Reaching Out: A University Botanical Garden Builds Long-distance Relationships

Abstract

Botanical gardens continually seek new ways to improve their education programs and increase their audiences. In the case of most university gardens, the larger academic community presents many opportunities. However, what does a university garden do when separated by several hours travel from the campus served? Garvan Woodland Gardens and the University of Arkansas (UA) have developed several ways to address this challenge. A summer school session and Elderhostel program work together to benefit both partners in this alliance. This article discusses these efforts according to their structure, costs, and educational benefits.