10 Things About Ari Novy & San Diego Botanic Garden
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”
Each year San Diego Botanic Garden is visited by thousands of people from around the world who enjoy the scenic trails and inspiring vistas of this nationally recognized botanic garden. The San Diego Botanic Garden’s mission is to create, share and apply plant wisdom in our world as well as empower people of all backgrounds, ages and interests to improve their lives and our world with its wonder. Ari Novy first visited San Diego Botanic Garden as a tourist in 2016 and knew immediately it was a special place. When the Garden’s long-time CEO Julian Duval retired in 2018, Ari was selected to lead the Garden into the future.
#1 I grew up in rural western New Jersey.
#2 My grandmother started college but had to quit to help her family during WWII. In her 50s she went back to school and did not stop until she earned her PhD in her 60s. She taught me that there is no stage of life where you stop learning and contributing.
#3 I used to be the Executive Director of the US Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.
#4 Even though I am a super plant nerd (I have a PhD in plant biology), I also love books, art and history. My BA is in Italian literature and history.
#5 I would love to see Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. It opened in 2011 and is described as one of the most amazing gardens in Asia.
#6 I am beyond excited to visit any botanic garden anywhere in the world. I love seeing how different cultures celebrate and show off their plants.
#7 I believe plants have the power to save the world. They are our food, medicines and the most beautiful things in nature. I cannot think of anything I would rather do than tend to our garden.
#8 In collaboration with the City of Encinitas, the Garden has been restoring 15 acres at Cottonwood Creek Park, near Moonlight Beach. Visitors to this area will now enjoy improved endangered bird habitat, seasonal flowering of native plants, and increased area safety.
#9 Our Science & Conservation team leads several conservation projects that take place offsite the Garden’s grounds. We are involved in collection, propagation, and restoration of numerous native plants throughout the County, from Anza Borrego to Otay Mountain Wilderness.
#10 The Garden Party will raise funds for various onsite projects and help us grow our science, conservation, and education programs.
San Diego Botanic Garden
The Garden Party
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022
4-8 PM
San Diego Botanic Garden
www.sdbgarden.org/GardenParty.htm
