for immediate release

Exhibits in the Plant Science Center Invite You to Play

Making What is Sometimes Seen as a Dry Subject (Science) an Inspirational Journey of Discovery

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (August 26, 2009) — When the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center opens to the public on September 23, visitors will be able to literally put their hands on what the Chicago Botanic Garden has been doing for the past 15 years to conserve plants and the natural world. The gallery in the middle of the building will be open to the public any time the Garden is open, and the exhibit that lines either side of the gallery will ensure that visitors learn fascinating things about the plant world and what they can do to help conserve it. Exhibits have been designed to stimulate knowledge of plants through play and have aspects that appeal to all ages.

Windows into each of the nine laboratories line the gallery, offering a never-before-seen peek into the work of plant scientists. Beneath the windows are benches that explore botany concepts with text panels, slider panels and models visitors can touch. The panels relate to the research being performed in the corresponding lab and always end with a "taking action" panel that encourages people to help save plants by making small changes. Eight touch screens in front of the labs will teach scientific concepts through video game-like simulations. Visitors will be able to manipulate an environment and see the outcome of their actions, such as creating a flower to attract pollinators or driving a tiny camera drill below the surface of the earth. They will also be able to learn about the plant conservation science staff through short video presentations.

For example, the headline on the panel in front of the Reproductive Biology Lab is "Plant Sex is Anything But ‘Garden Variety’." In this exhibit, visitors can learn about the different parts of a flower such as the sepals, petals, pistils and stamens on a model. The text panel explains that "flowers don't attract each other, they attract specific pollinators and advertise with their color, shape and scent." An interactive panel invites visitors to smell different fragrances and learn why they produce that scent. Slider panels invite visitors to guess which pollinator different flowers are trying to attract. Another panel invites visitors to pollinate a plant using an electronic stylus. The panel on what scientists are currently researching in the lab refers to it as a "fertility clinic" for plants because scientists are trying to learn why some plants are not reproducing in order to save them from extinction. The "taking action" panel asks visitors to encourage pollinators in their gardens through choosing plants that produce nectar and pollen, limiting pesticide use and providing nesting and overwintering sites for pollinators.

Visitors will also want to visit the Green Roof Garden atop the building to view the 320 plant varieties being tested and for a unique perspective of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Interpretive panels will explain the benefits of green roofs and how to create one at home. Visitors can also see the photovoltaic panels (solar panels) on the roof and learn about renewable energy.

The Plant Science Center exhibits make what is sometimes seen as a serious and dry subject (science) into a fun and inspirational journey of discovery. Plant science can save the planet and it is encouraging to see so many people willing to join in and get their hands dirty to make it happen.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.