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Board of Park Commissioners Approving the Plant Collections Policy for Olbrich Botanical Gardens
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WHEREAS, the vision of the City of Madison Parks Division is to provide the ideal system of parks, natural resources and recreational opportunities which will enhance the quality of life for everyone; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Olbrich Botanical Gardens is to enrich lives and inspire harmony between people and the natural world and offers 16 acres of free, outdoor display gardens and the tropical plant Bolz Conservatory; and
WHEREAS, this collections policy guides acquisition and maintenance of living plant and seed collections for future generations by maintaining precise records, by managing the collections ethically and mindfully based on accepted standards outlined by the American Public Gardens Association, and by effectively utilizing garden resources to provide spaces to learn about the botanical world and to inspire and delight Olbrich guests and the greater Madison community; and
WHEREAS, the collections policy will be administered by the Director of Horticulture and Conservatory Curator in conjunction with the Plant Recorder, and reviewed in tandem with Olbrich’s strategic plan, or not less than every five years; and
WHEREAS, the collection policy requires that accessions are acquired legally and ethically, held securely, maintained appropriately, and are documented. Acquisition, maintenance, and disposal must be conducted in ways that protect and preserve natural and cultural resources, and in ways that promote the public good; and
WHEREAS, Olbrich Botanical Gardens aims to cultivate display gardens showcasing sound aesthetics, cultural significance, and ecological sensibilities. The gardens foster spaces for enrichment, celebration, and contemplation; and
WHEREAS, the outdoor gardens offer mixed plantings of woody plants, perennials, and annuals that inform each garden’s respective focus. Regional, cultural, and ecological value steer plant selections, anchored by site conditions and a commitment to seasonal interest; and
WHEREAS, Olbrich’s Bolz Conservatory houses tropical and subtropical woody plants and forbs from around the world, represented by over 400 species and cultivars from around 80 plant families; and
WHEREAS, plant collections exist to foster the vision of Olbrich Botanical Gardens to be a locally treasured, globally renowned source of beauty and knowledge celebrating the importance of plants to foster a sustainable world; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Plant Collections Policy, adopted by the City of Madison Board of Park Commissioners, will take effect May 1, 2024.