Botanical Garden nominated for national contest

By Emilie Bourque Whittle | Feb. 9, 2012

Memorial’s Botanical Garden has been nominated for the Great Places in Canada contest, an annual event which recognizes the special places Canadians love most.

The competition sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is a way to recognize the work of professional planners, and, according to the contest website, “to join with all Canadians in a celebration of the great places we are fortunate to share in this country.”

“We were absolutely delighted to learn that the Botanical Garden was nominated for the Great Places in Canada contest,” said Anne Madden, Botanical Garden education co-ordinator. “We’ve been getting many supportive calls and emails from the community and we are encouraging everyone to vote.”

The submission with the most number of votes will be awarded the top honour of distinction. Memorial’s Botanical Garden has been nominated in the “public spaces” category.

The Botanical Garden was originally established as part of the Department of Biology in 1971 and was originally named Oxen Pond Botanic Park. Extensive remediation work was performed on the grounds from 1971-77 to establish the area as a nature reserve and botanical garden.

Officially opened to the public in 1977, it remains the province’s only botanical garden. It is a centre for botanical, horticultural and environmental research and education, receiving approximately 20,000 visitors every season.

“Our vision is to be an outstanding botanical garden and to be recognized for advancing and enriching sustainable relationships among people, plants and the environment,” said Ms. Madden. “It’s very rewarding to know the community feels we are doing a good job. In 2011, we were also honoured with the very prestigious Sustainable Tourism Award, presented annually by Hospitality NL and Parks Canada.”

To read why the Botanical Garden is worthy of recognition and to place your vote, visit its profile on the contest website. Voting ends Feb. 29, 2012.

For more information on the Botanical Garden, visit its website or Facebook page.


Contact

Marketing & Communications

230 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1B 3X9

Postal Address: P.O. Box 4200, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1C 5S7

Tel: (709) 864-8000