Royal Botanical Gardens looks to the future at town hall event

After a two-year pause on formal annual reports, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) staff and Board welcomed stakeholders and RBG members to a Town Hall meeting at the beautiful Rock Gardens pavilion Nov. 3.

CEO Nancy Rowland led the presentation by highlighting the accomplishments of staff, volunteers and donors to the organization. Despite the interruptions and delays resulting from pandemic lockdowns over the past two years, much work was completed: large swaths of meadow marsh were transformed from invasive grass to native plants; 28 endangered Blanding turtles were safely secured in a ‘headstart’ program; and trees, shrubs and plants continued to be planted among the several garden areas on RBG lands. 

In addition, many residents renewed their memberships and, indeed, increased their donations — including two new major donors and two new sponsors of projects.

“Support from our community was integral to the survival of the RBG,” Rowland stated. “It means the world to us. Despite reduced personal admissions, our virtual school programs experienced a 300 per cent growth in virtual field trips, with 109,000 children from 5,412 classes (some from outside Canada) participating in live-stream programs.”

The town hall then shifted to explaining how the RBG will be transitioning to realize its 25-Year Master Plan, adopted in 2020, with the goal of increasing audience, awareness and financial security, and becoming a centre for environmental excellence.

The plans are full of big and exciting changes but, Rowland cautioned, the RBG will remain true to its core values and follow the path set down almost 100 years ago. Strategic changes will evolve and roll out in a carefully planned sequence guided by a list of priorities through a Strategic Plan devised through extensive community consultation.

Rowland noted, “All of the work that has gone into the Master Plan framework, all of the work that we’re doing as it relates to the Strategic Plan and our annual business plans, is not just about today. It’s not about five years or 10 years from now. This is about 100 years from now. This is about the transformational change that was made almost 100 years ago that created the RBG that we still sit here and see the benefits of that wisdom, of that vision and that decision to create these gardens, to protect these lands from development.”

The Strategic Plan includes an expansion of the RBG Centre to accommodate more and larger functions and to increase parking (in a sustainable way); to preserve the core aspects of the Hendrie Gardens and improve accessibility and interaction; to create a ‘Living Laboratory’ and ‘Centre for Conservation’ at the Arboretum, to continue to enhance the Rock Garden and Laking Garden as distinct destinations; to rejuvenate the Princess Point district and continue the preservation of naturalized areas; to improve inter-connectivity; and to nourish the ‘Escarpment Experience’ with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing opportunities to connect with the natural environment (perhaps a wellness Retreat facility).

But not all of this will be done within the next few years. Funding and community support is of critical importance. Rowland encourages residents of both Burlington and Hamilton to become a member, check the RBG website (www.rbg.ca) for updates and drop in often to witness the beauty that surrounds us. The Royal Botanical Gardens strives to fulfil its mission to be the place "Where People, Plants and Nature Cultivate Unforgettable Experiences".