The first month of the Environmental Education Centre “Botania” of the National Botanic Garden, which opened on 1 February, and its staff, has been busy and full of positive feedback. Delegations from friendly and related institutions, museums and companies have also rushed to visit. And no one was disappointed!
Today marks the first month since the new Environmental Education Centre “Botania”, created with the support of the European Union Cohesion Fund, opened its doors to the visitors at the National Botanical Garden in Salaspils and started an exciting journey together with curious visitors into the story labyrinths of plant world. The first month has passed in a positive emotional mood, with smiles of satisfaction on the faces of staff and visitors alike. In February, more than 2000 curious visitors have already visited the Centre and nearly 100 positive feedback and wishes can be read at the exit.
“The kind words and positive feedback from visitors confirm that our beloved Botania has started to fulfil its main mission – to awaken interest in everyone and to invite curiosity to discover the world of plants”, says Laura Līdaka, Curator of the Environmental Education Centre “Botania”.
“In the first month’s visitor feedback we read the following: …very interesting, diverse, surprising, exciting, super-interactive exhibition, efficient, creative, responsive, kind, great, we will definitely come again, we are delighted, educational and meaningful time spent, suitable for both children and adults… These words confirm that our dear Botania has started to fulfil its main mission – to awaken interest in everyone and invite curiosity to discover the world of plants”, says Laura Līdaka, curator at the Environmental Education Centre “Botania”.
Botania has a distinct 21st-century vibe, with virtual reality glasses for underground and treetop journeys, as well as digital games on big screens, proving particularly popular with both young and elderly visitors. There is also no shortage of interested researchers, both at the microscopes and at the tables with trunks and flower scent. There is something for everyone’s taste and desire to explore! One may listen to a fairy tale in a quiet corner about the friendship between trees and mushrooms, while others may be surprised by some unknown fact about plants, found in the rich information texts.
Botania visitors appreciate the limited number of guests during the given visit. This allows everyone to enjoy the extensive exhibition and learn new skills with the unique games, devices and exhibits in a relaxed atmosphere. While staff initially estimated that visitors would most likely stay for about an hour, observations during the first month show that exploring the more than 100 plant stories with all the senses is quite exciting and can take up to 2 hours or longer.
Next month is March – the first month of nature’s awakening with fluffy willow-catkins at the of the National Botanic Garden’s ” willow-catkin forest”, the shy flowers of spring irises and snowdrops, the recklessly early awakening of hellebores. And, of course, with the splendour of the amaryllis collection and the ripening giant pomelos in the conservatory! Even four hours at the National Botanic Garden will not be enough!
We wish the new Environmental Education Centre “Botania” many positive and curious visitors, and endless energy to its staff!
Photo: Archive of EEC Botania
Information prepared by
Laura Līdaka
Curator of NBD EEC “Botania”