See rare and endangered plants; learn what can be done to protect them Friday, May 18- 10:00AM until 2:00PM
Many plants around the world are struggling for survival. In the United States alone, 792 plant species are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Botanic Garden will host an Endangered Species Day open house on Friday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to bring attention to everyday actions that can help protect disappearing plants and their habitats. The U.S. Botanic Garden, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Endangered Species Coalitionwill showcase important issues surrounding our disappearing wildlife. Children, families and individuals are invited to meet numerous exhibitors from federal agencies and conservation organizations and tour many of the U.S. Botanic Garden’s endangered plants.
“Plants are not optional,” said Ray Mims, conservation and sustainability horticulturist at the U.S. Botanic Garden. “Plants have historically been responsible for our food, shelter, clothing and medicine. Plants provide the basis for ecosystem services that provide clean air and water, climate regulation and more.”
Endangered Species Day open house will engage the public, both adults and children, to connect with plants and appreciate just how important plants are to our lives. There will be, displays of endangered plants and representatives from agencies and organizations doing conservation work.
“As Americans, we can be proud that we have one of the strongest endangered species programs in the world,” said Leda Huta, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Americans have established a legacy of protecting endangered plants and other species for our children and grandchildren.”
The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is open to the public, free of charge, every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Conservatory is located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW, on the west side of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are encouraged to take Metrobus and Metrorail. Further information is available by visiting www.usbg.gov or calling (202) 225-8333.
United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden informs visitors about the importance and fundamental value of plants, and highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological significance. With nearly a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. The U.S. Botanic Garden has been recognized as a museum and accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Endangered Species Coalition
The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, education, religious, sporting, outdoor recreation, business and community organizations working to protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining wild places. Through education, outreach and citizen involvement, we work to protect endangered species and the special places where they live.
