Training emerging ecologists in outreach through botanic gardens contributes to environmental stewardship and transformation of the culture of science

Background/Question/Methods

Environmental stewardship requires sound research that is ultimately owned by a public empowered to care for nature. This in turn requires that scientists gain skills and comfort in working with the differing skill sets, styles and values in an increasingly multi-cultural public. The translation from scientific discovery to incorporation in decision-making has traditionally been strongly hierarchically structured and indirect. Neither this approach nor direct scientist engagement of the public has been particularly effective. Scientists lack pedagogical training for public scientific empowerment, while K-12 and outreach educators often lack scientific currency. The result is a frustratingly limited sphere of influence for an increasingly rich science knowledge. The challenge is to integrate the needs, skills and knowledge of all interactors for effective knowledge transfer and environmental attitude change.

Results/Conclusions

Botanic gardens house living collections of plants—integral to everyone’s lives—in settings where public accessibility is substantial and public engagement a core mission; they are ideal places for transferring ecological knowledge to the public. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (www.phipps.conservatory.org), Pittsburgh, PA, evolving from a major focus on ornamental horticulture to a greater connection to primary discovery about plant diversity and function, conservation and sustainability, and healthy living, is also increasingly emphasizing leadership and education toward positive environmental change via actions in everyday life. 

Phipps' Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program fosters the best in botanical field-oriented PhD research nationally, while enhancing the role of its fellows in the dissemination of that research to the public by providing funds for conducting fieldwork, and training and experience onsite at Phipps in cross-disciplinary, interactive public engagement. BIA has provided support to 37 PhD students, at 14 universities around the US, and conducting field research in 22 countries, with primary foci in ethnobotany (especially medicinal plants), plant diversity and conservation, and plants’ roles in urban/ecosystem integration. By working with Phipps science education staff in communication workshops, leading youth education programs at the conservatory and local schools, presenting in public science symposia, and helping develop and being featured in conservatory exhibits, these rising scientists' effectiveness in the dual role of knowledge discovery and its incorporation in the broader culture is enhanced. Post-PhD, fellows consistently continue to contribute to research while disseminating knowledge to Phipps' local public, their own communities and the communities in which they conduct their research, with increased emphasis on engaging underserved youth. BIA can serve as a scalable model for other institutions.