Planting Seeds for the Future

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the Molly Barker Professional Development Fund. Your collective support is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community invests in the future of horticulture and the continued growth of Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

 

We are delighted to send eight staff members to the American Public Gardens Association Annual Conference this June—a cornerstone gathering that brings together leaders, fresh ideas, and a shared passion for plants, education, beauty, and conservation. For many on our team, this will be their first time attending, made possible through the generosity of this fund. Established last year in honor of retiring Executive Director Molly Barker, a steadfast advocate for professional development, it continues to open doors in exactly the way she envisioned.

 

This year carries an added spark. For the first time, Gardens’ staff will be presenting at the conference. Horticulture team members Phoebe Hanson and Paul Ruiz-Lopez will share their expertise on cutting gardens and plant perception. Sarah DeAngelo and Roxanne Perkins from the administrative team will present on accessibility, an area of growing focus across public gardens and one where we have made dedicated improvements and will continue to do so.

 

That commitment is reflected here at the Gardens, where you can help expand access for all visitors. Consider supporting additional mobility scooters to meet growing demand by noting “mobility scooter” in your donation.

 

Like the American Public Gardens Association, we believe public gardens are essential spaces for connection, learning, and inspiration, and we are grateful to have you alongside us in growing that vision.