Miami, FL (March 12, 2012) – If you have not been or you are looking to return to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, plan to visit on National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11 to enjoy free admission. Held just two days before Mother’s Day, National Public Gardens Day is a national day of celebration that invites communities to explore the beauty of their local green spaces, while raising awareness of the important role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will mark this special day with FREE admission for everyone to enjoy its 83 acres of lush landscaping and admire the monumental sculptures of American artists Will Ryman and Dale Chihuly or simply sit on a bench and read a favorite book. As a special Mother’s Day treat, visitors will also enjoy a free native plant giveaway of many that were propagated at Fairchild’s nursery – while supplies last.
Fairchild is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. National Public Gardens Day is a wonderful opportunity for school groups, families and thousands of visitors to explore and discover their local public garden, while learning about the garden’s commitment to education, research and environmental stewardship.
“National Public Gardens Day offers the perfect opportunity for Fairchild to expose its beautiful setting and showcase its amazing plant collections to South Florida residents and visitors of all ages,” said Carl Lewis, Director of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. “It’s a privilege to be a community resource that works to educate, enlighten and inspire the public to value green spaces and to recognize the importance of natural conservation.”
A partnership between the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and Rain Bird, the world’s leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, the 2012 National Public Gardens Day will showcase the contributions of public gardens with special events at many of the more than 500 North American public gardens. This annual recognition is supported by a national awareness campaign that includes broadcast public service announcements, media partnerships, local and national spokespeople, online contests and media tours all focused on communicating the importance of building sustainable environments through improved plant management and water conservation, education and community engagement.
For more information on Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and National Public Gardens Day, visit www.fairchildgarden.org, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT FAIRCHILD
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. It is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries throughout the tropical world including the Indonesia, South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia. Fairchild’s palm and cycad collections are considered the greatest collections in the world and are nationally recognized by the American Public Gardens Association. Fairchild has the largest education program in a metropolitan area reaching more than 100,000 schoolchildren in 2011. Fairchild hosts popular events like the Chocolate, Mango, Orchid, Food and Garden, Ramble and Edible Garden Festivals, as well as an annual art exhibition, concerts, plant shows and sales, evening events and more. Fairchild is a not-for-profit organization with 45,000 members. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida, 33156. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. Information at www.fairchildgarden.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT RAIN BIRD
Headquartered in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. From simple beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird now offers the industry’s broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes, available in more than 130 countries. Rain Bird has been awarded hundreds of patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain Bird’s philosophy called The Intelligent Use of Water ® is about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities around the world. www.rainbird.com.
ABOUT APGA
Founded in 1940, Pennsylvania-based American Public Gardens Association is an organization devoted to strengthening the public gardens throughout North America. With over 70 years of work increasing cooperation and awareness among the gardens, APGA has built a membership of more than 500 public gardens located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and seven other countries. Their members include public gardens as well as arboreta and zoos. APGA has also built up an international network of individual members in the U.S., Canada and 24 other countries. The APGA is committed to increasing public awareness of public gardens, and to advancing public gardens as a force for positive change in their communities through leadership, advocacy and innovation. http://www.publicgardens.org
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We swept all four categories last night at the Florida Public Transportation Association marketing awards ceremony. There were some terrific entries and the fact that our win was so decisive is a real tribute to your efforts. Thank you for making us look so good.
I would like to thank Bitner Goodman for the outstanding job you did for the Community and Economic Development Council. After consulting with you and explaining our needs and concerns regarding merging two non-profit business associations your agency provided highly professional advice and assistance which enabled us to move forward in the best possible manner.
Bitner Goodman’s creativity with the artwork for the Save the Date and Invitations helped create the “buzz” for the event and helped attract 450 plus VIPs, government officials and art patrons to the evening. You helped me more than you probably know!
