PARTNERS MAKE GARDENS GROW
The Association partners with governmental and non-profit organizations to further our mission.
United States Forest Service
The mission of the United States Forest Service is “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” Its motto is “Caring for the land and serving people.”
The American Public Gardens Association and United States Forest Service share an agreement to mutually promote programs and allow The American Public Gardens Association member institutions to sustainably collect plants on United States Forest Service Lands for research and collections expeditions.
The American Public Gardens Association has embarked on several partnership agreements with the US Forest Service in recent years. In the true spirit of partnership, both sides benefit. American Public Gardens Association recently signed our second MOU with the USDA – US Forest Service that is in effect through May of 2025.
On signing the second MOU with American Public Gardens Association, Forest Service Associate Chief Mary Wagner said, “This MOU recognizes our longstanding partnership and mutual interest in conserving and managing biological diversity, and our common desire to expand our work together throughout the country.”
The broad agreement relates to the conservation and management of plant species and their habitats and ecosystems through cooperative efforts. It includes provisions for both formal and informal conservation education programs for children and adults. It allows American Public Gardens Association members access to US Forest Service lands and resources, streamlining the plant collecting permit process and encouraging mutual training and development programs as well as mutually beneficial conservation projects and strategies.
United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
We have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive, to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world, and to preserve our Nation’s natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.
National Pollinator Garden Network
The National Pollinator Garden Network (NPGN) is an unprecedented collaboration of 26 national, regional, conservation and gardening organizations in support of the President’s Executive Strategy to “Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators.” The Network launched The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge to mobilize America’s extensive gardening community and support them in making more native and non-invasive pollen and nectar producing plants available in their gardens.
United States Botanic Garden
In 2020, the U.S. Botanic Garden and the American Public Gardens Association initiated the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program. Since its inception, the program has provided financial awards to 80 urban agriculture projects nationwide, promoting public garden participation in collaborations that combine food growing and education while addressing food security challenges facing communities.
Having established a strong foundation of public garden engagement in community-based urban agriculture collaborations, the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program is poised to pilot a new component focused on growing urban agriculture capacity and leadership in the public gardens community.
PREFERRED PARTNERS
Our Corporate Partners support the public horticulture sector.
Bartlett Tree Experts
Bartlett Tree Experts helps customers maintain healthy trees and shrubs through services including pruning, fertilization, soil analysis, pest and disease management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems, and tree/stump removal. With an experienced staff of arborists as well as a unique scientific research facility, Bartlett offers unparalleled expertise, innovation, and service in the arboricultural industry.
BHS Insurance
BHS Insurance currently insures over 60 public gardens across the United States. Working closely with the American Public Gardens Association, BHS has focused on meeting the unique and sometimes challenging needs of public gardens. Sharon VanLoon and Kim Slager are committed to providing comprehensive coverage along with valuable services and support to our garden clients.
