SR1054: SR1054 Atlanta Botanical Garden; recognize and commend

26 LC 112 4111 Senate Resolution 1054 By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Merritt of the 9th and Kemp of the 38th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the occasion of its 50th1 anniversary; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, incorporated in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating 50 years of3 excellence as one of the nation's premier public gardens and a treasured cultural and4 environmental asset; and5 WHEREAS, what began as a grassroots vision in 1973 has grown into a 30-acre urban oasis6 in Midtown Atlanta, serving as a space for education, conservat ion, and community7 engagement; and8 WHEREAS, over the decades, the garden has expanded significantly, including the addition9 of the Children's Garden in 1999 and the Fuqua Orchid Center in 2002, enhancing its role as10 a leader in horticulture and public education; and11 WHEREAS, continued innovation led to the completion of the Canopy Walk, now known12 as the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 600-foot elevated pathway through Storza Woods that offers13 visitors a unique perspective of Atlanta's natural landscape; and14 S. R. 1054 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4111 WHEREAS, in 2015, the garden broadened its impact by opening a second campus in15 Gainesville, further extending its mission across the region; and16 WHEREAS, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has remained deeply committed to conservation17 and research, operating the Southeastern Center for Conservation and serving as a founding18 member of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance to protect na tive plant species and19 biodiversity; and20 WHEREAS, the garden has received numerous accolades for its exc ellence, including the21 Iseli Award for its Southern Conifer Garden, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service grant22 supporting habitat restoration, and the American Public Gardens Association's Award for23 Garden Excellence; and24 WHEREAS, through dynamic programming and seasonal exhibitions, including25 community-centered events such as "Tulips at Twilight," the gar den continues to provide26 enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike; and27 WHEREAS, for five decades, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has ins pired environmental28 stewardship, fostered education, and contributed significantly to the cultural and ecological29 landscape of the region.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body31 recognize and commend the Atlanta Botanical Garden for its 50 years of outstanding service,32 growth, and commitment to conservation and community enrichment as well as extend best33 wishes for continued success in the years to come.34 S. R. 1054 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4111 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed35 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Atlanta36 Botanical Garden.37 S. R. 1054 - 3 -