Landis Arboretum Gets Boost from ZBGA Grant

ESPERANCE, NY (01/15/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash announced $8 million in grants awarded under the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Program (ZBGA) to support the development of educational, cultural and recreational programs that interpret New York's natural heritage. The Landis Arboretum received $12,085 of this allotment based on its programs and operating budget -- a 28 percent increase over last year.

"New York State is home to a large and diverse collection of rare plants, animals and sensitive ecosystems, many of which are endangered. This program provides valuable funding for organizations to develop critical educational and interpretive programs in order to raise awareness and appreciation of the importance of identifying, protecting and preserving our fragile natural heritage," said Ash.

Senator James Seward (R, 51st District), longtime Arboretum supporter, noted the good fortune of the Arboretum. "The enhanced funding for the Landis Arboretum provided by the legislature will continue to support programs that enrich our quality of life. The Arboretum offers a step inside our natural world, and the additional state funding helps keep programs viable so that they can benefit people both young and old who enjoy its programming."

Landis Board President Barbara Brabetz lauded the ZBGA allocation to the Arboretum as “timely recognition of our increased efforts to increase our outreach and instill in others an interest and appreciation of our living collections.”

Ms. Brabetz, who also serves a chair of SUNY Cobleskill’s Natural Sciences Department, praised the efforts of the Arboretum’s volunteer Education Committee chair Anne Donnelly as well as the Arboretum’s ISA Certified Arborist Fred Breglia and Executive Director Thom O’Connor. “They have worked hand in hand with our Board to raise awareness of the Arboretum,” she says, “and to create a welcoming environment.” Ms. Donnelly recently shepherded a partnership with the Wildlife Learning Company in an effort to expand the outdoor educational offerings of the Arboretum.”

Senator Mary Lou Rath (R, 61st Congressional District), Chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Sports Development said, "The ZBGA is a vital part of our state's tourism landscape. By supporting the programs that promote our state's natural heritage, these funds are critical to the future of our community zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums."

According to Assemblyman Steve Englebright (4th Assembly District). "By supporting additional funding to the ZBGA Program, Governor Spitzer and Commissioner Ash have underscored their commitment to its vital educational and conservation mission. I applaud this thoughtful investment into the cultural treasures that are New York's Natural Heritage Institutions."

In 2007, Governor Spitzer and the Legislature appropriated $8 million for the ZBGA program, a $500,000 increase from 2006.

The ZBGA funding administered by New York State Parks and is available to public or not-for-profit organizations, which own, care for and interpret for the public living or preserved collections of biological specimens. The organizations, referred to as Natural Heritage Institutions, include zoos, botanical gardens, arboretums, aquariums, bird sanctuaries, natural habitat preserves and sciences museums, and nature and environmental centers.

Year-round Multi-faceted Jewel The Landis Arboretum is a multifaceted natural jewel. It now encompasses 548 acres of trees, shrubs, old growth forest and, of course, breath-taking vistas and memorable gardens. Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, bikers, and birders, the Landis Arboretum may be one of the best-kept secrets of the northern Catskills.

The Arboretum is central to the New York State Wine and Spa Trails and in close proximity to historic Sharon Springs. And, it is a natural stop for those traveling to the high-volume tourist attractions between the Albany, Cooperstown, and Finger Lakes Regions.

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, NY, a beautiful and easy drive from throughout the Capital Region. The grounds of Landis are open daily, year-round, from dawn until dusk. www.landisarboretum.org, info@landisarboretum.org, 518-875-6935.

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