Misha McRae, executive director of the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the garden.
Halloween at the garden is something not to be missed.
McRae said, “We have boasted this being the safe Halloween for our community for over 15 years now. So much of this week is so adult themed and orientated that we just felt like the kids are getting left out. So we open up the garden on Saturday, October 26, 10am for the Screaming Green Halloween event. We have Tricks and Treats throughout the garden, over 30 different stations, arts and crafts, food and beverages. Centennial bank will be hosting burgers and hot dogs, and Pepsi will be providing their refreshing beverages. We have two custom contests with local judges. This is for five and under is the first contest at 12:15, and at 1:15 will be the six to 12 age group. The best and most creative recycled costume will probably win the prize. If you’re a member, it’s free admission, because the garden’s all about our members as well. Otherwise it’s $5 a child. Anything more than one child, is $10 per family. That’s the top rate to get in, to have good time, have the kids enjoy arts and crafts, learn about the environment and support the awesome Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.”
Tails on trails is also coming up.
McRae said, “Starting on November the 9th, we’re doing our second annual Tails on Trails. This is for our furry, four-pawed friends. We open up the garden to the community, for our pet family members. We have different vendors on animal products. We have obedience class. We have everything related to it, including 12 trails to take a nice, long walk with your favorite family member throughout the garden and Tails on Trails is a great opportunity to also open up the idea that the garden is more than just for people. It is for our complete family members. And as we always say, if you have them on a leash, you clean up after them, they are considered family at the garden.”
Conservation Day takes place on November 16.
McRae said, “It’s kind of blossom thanks to the University of Florida Extension Service and the Monroe County waste and recycle department. We call it Conservation Day, because on November 19, we have a plant sale from nine to noon. Keep in mind, those are the native species to the Keys, Cuba and the Caribbean. But also at 10 o’clock, we’re doing a children’s nature is art workshop, and then we’re also doing composting demonstrations. So it’s kind of become all in one have a fun day between nine and one on Saturday the 16th.”
A concert in the garden coming up on November 17.
McRae said, “This is going to be our second concert in the garden. I’m a fan of Mateo Jampol, who is an acoustic Spanish guitar virtuoso. He’s going to be given a concert underneath the stars at the Botanical Garden on November 17. This is a fundraiser which will include dinner, a suggested donation bar. We will have an auction, we will have dancing, we will have a nice, wonderful night underneath stars at the Botanical Garden. We’ve done this once before, highly successful. We want everyone to keep in mind to bring your checkbooks, because this is a fundraiser to help us with our education capital program. It’s going to be from 5:30 to eight o’clock. It’s a Sunday afternoon, a great time to be out at the garden. Enjoy a wonderful evening, a nice meal with good friends and help the Botanical Garden continue its efforts to grow.”
The capital campaign will build a new education office at the garden.
McRae said, “We started our capital campaign last year. Actually, the Education Department, as I’ve been preaching for years now, the office has outlived itself. We need to build them a new facility. We’ve just actually decided on a contractor to help us do that project, but we need about $550,000 to do it. So reaching out to everyone in the community, if you have kids, if you have grandkids, if you have nieces and nephews, this is a great opportunity for you to help them in their educational careers by helping the Botanical Gardens education program.”
Donations to the garden are always tax deductible.
McRae said, “Everyone needs to realize that the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is run by the Key West Botanical Garden Society, Inc, which is a not for profit, 501c3, education, conservation facility, any donation that you give us, and all donations that you give us, is a tax deductible process because of the fact that we are a not for profit. So you get a tax break and you help the Botanical Garden. This applies to your memberships. This applies to your donations to the capital campaign. This is donations to the Education Department. Hey, how about donations to the native nursery for our plant efforts. All of this tax deductible and goes to help this great organization, as I just said, continue to grow. So please be generous. Help us out.”
Volunteering is another way that people can contribute.
McRae said, “We are still in need of weed warriors. Happily, the season’s coming back, but that means more people are coming in. The garden’s got to look beautiful. The plants love the rain. They love the sun shine that follows. But unfortunately, the plants include the weeds that come with it. So please come help us out. Learn about your native plants. Learn about conservation. Be part of this great organization that is 88 years old, and volunteer your time, your efforts and expertise, and just find something new that you can love.”
Scarecrows in the garden is also continuing.
McRae said, “We have 10 scarecrows throughout the garden to surprise you, to scare you, and maybe get you a little bit excited. It is also a lesson on recycled because each one of the scarecrows are made from recycled, repurposed and reused materials. You’ll be very surprised at the artistic concepts that come out of that opportunity. It’s at the garden every day. The price of admission. Come on in, something different, something fun, and help add to this time of the season. Thank you Key West citizens for giving us that 99 year lease. We’re two years into it, and we’re excited that we have not only been around for this length of time, but we’re going to be around for a lot longer.”
For more information, click here: https://www.keywest.garden/