Montgomery Botanical Center, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and a team of experts from around the nation, recently received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Patrick Griffith, Alan Meerow and Tracy Magellan are local experts on the project that will safeguard the nation’s tree collections, starting with Florida’s beloved palm trees. The project will carefully select which palms to grow by exploring their DNA, and will help protect other trees, from oaks to magnolias, by adapting proven conservation methods from zoos.
“This project has been called one of the largest advances in tree conservation since the 1970s,” Griffith said. “When we safeguard our nation’s tree collections, we ensure that those trees continue to benefit future generations.”
National Leadership Grants support projects that address critical needs of the museum field and have the potential to improve services for the American public.
“As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, IMLS director. “IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”
Montgomery Botanical Center is a not-for-profit botanic garden located in Coral Gables that advances research, education, and conservation of tropical plants, emphasizing palms and cycads. Montgomery grows living plants from around the world in scientific collections located in a 120-acre botanical garden exemplifying excellent landscape design. To learn more, visit www.montgomerybotanical.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.
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