UNF Botanical Garden hosted planting and education event in preparation for Earth Day
The UNF Botanical Garden hosted a community planting event at the on-campus riparian garden in honor of upcoming Earth Day celebrations.
Rhonda Gracie, UNF horticulturist and Botanical Garden designer, opened the event and introduced Ashantae Greene, supervisor of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, who spoke on the benefits and values of riparian gardens, bioswales and water quality. Kelly Tesiero, garden co-designer and The Elegant Garden owner, spoke on the value of native plants and pollinators.
A group of about 30 students, staff and community members volunteered their time to plant over 400 new plants and trees in the garden. Prior to the planting activities, students learned directly from community volunteers about the importance of bioswale channels that concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution.