Naples Botanical Garden’s conservation efforts recently received a substantial boost with funding from a $248,851, three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant. The funding comes at a time when the Garden team and its colleagues identify a critical need for conservation in our region.
The IMLS funds are in support of the Garden’s SEED: Storage Expansion for Environmental Diversity project, in which Garden researchers will document, preserve, and share its growing collection of endemic and rare tropical and subtropical plant species. The ultimate goal of these enhanced conservation efforts: to improve access to rare, tropical flora and preserve their genetics before it’s too late.
As part of the grant, the Garden will expand its seed bank and seed processing capacity and add new sterile grow facilities to develop seed storage and germination best practices. Garden conservationists intend to publish their findings to serve as a resource on best practices for seed storage, germination, and more.
To read more on ongoing conservation practices, click here to download Conserve, Naples Botanical Garden’s new annual publication focusing on our conservation and environmental science endeavors.
For questions, contact Jenny Fuentes, Content Manager, at jfuentes@naplesgarden.org.
