A Note from Executive Director Mike Beck

Dear friends,

With all the upheaval and uncertainty keenly felt by many in our country over the last several weeks, I believe it is important to let you know that Berkshire Botanical Garden will continue to fulfill its mission to provide information, education and inspiration to our community of garden lovers, that we will continue to welcome our many thousands of annual visitors regardless of who they are or where they hail from, and that we will continue to support and nurture our hardworking staff and volunteers one and all. Despite threatened funding cuts we will continue our youth outreach efforts in area schools and provide scholarships to our young campers. And regardless of wavering federal commitment to environmental goals, we will continue to invest in sustainability efforts like our Education Building solar array.

As an organization, we state unequivocally that diversity is not a dirty word, and that equity and inclusivity are values we all aspire to. We understand that a love of the natural world is colorblind and shared by all of us, regardless of race or gender. We welcome all of you no matter your political affiliation or religious beliefs or who you love, and we believe that respect and caring should be the foundation of an enlightened country such as ours. These values are universal, and we will resist the urge to stay quiet in the face of bullying. We will not acquiesce to a normalization of hate and distrust.

Berkshire Botanical Garden has been a beacon in our community for the past 91 years. We have helped our public through the Great Depression and World War II. We provided education during times of plenty and during worldwide energy crises. We created a safe haven during a global pandemic. And throughout the years, we have thrived because of the support and kindness of all who have been a part of our Garden.

I invite and encourage you to stay connected to others and find purpose in your community in these uncertain times. We promise to be there for you as we have been all these years. And we hope you will come and visit us, learn with us, or volunteer with us in the days and weeks ahead, as we leave the darkness of winter behind with our beautiful Bulb Show, an inspiring Winter Lecture, dozens of classes celebrating horticulture, art, and food, community events and glorious exhibitions.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Thank you for being a part of our BBG family.

Sincerely,

Mike Beck