The Denver Botanic Gardens mission is to connect people with plants, especially those from the Rocky Mountain region and similar areas worldwide. This mission focuses on providing delight and enlightenment to everyone through various programs, initiatives, and educational opportunities. The Gardens aim to transform how people think about and engage with the environment, promote diversity, and emphasize sustainability in all their operations.
What is the Core Mission of Denver Botanic Gardens?
Denver Botanic Gardens’ primary mission is to foster a deep connection between people and plants. This mission is realized through several key objectives:
- Showcasing plants from the Rocky Mountain region
- Displaying flora from similar regions around the world
- Providing educational experiences for visitors of all ages
- Promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability
The Gardens strive to create an environment where visitors can experience both delight and enlightenment, encouraging a greater appreciation for the natural world.
How Does the Mission Align with Community Engagement?
The Denver Botanic Gardens mission aligns closely with community engagement through:
- Transformation: Programs designed to change people’s perspectives on the environment
- Relevance: Initiatives addressing local issues like water conservation and food access
- Diversity: Connecting diverse audiences to plants from various regions
- Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly practices in gardening and daily life
These core values ensure that the Gardens’ mission resonates with and benefits the local community.
What Educational Programs Support the Mission?
Denver Botanic Gardens offers a wide array of educational programs that support its mission:
- Water Stewardship Programs
- Focus on water-efficient gardening and agriculture
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Showcase drought-tolerant plants in the Roads Water-Smart Garden
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Food Programs
- Community gardens
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives
- Urban food projects to increase access to fresh produce
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Chatfield Farms Veterans Farm Program
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Therapeutic Horticulture
- Sensory and plant-based outreach for seniors and those with special needs
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On-site programs promoting physical and mental well-being
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Center for Global Initiatives
- International horticultural research
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Collaborations with global communities for plant conservation
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General Education
- Classes and workshops on various botanical topics
- Resources available through the Helen Fowler Library
- Partnerships with institutions like Metropolitan State University of Denver
These programs cater to different age groups and cover a wide range of topics, from sustainable gardening to international plant research.
How Does the Mission Incorporate Sustainability?
Sustainability is a key component of the Denver Botanic Gardens mission, reflected in various initiatives:
| Initiative | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Water Conservation | Realigning gardens, repairing leaks, upgrading systems | Over 2 million gallons saved (2019-2023) |
| Native Plant Use | Replacing turf with water-saving plants | 30% reduction in water usage (2023) |
| Green Roofs | 1.2-acre Mordecai Children’s Garden roof | Largest in Colorado, improves stormwater management |
| Energy Efficiency | Solar array expansion | 200 kilowatts capacity by 2024 |
| Waste Reduction | No-landfill targets, sustainable materials | Reduced environmental impact |
These initiatives demonstrate the Gardens’ commitment to environmental stewardship and align with their mission of connecting people with plants in a sustainable manner.
What Community Engagement Efforts Support the Mission?
The Denver Botanic Gardens engages the community through various programs that support its mission:
- Free Shuttle Program
- Provides transportation from various Denver metro locations
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Increases accessibility to the Gardens
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Community Gardens and CSA Programs
- Grow over 40,000 pounds of produce annually at Chatfield Farms
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Distribute to CSA subscribers and community partners
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Local Partnerships
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Collaborate with organizations such as:
- City of Aurora
- Denver Housing Authority
- Denver Human Services
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
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Educational Events and Workshops
- Offer year-round programming for all ages
- Topics include sustainable gardening, water conservation, and plant science
These engagement efforts help to extend the Gardens’ mission beyond its physical boundaries, fostering a broader connection between people and plants throughout the community.
How Does the Mission Impact Local Biodiversity?
The Denver Botanic Gardens’ mission has a significant impact on local biodiversity:
- Showcases over 36,000 plants in 2,200 genera
- Promotes awareness of native Rocky Mountain flora
- Educates visitors about the importance of plant diversity
- Conducts research on local plant species and conservation
By displaying such a wide variety of plants and educating the public about their importance, the Gardens play a crucial role in promoting and preserving local biodiversity.
What Are the Measurable Outcomes of the Mission?
The Denver Botanic Gardens’ mission has led to several measurable outcomes:
- Water Conservation
- Goal of zero watering by 2026
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30% reduction in water usage achieved in 2023
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Visitor Engagement
- Over 1.4 million annual visitors
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Thousands participating in educational programs and events
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Food Production
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40,000+ pounds of produce grown annually at Chatfield Farms
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Energy Efficiency
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Solar array expansion to 200 kilowatts by 2024
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Waste Reduction
- Implementation of no-landfill targets
- Use of sustainable materials throughout the Gardens
These outcomes demonstrate the tangible impact of the Gardens’ mission on environmental sustainability and community engagement.
In conclusion, the Denver Botanic Gardens mission of connecting people with plants is realized through a comprehensive approach that includes education, sustainability initiatives, community engagement, and biodiversity conservation. By aligning these efforts with their core values, the Gardens continue to provide delight and enlightenment to visitors while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
References:
1. Mission & Values – Denver Botanic Gardens
2. Our Impact | Denver Botanic Gardens
3. Sustainable Horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens