Don Rakow - Green Spaces Are Essential: The Importance of Public Gardens and Parks in our Communities

MHG Meetings

Sponsored By: Metro Hort Group

Don Rakow

Green Spaces Are Essential: The Importance of Public Gardens and Parks in our Communities

Longtime public gardens-advocate Dr. Don Rakow will discuss some of the ways in which public gardens are identifying social and environmental needs locally and beyond, and are responding with programs that have lasting impact on individuals and communities. He will also discuss approaches to increasing accessibility and welcoming at public gardens for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Dr. Donald A. Rakow has served as the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Director of Cornell Plantations for the past seventeen years. During this time, he has led a significant expansion of Plantations’ horticultural collections, natural areas holdings, and educational programs. Recently, he oversaw the openings of the LEED Gold-rated Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center in the Plantations botanical garden. Dr. Rakow is the co-author with Sharon Lee of the first-ever textbook on the establishment and management of public gardens, Public Garden Management(Wiley and Sons, 2011). He and Ms. Lee are currently developing a follow-up book that focuses on the subject of tonight’s lecture.