The atlanta botanical garden, through its southeastern center for conservation, will use funds to create a region-specific training program to empower conservation professionals in the…

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Inc. received a $504,280 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The award supports the development and delivery of a region-specific training program designed to build conservation workforce capacity across climate-vulnerable areas of the southeastern continental United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program will provide professional development in essential conservation practices, including conservation horticulture, seed banking, in vitro propagation, and fieldwork best practices, delivered through a hybrid model combining virtual learning and in-person workshops.

This initiative directly supports IMLS's Museums for America objectives of professional development and workforce capacity building within museum and botanical institutions. By enhancing the technical skills of conservation professionals through structured training and long-term expertise development, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will strengthen the region's ability to effectively manage plant collections and biodiversity conservation efforts. The three-year project duration allows for sustainable program implementation and sustained impact across the targeted geographic regions.

The atlanta botanical garden, through its southeastern center for conservation, will use funds to create a region-specific training program to empower conservation professionals in the climate-vulnerable regions of the southeastern continental U.S., puerto rico, and the U.S. Virgin islands. This program will focus on essential skills in conservation horticulture, seed banking, in vitro propagation, and fieldwork best practices. Through this program, the garden will enhance the skills of the conservation workforce, enabling professionals to effectively manage plant collections and biodiversity. A hybrid approach combining virtual learning and in-person workshops will build long-term, sustainable conservation expertise, fostering environmental stewardship across the southeastern U.S., puerto rico, and the U.S. Virgin islands.