Misha McRae, executive director of the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the garden.
The garden has been keeper of the trees for 90 years.
McRae said, “Not only are we preserving Key West history, but really setting an example of conservation and proving to the world that Key West cares about our environment by protecting this garden for 90 years.”
The 17th annual Screaming Green Halloween event is coming up in two days.
McRae said, “This is the safe community Halloween for the kids, a place for them to come out to the garden, run wild, have a good time, tricks and treats, games. We have food and fun. Two costume contests. It’s five and under. We are looking at those recycled materials to make your costumes. We’re going to have face painting, games, food and fun, highly anticipated every year, because it is the Halloween event for the kids in our community and we’re very proud that the Botanical Garden is being able to provide that.”
It’s this Saturday, October 25 from 10 to 2.
McRae said, “You just show up at the gate. I need to add that Centennial Bank is providing the food. Pepsi refreshment services is providing the beverages. It’s going to be $5 a child. $10 for a family. Adults are free for this one because it is about the kids. We do need sponsors for candy and tricks booths, so if you’re interested, please go out to the website. It’s $100 to help support the program. And of course, volunteers are always needed, and just show up at the gate. The first costume contest for the little ones is at 12:15, starts on the dots. Dress up, be part of the fun, part of the activity. All of it is planned this way, because that way the kids are pooped out by six, and then the parents can go enjoy Fantasy Fest.”
Pets are also welcome at the garden, especially at Tails on Trails on November 8.
McRae said, “The Botanical Garden is a pet friendly garden, as long as they’re on leashes and you clean up after them, we consider them family. This is a special day for just our fur babies to come out. We have pet groomers. We have pet supplies and all kinds of things that you can do, Stupid Pet Tricks. We’re doing everything we can to enjoy a day in the garden. Bring your babies with you. Have a chance to enjoy the garden in a different facet than looking at a flower or a tree, because the pooches. I mean, we even have kitties. We even had a kangaroo out there. It’s for everyone, everything, to enjoy the garden. It’ll be on the 8th from 11 to 2. We do have a $10 fee to get in, but that supports the garden and the reasons why we can do these kind of events.”
The third annual Rum Infused Scavenger Hunt is coming up on November 22.
McRae said, “We we wouldn’t have brought it back if everyone hadn’t been calling saying, when are you going to do it again? Yes, so it is adult themed. It is going to be rum infused. We have a costume contest, the scavenger hunt. You have to find 30 things within one hour. So there will be prizes. It is an evening of dinner. We’ll have live music. We’re going to do the scavenger hunt. We’re going to do rum tasting. It’s going to be something for the adults out in the garden, and for those of you folks that have not seen the botanical garden at night, you’re in for a treat. It’s just a magical, magical realm when all the night lights come on and the festivities start. The third annual November, 22 from 6 to 10.”
The 90th Anniversary Gala will be celebrated on January 30, 2026, Petals and Pearls from 6 to 10.
McRae said, “We’re going to have a big celebration. It’s no small feat to say that the garden is still here after 90 years. I give it to the citizens of Key West for voting us at 99 year lease. You gotta do something with it, right? So we plan to grow. The 90th anniversary is a huge accomplishment, because this makes this garden the longest continuous and running attraction in Key West Florida, because when we officially opened February 23 of 1936 it was supposed to be the biggest attraction in South Florida to bring tourists down here. And we are still doing our part here for the community to do as much, but it is a big celebration to say nine decades. We’re going to do big band music, celebrating the 30s when the garden was created. We will having sponsors. Will be doing an auction. We’re doing a sit down dinner, catered service. We’re going to do live music, big band music. So there’ll be a lot of swing and a signature cocktail. Everyone gets one. When they get there, it’s going to be dress up, elegant affairs. Petals and pearls, the theme. And we’re looking for everyone to be there to help us celebrate this huge accomplishment of 90 years keeper of the trees, protecting Key West history. We want you to be part of it. You can sign up right there on the website. Get your tickets now. Get them early. The first 50 people to sign up gets a free membership to the garden. So if you’re not a member, you get a twofer as an incentive. We call it the early bird. Also, if you want to stamp your name on this 90th, you can also sign up to become a sponsor and help us with the costs of putting on a big event and make it as special as we plan to make it.”
The garden also has an ongoing fundraiser for their education center.
McRae seaside, “Our Living Lab, our hybrid Living Lab, actually facilitates 3,500 kids every year in and out of that garden. It’s not a field trip. We work with the teachers, the educators, the home schoolers, on what they need for the child’s academic career. We just teach it in a living hands on method at the garden, the science of technology, whatever the course curriculum may be, algebra, we can teach it by the angle of the trees and so forth. So our educators actually work with the teachers to give the students what they need to increase their their scores and help them throughout their academic career. We actually do pre K through first year freshman college courses. Now very proud to say that with the growing of the garden, the education has grown. IT department has grown as well to help our students in the community.”
For more information, click here: https://www.keywest.garden/