Funded Programs
Your support goes a long way.
Your donation to the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association goes towards supporting the following programs, connecting people with plants and conserving nature.
Climate Adaptation Fund
When the first trees were planted at VanDusen, few people could have predicted what we see today. Scientists were only beginning to raise the alarm on what is now all too obvious: our climate is changing, and plants are struggling.
At VanDusen, many species that survived countless summers are dying because of extended droughts or sudden winter cold snaps. Some flowers have stopped growing altogether. Without intervention, many of VanDusen’s oldest and most treasured plants are in danger. In response to the unprecedented threat of climate change, the VBGA are launching the Climate Adaptation Fund.
Donors to this fund will protect our community’s most treasured garden from the worst effects of climate change, ensuring the garden continues to thrive for future generations.
If you care about protecting the Garden and would like to guarantee its future by supporting this fund, click here.
By supporting the Climate Adaptation Fund, you safeguard vulnerable species from severe weather effects. Your donation will grow new plants throughout VanDusen that will delight visitors for years to come – no matter how our climate may change.
The Learning Garden
By: Sangeeta Thomas, Environmental Educator at VanDusen Botanical Garden
When I speak to kids who visit the Gardens, I am often saddened by how few have ever cared for a plant of their own – an experience that means so much to garden lovers like me.
And it’s not just kids. Growing flowers & vegetables used to be a part of everyday life for Vancouverites, but that’s something many of us have lost.
It is for these reasons that I am so excited to let you know about the opening of a dedicated Learning Garden at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The Learning Garden will feature raised planters where learners will get to plant a seed for the first time, educational flower beds that will teach & inspire people of all ages, and all the tools and equipment needed to make this space accessible to everyone.
Featuring:
- Plants that you can eat, display, or even make dyes from!
- 9 large planters and tools suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
- Themed garden beds with plants for each of the five senses: smell, touch, taste, sight, and yes, even hearing!
- Signage to help educate all visitors to the Learning Garden.
- And more!
This outdoor learning space will provide school trips, summer camps, and adult education classes with the opportunity to plant, care for, and harvest a variety of crops year-round. It will be used to enhance our existing educational classes, helping people of all ages to learn more about life cycles and biodiversity, as well as practical skills such as how to grow your own food and how to farm sustainably.
As an educator, I can’t tell you how excited I am to put the Learning Garden to use! From children who have never grown anything before, to seniors who have downsized and can no longer engage their passion for gardening, the Learning Garden will be a truly transformational experience. If you were one of the incredible individuals who allowed this project to happen, you have my deepest gratitude.
If you think that everyone deserves the chance to experience the simple joys of growing & caring for plants and you want to help, donate to support the Learning Garden today click here.
Your donation today could purchase the first seed a child ever plants, or the first trowel a senior has held since downsizing. What an incredible gift to give someone.
Read our Learning Garden report here!
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+-Environmental Education Programs
Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association offers a range of innovative indoor and outdoor learning experiences for all ages at the Gardens, including classes, tours, field trips, day camps, teacher professional development, and an extensive horticultural library.
Funds donated to VBGA Environmental Education Programs support:
- Nature camp bursaries
- Program fee waivers for schools and community groups
- Transportation subsidies for schools and community groups
- Curriculum development
- Horticultural Library collections
- Purchase of education technology
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+-Education Bursaries: 2024 Project Report
We live in a time when learning about nature is an integral part of every child’s education. The world is changing, and the impact and relationship people have with plants will greatly dictate the legacy we leave behind for future generations. Understanding and engaging with the natural world is, unfortunately, not something easily accomplished for many. The demographics in our city have shifted rapidly; simple acts such as playing in the garden or walking to your local park have been pushed further and further out of reach for thousands of low-income families.
VanDusen and Bloedel offer incredible quality educational opportunities and access to abundant natural beauty. Thanks to donors to the VBGA, this is something which people from all walks of life can participate in.
Read more here!