Gardens Interpretive Volunteer Updates

A year end celebration at the Conservatory of Flowers

Interpretive Volunteer Updates

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our after-hours holiday gathering at the Conservatory of Flowers this month. About 45 people attended this event, which offered a chance for volunteers to meet Interpretive Program Manager Lindzy Bivings. Lindzy had her UV flashlight on hand to look for fluorescent specimens, including some dramatic pitcher plants, while the Conservatory’s winter light show, Photosynthesis: Love for All Seasons, and fabulous soundtrack added to the ambiance.

As the year winds to a close, we are grateful for your support which makes our visitors' experiences richer and more meaningful. We look forward to working with you in the new year - be sure to check out the many activities coming up in January!

Enrichment: Interpretive Gardens Walks - Coast Redwood Grove
Thursday, January 9, 10am
San Francisco Botanical Garden, Meet at Main Gate

Join your peers for a volunteer-led walk through the coast redwood grove. All are welcome to share and improve our knowledge of these amazing collections.

Register here >>

Book Group: The Light Eaters
Thursday, February 13, 10am-12pm
Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture

The next book group will discuss The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger. We hope to see you there!

Register here >>

Magnolia Season: Garden Walks

Saturday, January 19 or Tuesday, January 28, 11am-12:30pm

San Francisco Botanical Garden, Main Gate

Join Director of Collections & Conservation Ryan Guillou for either of these walks open to volunteers and staff. Walks will take place before peak bloom and are intended to be an opportunity to learn more about the Garden's rich collection for those interacting with our visitors.

Register here >>

Magnolia Season: Magnolia Presentation

Wednesday, January 22, 11am-12pm

Helen Crocker Russell Library

If you'd like to learn more about magnolias, join Ryan for this presentation discussing magnolia conservation, history of the Garden's collection, plant evolution and pollination as revealed by magnolias. The presentation will be recorded and made available for later viewing.

Register here >>

Magnolia Season: Interpretation Station Training

Tuesday, January 21, 10am-12pm

This training is designed for volunteers interested in committing to staffing at least three interpretation stations through March. Learn more about magnolias and explore themes, techniques and hands-on materials for engaging the public.

Register here >>

Workshop: Visitor Experience Outcomes

Friday, January 17, 10am-12pm

Conservatory of Flowers, Orchid Pavilion

We are kickstarting the Interpretive Master Plan by doing a workshop focused on Visitor Experience Outcomes at the Conservatory of Flowers. This work will inform the design of new signs at the Entrance, the Lowland and Highland Galleries. We want to share the progress that we are making and get your important input and perspectives. Please join us for this interactive workshop!

Register here >>

San Francisco Botanical Garden Andean Cloud Forest: Fuchsia boliviana

These brilliant blossoms were spotted this month in the Andean Cloud Forest collection, blooming a bit later than expected. Note the green ovaries which are beginning their transformation to purplish edible fruit. Native to high elevation tropical forests in Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina, these plants do best in shady, mild climates. They have become invasive in Hawaii and New Zealand.

Conservatory of Flowers

Lowland Tropics: Nepenthes albomarginata

This remarkable pitcher plant found in Borneo, Malaysia, and Sumatra, is named for the white rim around the opening to the pitcher. The specialized tissue is attractive to termites, and when columns of foraging termites discover the pitcher, they gather on the rim to graze on it. In the process many termites fall into the pitcher and are digested.

Conservatory of Flowers:Register to volunteer: