EcoFloras, prototyped by the New York Botanical Garden and supported by a National Leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, are an innovative model for connecting people to plant collections, nature, and urban biodiversity in meaningful ways. The projects combine existing knowledge from herbaria and libraries with real-time observations of plants and biotic interactions. EcoFlora goals are: 1) to better understand urban ecosystems and urbanization, 2) the democratization of biodiversity data, and 3) to increase the understanding and appreciation of plant life. Provided with plant morphology, distribution, phenology, and ecological interaction information, participants are encouraged to explore their communities and record observations using iNaturalist, an open-source community science platform. 

Field trips, lectures, and virtual events inform, inspire, and build an active community of naturalists. Intimately experiencing urban biodiversity supports increased environmental literacy and fosters public appreciation of the natural world, while engaging urban residents in local conservation advocacy. The EcoFlora model is now being implemented by partner gardens across the United States that are innovating and adapting the model. Representatives from Chicago Botanic Garden, Denver Botanic Gardens, Desert Botanical Garden, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present their local EcoFlora projects, including individual successes and challenges.

Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy Track Sponsor:

Member Garden "Hello" Video: 
Kim Andrews, Executive Director, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (Philadelphia, PA) 

Additional Credits:
Drone footage of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens owned by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.