The Botanic Garden at 快猫app短视 has launched the Emerging Professionals Board, a new opportunity for early career leaders to deepen their community engagement while advancing the Garden鈥檚 mission to protect, nurture and share the wonders of the natural world. 

The board will consist of up to 30 members with no more than ten years of experience in their profession who are, or become, members of the Garden upon joining. Members will serve a term of one or two years while actively contributing to the board鈥檚 work. Each member serves on one of four committees: adult education and events, youth education and events, family education and events, or outreach education and events. Members will also attend monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and committee meetings.

鈥淭his is a really exciting initiative that I am personally enthusiastic about as this board is aimed at bringing a broader audience into the Garden,鈥� said Todd Beasley, Ed.D., director of the Botanic Garden.

In addition to their leadership and planning responsibilities, board members will support the Garden鈥檚 mission through fundraising and event engagement. Each member is required to raise a minimum of $250 annually through corporate donations, personal contributions or membership purchases. Members are also expected to participate in signature initiatives such as plant sales, member celebrations, major fundraising events and community outreach programs. Board service will require a commitment of two to six hours per month on average.

The Emerging Professionals Board is self-managed, with officers including a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, along with committee chairs who serve on the executive committee. The board is supported by Beasley and Trent Davis, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies, who serve as institutional advisors connecting the board to the Garden’s broader strategic direction.

鈥淏y having Dr. Trent Davis, a Georgia Southern expert on nonprofit organizational management, working with us to mentor participants, the professional development opportunity we are offering should deepen the experience our next generation of leaders can showcase for future service,鈥� said Beasley.

For emerging leaders seeking to invest their time and talent in a growing regional treasure, the Emerging Professionals Board offers an opportunity to lead with purpose while cultivating community impact.Individuals may nominate themselves or others by completing the . Applications must be submitted by April 10 with the first meeting taking place on April 21.

For the first time in its history, the Botanic Garden at 快猫app短视 will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning March 22. 

“We’re thrilled to finally make the Botanic Garden accessible on Saturdays,” said Todd Beasley, director of the Botanic Garden. “This expansion of hours fulfills a long-standing community request and allows more visitors to experience our unique collections and peaceful grounds. We’re especially grateful to our dedicated garden club volunteers and student workers who made this possible.”

Nestled on over 11 acres at 1503 Bland Avenue, Statesboro, Georgia, the Botanic Garden showcases an impressive collection of native species, heirloom plants and exotic flora arranged in thoughtfully designed landscapes. The Garden serves as both a tranquil retreat and an invaluable educational resource for those interested in horticulture, environmental conservation and regional history.

Additionally, the property preserves the historic farmstead of Dan and Catharine Bland, blending horticultural displays with cultural legacy through educational exhibits that tell the story of this significant Statesboro landmark.

With this expansion, the Botanic Garden’s complete schedule now includes:

• Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• NEW! Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 for the general public, with free entry for Garden members and students with valid ID. Annual memberships, which include unlimited free admission and special event invitations, are available starting at $35.

For more information on upcoming events, educational programs, or membership opportunities, visit or call 912-478-1149.

About The Botanic Garden at 快猫app短视
The Botanic Garden at 快猫app短视 is a living laboratory and public garden dedicated to connecting people to plants and inspiring environmentally responsible behavior. Through its collections, displays and programs, the garden promotes knowledge and appreciation of the native plants and animals of the Southeastern Coastal Plain.

The Botanic Garden at 快猫app短视 has received a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum of Library Services鈥� Museums for America program to help regional educators teach science more effectively. The grant, totaling more than $110,000, supports the ASTERS (Adventures in Science, Teaching, Exploration and Resourceful Stewardship) program. In development since 2009, the program uses movement and hands-on outdoor activities to engage teachers and students with the content and skills they will need to solve scientific challenges. The project will help to build significantly on a successful partnership between the Botanic Garden, the University鈥檚 biology department, the 聽College of Education and area schools. The ASTERS program employs purposeful movement, problem-solving simulations and hands-on grade specific curricula to provide new ways for teachers to effectively teach biology and environmental sciences. After attending three-day trainings at the Garden, where they will learn concepts, curricula and activities, teachers will return to the classroom to work with students on a chosen project. Over an extended time period, students might work together on a variety of activities culminating in the design of a national park or the rescue of an endangered species, for example. The students will then visit the Garden as a class to 聽enjoy a game of pollination tag, track deer through the Garden and many other active, outdoor activities designed to give students hands-on experience with important concepts. 鈥淲e believe children learn best when they are having fun and actively exploring a concept,鈥� said Kathy Tucker, education coordinator for the Garden and ASTERS mastermind. 聽 Tucker, who engaged students in active learning simulations as a middle school teacher in Bulloch County Schools鈥� gifted student Quest program, spent long hours developing curriculum that meets state science standards and also will be fun for the students. 鈥淲e have curriculum for each grade level from kindergarten through sixth grade,鈥� added Tucker. 鈥淭eachers can implement it in the classroom, then bring their classes to the Garden for a fully funded field trip so the children can apply concepts out in the Garden. Everyone, including me, has a wonderful time, and we learn by doing.鈥� Garden Director Carolyn Altman is pleased that the Garden will have three years to focus on ASTERS. 聽 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to reaching out to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) community,鈥� said Altman. 鈥淪TEM tends to focus on engineering, but as the recent weather-related events have demonstrated, many of our challenges will be prompted by biological issues, which affect our way of life — clean air, clean water, climate and agriculture. The solutions to these challenges, whether they are engineering or otherwise, will require a strong biological understanding.鈥� Teachers interested in participating in the ASTERS program should contact the Garden at 912-871-1149. About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation鈥檚 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit and follow IMLS on and .   快猫app短视, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit