Marie Selby Botanical Garden 2025 update
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, faced significant challenges. The downtown Sarasota campus experienced storm surge, resulting in debris accumulation and damage to docks and decking. Similarly, the Historic Spanish Point campus suffered a collapsed seawall, a broken bridge, and washed-out pathways. Fortunately, all buildings on both campuses remained intact.
Thanks to the dedication of Selby Gardens' staff and volunteers, the gardens reopened to visitors within days, offering a place of respite and beauty during a challenging time. My parents were fortunate enough to visit in person this January and reported that there was still a lot of clean up, but that the heart of the downtown Sarasota campus remained intact. They found it comforting in how active the campus was already in its clean up process.
In response to these events, Selby Gardens is advancing Phase Two of its Master Plan, focusing on enhancing resiliency and sustainability. This phase includes constructing a new Conservatory Complex and Learning Pavilion, aiming to secure the gardens' future and enrich the visitor experience. Notably, 66% of the necessary funds for this phase have already been raised, reflecting strong community support.
Despite recent adversities, Selby Gardens continues to thrive. The gardens were recognized in TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places list, highlighting their innovative sustainability efforts and status as a premier destination for plant research and conservation.
As Selby Gardens moves forward, they remain committed to connecting people with the natural world, ensuring that this urban oasis continues to inspire and educate for generations to come. So if you’re ever in the area, this is a must see garden!
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