The impacts of climate change—including higher temperatures, heavier rain, more frequent and intense droughts, wildfires, floods, and sea-level rise—are affecting public gardens. Many gardens use a climate-smart approach: investing in activities that build resilience and capacity while reducing risk. Chicago Botanic Garden’s Connect project inspires and coordinates climate change education initiatives across three states. The Earth Partnership Program based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum establishes school restoration projects. Case studies will illustrate how public gardens have integrated data collection tools for program impact. Find out how a partnership between the American Public Gardens Association and NOAA provides opportunities to address the impacts of climate change.
Presenters: S.P. Beck, American Public Gardens Association, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; T. Houston, N. Gardiner , NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, Asheville, North Carolina; T. Magellan, Montgomery Botanical Center, Coral Gables, Florida.
