Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s gala declared a ‘massive success’
Star attraction: Dr. Suzanne Simard, TED Talks star, author of "Finding the Mother Tree"
Brooklyn Botanic Garden honoree and Better Earth Award recipient Dr. Suzanne Simard. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Gabriele Holtermann
By Lucien Clough
June 13, 2024
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WASHINGTON AVENUE — The Brooklyn Botanic Garden recently held a gala the planners called “massively successful,” largely attributable to a special guest: the renowned forestry scientist Dr. Suzanne Simard.
Your table awaits.
The gala came at an important moment for the BBG: As it continues to protect its plants from the impacts of climate change, it also struggles to maintain the impressive diversity already on display.
“The gala was a success in every way: socially, spiritually, artistically, and financially,” said BBG President and CEO Adrian Benepe in an interview with the Eagle.
The gala was filled with lively festivities, including a performance from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and artistic displays of birds and insects. This year, it also concluded with the first after-party since Pre-Covid.
Protective tent was not really needed on a day of perfect weather.
“We surpassed our goal, raising more money than since pre-COVID,” continued Benepe. “This is essential, especially as we continue to work to fill the hole created by NYC funding cuts for cultural institutions.”
The large turnout was, in part, a result of Simard’s presence at the gala. Simard’s TED Talks have been viewed millions of times on YouTube, and her book, “Finding the Mother Tree,” is a New York Times Bestseller.
Adrian Benepe, president of BBG.
Speaking to a crowd of over 500 attendees, Simard gave a personal and moving speech about her work with indigenous tribes in Canada, the incredible communities trees build with one another and how our understanding of plants should shape our role as caretakers of the planet.
Former BBG chairperson Earl Weiner leads the walk from the cocktail party to dinner.
In a recent interview with the Eagle, Benepe praised Simard’s work, stating that many of her experiments and findings will lay the groundwork (and rootwork) of the environmental developments that the BBG hopes to do to ensure the safety of their plants.
The gala also saw the unveiling of the BBG’s newest exhibition, Natural Attractions: A Plant-Pollinator Love Story, which includes art installations, interactive displays and events that will unfold across the summer.
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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
