Public Gardens: Fulfilling the University's Research Mission

Abstract

<jats:p>Research at botanic gardens, from medieval times to the present day, has evolved to encompass a wide range of topics. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, part of the University of Minnesota, is an example of a diverse, successful research program within a public university garden setting. Collaboration, mission, organization, and publications are keys to a successful research program. Future research for public gardens, including putting collections to work for conservation, understanding global change, ecological genomics, restoration ecology, seed banking, and citizen science are collaborative ideas for all botanic gardens to consider. Research can strengthen the botanic garden's role by providing public value while improving ties to the university.</jats:p>

Public Education and Outreach Opportunities for Crop Wild Relatives in North America

“…(Ragone 2007). The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum houses an impressive collection of fruit cultivars and relatives (Malus Mill., Prunus L., and Vitis L.) associated with its widely known breeding program (Hockenberry Meyer et al 2010). Such gardens, in particular, are very familiar with CWR and are already engaging a general audience in outreach related to both familiar crops and their wild cousins.…”

Academic, Internship, and Cooperative Extension Programs at Botanic Gardens

“…In addition, university gardens can fulfill the university's outreach mission, provide a competitive edge in attracting students, and serve as a living museum (Rakow, 2011). University botanic gardens can synergistically complement the academic institutional mission, conduct conservation and plant collections research (Dosmann, 2007), engage the public through applied research (Meyer et al, 2010), and involve students in solving complex real-world problems (Polomski et al, 2003).…”