Botanic Gardens 'family' of volunteers recognised for conservation efforts

The NSW Government has acknowledged the significant contribution volunteers make to Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust conservation programs, including two long-serving 91-year-old women.
recognising the input of volunteers on International Volunteer Day (Wednesday 5th December) NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker stated "volunteers Margaret Bell and Dorothy Holland, both aged 91 years, have collectively spent more than 60 years working for the Botanic Gardens which is a fantastic achievement and one which deserves our recognition.
"Margaret and Dorothy have, like so many other members of the Botanic Gardens 'family' of volunteers, made outstanding contributions towards conservation initiatives like the guides program where thousands of local and international visitors have been taken on guided walks to learn about the importance of plants."
Minister Parker said that with the natural environment continuing to pose extremely difficult challenges - such as unprecedented rates of plant extinctions - volunteers' hours helping regenerate bushland, participating in field work and boosting public appreciation of plants was vital to the conservation effort.
She added "today a 640-strong group of dedicated volunteers who work with the three botanic gardens will be recognised for their outstanding contribution towards conservation, including bush regeneration, the mounting of specimens, field work, fundraising and engaging the public in the appreciation of plants.
"They are all great role models for International Volunteer Day."
Minister Parker said the popular volunteer guides have been an integral part of botanic gardens activities for many years, conveying important messages about plants to visitors through their fascinating walks and talks.
"The volunteer guides provide general orientation and on-site interpretation at all three Gardens: the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.
"Other volunteer groups include plant enthusiasts and plant society members who work with horticultural staff and contribute special expertise on specific plant groups such as begonias, while bush regeneration volunteers provide assistance in remnant natural bushland areas at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan.
"Herbarium volunteers mount specimens onto archival paper preserving National Herbarium of New South Wales' specimens, while library volunteers assist with plant pathology and special projects. Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteers assist in curating exhibitions, information services, Growing Friends and raising funds for special projects."

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Executive Director, Professor David Mabberley, who will join an award presentation to 60 volunteers who have worked for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years, said it is with sincere gratitude that the Trust was recognising their invaluable contributions.

Professor Mabberley concluded "as we near our bicentenary in 2016, there will be an even greater need for volunteer support with new public engagement programs surrounding PlantBank and the redeveloped Tropical Centre.

"The enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers is greatly appreciated."

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/support/volunteers