SR1054: SR1054 Atlanta Botanical Garden; recognize and commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate marking the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which was incorporated in 1976 and grew from a grassroots idea in 1973 into a 30-acre garden in Midtown Atlanta. The resolution recounts milestones such as the Children's Garden, the Fuqua Orchid Center, the Kendeda Canopy Walk, and a second campus opened in Gainesville in 2015. It also highlights the garden's conservation efforts, including its Southeastern Center for Conservation and its role as a founding member of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, along with awards it has received. The Senate formally recognizes and commends the garden for its service, growth, and community contributions, and wishes it continued success. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The resolution does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Atlanta Botanical Garden for 50 years of operation and community contributions.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law.

The resolution directly names the Atlanta Botanical Garden and its staff, and mentions the garden's Gainesville campus. It also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who is tasked with distributing a copy of the resolution.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical impact is limited to the public recognition it gives the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the formal record created within the Georgia Senate.

• The whereas clauses describe the garden's founding in 1973, incorporation in 1976, and growth to a 30-acre site in Midtown Atlanta.
• The whereas clauses note the addition of the Children's Garden (1999), the Fuqua Orchid Center (2002), and the Kendeda Canopy Walk.
• The whereas clauses mention the 2015 opening of a second campus in Gainesville and the garden's conservation partnerships.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize and commend the garden for its 50 years of service and wish it continued success.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

1. 2026-03-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• legislative commendation
• Georgia Senate resolution
• conservation and horticulture