Science: Vision

The Garden’s plant biology and conservation science programs will discover critically important knowledge and create practical land and water management tools and solutions to address environmental challenges facing society.

These programs focus on appropriately managing plant populations and plant and soil communities, especially within human-impacted landscapes.

Scientists will undertake rigorous research studies that address key biological questions that have plant conservation applications and advance the frontiers of basic science. 

The Garden will make a unique contribution to solving present-day ecological problems by integrating theoretical research, applied solutions, and adaptive management to save individual species—as well as communities of species—at varying geographic scales.

Science: Goals
Discoveries resulting from research by Garden scientists and students, and enhanced conservation resources such as the Seed Bank, will demonstrably stem the loss of plant diversity and lay the foundation for healthy ecosystems. Garden scientists will be able to measure and articulate how their work has succeeded in addressing some of the most pressing threats to plants, including climate change, invasive species, and pollution;
The Garden will become the nation’s leading center for training the next generation of scientists, restoration ecologists, land managers, and policy makers focused on saving plants and plant communities. Our training programs will build national and international capacity in plant biology and conservation science through undergraduate internships, graduate degree programs, and partnerships with federal agencies. Internships will provide meaningful professional experience for young people and documented, recognized, valuable services to the agencies and institutions they serve;
The Garden will provide rigorous, science-based information about plants and the natural world. Garden scientists will become the first choice of committees, institutions, and agencies worldwide, providing leadership in plant conservation and restoration, and preservation policy and practice;
The Garden’s Environmental Horticulture Program will increase its ability to develop, evaluate, and release new horticultural plants. It will be known for its unique strength in improving the landscapes and gardens of the midwestern United States and comparable climates; this includes expanding the planting options available for roof gardens and other emergent environmentally conscious gardens while respecting the ecological integrity of natural areas. The Garden will partner with appropriate nurseries around the world to introduce plants, thereby generating significant earned income.