Project Descriptions
These Garden-based projects and programs support a vision that is both engaged and engaging. We see these initiatives as key to involving students, faculty, First Nations, and the public in necessary discussions about new ways to be in the world.
Research
The Botanical Garden’s collection of plants representing 8,000 taxa as well as the site itself are used for a variety of research projects ranging from avian banding to a study focusing on evolution and important relationships between algae and land plant species. 2015 will see a group of UBC undergrads summarize online decades of data collected in the Garden on the phenology of magnolia species.
Taylor Plaza Learning Space
Named in memory of Dr. Roy Taylor, the Garden’s third director, the Taylor Plaza will provide a covered out-door learning space in the Food Garden for hands on learning about food, biodiversity, and urban agriculture. Funded through UBC Friends of the Botanical Garden and a generous anonymous donation, the Plaza will open in 2016.
Interpretive Signage & Wayfinding
The Interpretive Signage and Wayfinding project will frame the Garden’s priceless collection in a way that engages students and the public in an interactive learning environment. The project will include education “pods” focused on biodiversity and the connection between plants and planet, as well as a new ‘linear learning space” highlighting research in the Garden, our historical and current relationship with First Nations peoples, and the work of Science students and faculty on and off campus. Phase One will open in 2016.
Sustainability Field School
Sustainability Field School is a three year project to provide education and skills development around local sustainability and climate change solutions to organizations and groups in Vancouver. In partnership with the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation and supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, the program will use students and staff in an inter-disciplinary framework to develop and test innovative sustainability curricula. Funded through a $250,000 gift, this project is expected to attract support throughout the community. We will be recruiting 2 to 3 graduate students beginning in the winter of 2015 for this exciting educational program.
YOUtopia
YOUtopia is an institutional commitment made by the Garden in January 2014 to reduce the Garden’s climate impact and engage visitors in climate change solutions. Supported by the American Public Garden Association, 40 North American gardens have now signed the YOUtopia agreement. With the support of the UBC’s Zero Waste Team and our volunteer group, Friends of the Botanical Garden, we began by removing from the waste stream over 70% of the discarded material at our annual Apple Festival. We are also actively working with the University to address water management in our ponds and wetlands, projects that will involve students and faculty in designing and implementing sustainable solutions.
