that he couldn’t possibly grow orchids in his chilly * passive solar envelope home. The proprietor taught him that he was mistaken, and a friendship was forged
Richard went home that day with a Cymbidium, and an unwitting yet potent inoculation of orchid fever, and today his collection has grown to over 150 specimens As his passion for orchids grew, he became involved with Twin State Orchid Society of VT & NH
As society chair he was responsible for lining up speakers for monthly meetings, and came to know Dr. Wes Higgins and John Atwood from the Selby Gardens Orchid Identification CenterDr. Higgins encouraged Richard to visit Selby Gardens, an invitation he took Wes up on in the late 1990’s.
Cold NH winters were taking to take their toll on Richard and his orchids, and in the year 2000 at the spry age of 80 Richard decided to do something he vowed he would never do: he moved to Florida.
Richard immediately began volunteering twice a week in the greenhouses and has now become a integral member of the Horticulture Team. His first duty was helping Collections Grower Diana Folsom care for our priceless orchid collection, * then he also began helping Display House Manager Jennie Ness in the Conservatory.
Richard’s orchid skills were quickly put to use in creating winning orchid displays at competitive orchid shows around the State, including the 2008 World Orchid Conference * where we proudly won the Best in Show trophy for an educational display. Richard helped to tenderly pack the orchid specimens before shows, he filled out the judging sheets for each specimen, and helped set up and break down the displays.
Today Richard works with Greenhouse Manager Angel Lara weekly to repot our orchid collection, groom the Conservatory, * and maintain records on when our specimens are on display in order to establish a track record of bloom periods.
Richard generously shares over 300 hours of his time every year, and to date has given over 3000 hours to the Gardens. He supports Selby Gardens because he believes it is a unique and important institution.Every week we appreciate Richard’s dedication, expertise, and friendship
Another extraordinary and well known member of Selby Gardens is the ever versatile Barbara HansenWhat I find particularly impressive about Barbara’s dedication to Selby Gardens is the wide variety of ways in which she contributes to our mission.
Barbara has gardened her whole life, and she loves beautiful plants and all aspects of horticultureThis deep-seated passion has given her a particular fondness for garden clubs and botanical gardens
She helped in the fundraising campaign to get the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens started in Vail, CO , **** and was also active on the Women’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society as they created the Chicago Botanic Garden which opened in 1972.
When Barbara and her husband Julian decided to find a maritime winter home as a respite from Illinois winters in 1979, one of the reasons they chose Sarasota, FL is because the town boasted a brand new botanical garden specializing in exotic epiphytes, and she became a member in 1982.
In 2001 board member Louise Henderson invited Barbara to join the Board of Trustees of Selby Gardens, and she gladly accepted the postShe served on the Board for 6 years, 3 of them as its Chair
These were years of transition for Selby Gardens, and Barbara took a firm leadership role in steering us through. She was uniquely prepared to deal with these challenging circumstances, drawing upon her 12 years of diverse experience as the mayor of Barrington, IL
During her tenure on the Board she rallied Board-members to purchase 5 golf carts for Gardens use * and inspired and led the implementation of the Perimeter Gardens, our proud “shop window” on US-41 and Orange Avenue.
After her service on the Board, Barbara began volunteering in the Botany Department mounting herbarium specimens, where she organized an afternoon group of mounters who named themselves the ‘Prime Specimens’ --- -She also volunteers her time with the Selby Gardens Associates
Impressive you might say, but Barbara’s not done yet! She is also very active in soliciting donations for the Gardens. A few of her contributions in this regard include: -Donating funds for and inspiring the recent new planting of summer Caladiums
Funding and hosting me on an inspiring trip to visit the * Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory, Lurie Garden of Millennium Park, and several private Illinois estates
She encouraged her friends Kay & Ted Golitz to donate funds for the purchase of pottery for the Succulent Garden * and to hire an arborist to prune back overgrown Ficus trees shading the succulent plants beneath them
Barbara has also worked with the Founders Garden Club to donate funds to build the Tillandsia Greenhouse, * contribute to the renovation of the Tropical Fruit Garden, and to generously support the fundraising campaign for the Children’s Rainforest Garden
Barbara invests all of this effort and more into Selby Gardens because she enjoys working with our staff, truly admires our work, and simply loves the Gardens.
As a staff member at Selby Gardens, every day I am deeply indebted and inspired by the heartfelt efforts and generous contributions from our many, many dedicated members.Thank you so much for all that you do, and keep up the good work.
I am pleased to share an important story in the history of Selby Gardens, what we have been calling the Everglades Rare Plant Project. It is one of the best collaborative projects between the botany and horticulture departments that I have seen during my years here.
It all began back in 2004 when we made our first trip to the Park to evaluate endangered plants and their growing conditions. Participating were representatives from Everglades National Park, the Institute for Regional Conservation, and Selby Gardens. As many of you know, Harry Luther on the left, recently passed away, and John Beckner to his right, also passed just a few years ago. They were key people in getting this project started and their presence and botanical wisdom are sorely missed, both at Selby Gardens, and around the world.
Next we assembled a team of biologists and conservations to evaluate…
ponder
and consider whichof the two dozen endangered species in the park fit our mission and capabilities at Selby, and then develop a strategy to collect seed and spore for propagation. We picked six species to cultivate, but in the end decided that three would be the best candidates for augmentation, and which were known to have greater historic distribution range than at present. As many of you know, the greater Everglades ecosystem has been impacted by significant changes in waterflow largely due to diversion for agricultural and urban use, as well as Hwy. 41 that blocks the flow of water south.
The first, the holly vine fern was known from a single mature individual in the park, and only a few more existed in the entire country. For unknown reasons, the adult plant died before we became involved.
But some careful sleuthing by park botanists doing a lot of this revealed several young plants they thought might be the holly vine fern <><><><>. We were able to confirm their findings since Selby member Pattie Clendenin grew the plant from spores collected from other locations, and we could observe the changing shapes of the young plants.
Another rare species, the fragrant maidenhair, is known in the park from only two plants, just feet apart from each other.
And finally, the mule-ear orchid, one of the most beautiful species in Florida was known from only about 500 plants in the United States
Then, with seed and spore in hand, we searched among our member base and assembled an army of volunteers to do the real work both in the lab and in the greenhouses. I am so thankful for their help and dedication throughout the years.
And while they worked, I continued my exhaustive search for more rare plants. Isn’t it fun when the rental car company only has convertibles available?
Most of the plants were started in the lab, growing in trays or flasks. Once they were big enough, they were handed over to the horticulture department to grow up to size. <>After this effort that spanned five years, we finally felt that
our babies were ready to become productive members of society, and were returned to the park. The ferns to holes in the limestone <> and the orchids to the trees
We learned a few things along the way. A novel technique of establishing epiphytic orchids by mixing seed in banana paste <> and smearing it on tree trunks sounded like a good idea, <> but unfortunately the racoons thought so too.
We learned that before we could collect seed from existing mule-ear orchid plants we had to contend with a fly, perhaps rarer than the orchid which was devastating the flower stalks,
so we designed and built exclusion cages to protect the flowers of a few plants during development so that we could harvest the capsules nine months later
The mosquitoes are a force to reckon with
and the best place to avoid them is as high off the ground as possible <>
We learned that it is not easy to get around in some places
That the mule-ear orchid predominantly is found surrounded by manchineel, which has sap many times more blistering than poison ivy
We learned to watch where you’re going
We learned that rare plants grow extremely slow. This 2” tall holly vine fern is 5 years old.
And we learned that with a lot of help and perserverence
We can have some success and make a difference. The fragrant maidenhair is not faring so well, but the holly vine fern, though only out for three months, is looking good, <> and nearly half of the mule-ear orchids have survived 15 months out, are rooting, and sending out new leaves.
Some more good news for the long term prospects of the Everglades is the construction on Route 41 to elevate the roadway and allow water to flow underneath. Much more needs to be done, but that is real progress.
members for support, volunteers for their time, and staff for their dedication
A healthy ecosystem with its full complement of species is not only important to our survival on Earth, but also to a higher quality of lifeWe hope you are proud that your botanical garden is providing the baseline data through programs of inventory, classification, and conservation, that is key to that health.
As Mike & Bruce have pointed out, so much of what happens here is b/c of the hard work of volunteers. For the education department, the majority of our program participants (patrons who take classes, attend lectures and visit our exhibits) are members like you - many of whom become volunteers. So, thanks to all of our members and volunteers for your continued support of the Gardens. It is with you in mind that we create programs such as the one I’m going to share with you today…. By a show of hands, how many NPR listeners do we have in the room? Perhaps you tuned into the weekly coverage of the FL Wildlife Corridor Expedition like I did. Upon hearing this exciting adventureunfold last winter, I contacted the photographer and he agreed to put together an exhibit of his photos from the expedition to help tell the story in yet another format and to share it with Selby supporters. I think you’ll agree that it strikes a chord with Selby members.
Bruce spoke about Selby’s plant conservation efforts in the Everglades. Selby’s interest in the corridor is from the perspective of native plant and land conservation. Hosting the premiere exhibit of expedition images was a way for us to join forces with another great conservation effort and to draw awareness to Selby’s ongoing statewidework.Bruce was looking for an excuse to revisit his plants and Carlton was looking for an excuse to revisit and photograph sections of the expedition route. WUSF’s Steve Newborn, the expedition reporter, was interested in continued coverage of the story and as an educator, well, I was naturally curious. So about a month ago, the four of us set out for an everglades bush whacking adventure into the heart of the river of grass. Bruce was pleased to see that the majority of his plants were thriving, Carlton captured more stunning imagery and I got to spend the day with expert naturalists in their element. As the story aired on WUSF a few days later it was clear that this exhibition has helped us share Selby’s dedication to statewide conservation.
In January, Carlton and 3 other concerned Floridians set out on a 1000 mile, 100 day journey from Everglades to the Okefenokee traveling in kayaks, on foot and on horseback. Plants & animals need to be able to migrate safely to maintain habitats and to reproduce. They can’t do so if highways and housing developments keep getting in their way. This watercolor is the expedition map that they commissioned as they began planning. It depicts their route via the last remaining natural path through the length of the FL peninsula. The areas in light green are currently preserved such as Everglades & Big Cypress. The dark green areas are yet to be preserved.
The photographer, Carlton Ward Jr. is an 8th generation Floridian & conservationist who is concerned for the health of our state and is working hard to raisepublic awareness of the need to conserve land.
Spring-fed Miller Creek and Crystal River flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Generally speaking, FL has done a nice job of conserving its waterways. Land conservation, however, has a long way to go and of course, they’re connected.
Lake Russell, connected to Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee, is in the headwaters to the Everglades. With projects to restore water flow south from Lake Okeechobee and through the Shark River Slough, rainfall here in Lake Russell will be able to flow south through the peninsula all the way to FL Bay.
A White Egret preening its plumage in Shark Valley – remember, Shark River Slough is the primary source of water into the Everglades. Its flow is being restored by several miles ofnew bridges along the Tamiami Trail, helping to reconnect the watershed and wildlife habitat.
The 1928 completion of Tamiami Tr., the first paved road through the river of grass, cut off the natural flow of water like a giant damn, starving the national park to the south and drowning the water management areas and tree islands to the north. Wading bird populations, like this egret, have declined by 90% since the 1930’s. They should now benefit from a more natural water flow on which they depend for foraging and nesting conditions.
This bobcat was photographed at Archbold Biological Station on the Lake Wales Ridge; a world class research, education and conservation facility. The Lake Wales Ridge is the oldest ecosystem in the southeast and has been disappearing faster than any other in the US. To date, 85% has been lost. It is the first refuge designated primarily for the preservation of endangered plants. 22 of the 31 rare plants found w/in the refuge, are federally listed as endangered or threatened. This image and one other in the exhibition was captured using a trip wire infrared camera where the animal triggers the camera; essentially taking its own picture.
Highlands Hammock State Park holds lush forests of old-growth cypress, cabbage palms, oaks and pines. One live oak is 1000 years old; it’s trunk 36 feet around. Like the Bobcat’s terrain, this hammock sits atop the Lake Wales Ridge and provides necessary habitat for migrating animals. Opened to the public in 1931, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed park facilities and the beginnings of a botanical garden.
A water lily in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia - This is one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern US and connects to Florida's Osceola National Forest and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. I do hope you’ll take a moment to visit the exhibit before you leave today. All images are for sale and proceeds benefit both Selby Gardens and FWC. Now, you’ll have a chance to hear from the members of the conservation team that took this epic journey. We have a shot clip from a documentary created by the talented cinematographer and expedition team member, Elam Stoltzfus. The full length version will be released to PBS in April.
Please sit back and enjoy. Thank youfor your support of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens!
