NATIVE PLANT CENTER TO HONOR THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN PRESIDENT/CEO GREGORY LONG ON OCTOBER 29

The Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College is honoring Gregory Long, president and CEO of The New York Botanical Garden at an event at a private residence in Bedford Hills, New York. The evening will begin with an opportunity to stroll through magnificently landscaped gardens starting at 5:00 p.m. The Native Plant Center’s annual Acorn Award Presentation will take place inside the residence at 6:30 p.m. The event also includes a cocktail reception and silent auction. Members of the public are invited. Ticket prices start at $150, advance registration is required.

The Native Plant Center’s Acorn Award is bestowed on individuals or institutions supporting the mission of promoting the proliferation of native plants. For the past twenty years, Long has been devoted to the restoration and revitalization of the New York Botanical Garden, one of New York City’s most prominent institutions. He has emerged as a leading figure for global environmental advocacy, has supported the Garden’s scientific staff conducting invaluable research for the Flora of North America, and has overseen the restoration of the remnant Bronx River Basin Forest. In addition, he is currently spearheading the planned restoration of the historical Native Plant Garden.

During his career, Long has held positions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Museum of Natural History, The New York Zoological Society, and The New York Public Library. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from City College in New York in recognition of his “inspired stewardship” in helping to “make culture flourish in New York City.” He is the author of Historical Houses of the Hudson River Valley, and is editor of The New York Botanical Garden, a beautifully illustrated volume documenting the institution’s remarkable history and unparalleled collections.

The non-profit Native Plant Center, a project of the Westchester Community College Foundation, was established in 1998 as the first national affiliate of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, a national organization devoted to America’s native plants. The local Center has grown to a 400-member organization that educates the public with conferences, lectures and demonstration gardens. It also works with the New York Botanical Garden and a growing number of state and county departments. Its efforts have led to significant changes in Westchester’s public landscaping. The NPC works with Westchester County on plant lists and consults on native plantings on golf courses. It has also worked with the New York State Department of Transportation to create wildflower meadows along the roadsides.

For more information on Native Plant Center events, visit the web site at www.nativeplantcenter.org or phone 914-606-7715.