After five years of steering Selby Gardens with a steady hand as CEO and President, Thomas Buchter announced plans to retire on October 3, 2014. We will bid Tom a fond farewell as he begins a well-earned retirement. Under Tom’s leadership, Selby Gardens ushered in one of its most impressive accomplishments in its nearly 40-year history: the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden.
“This special garden began as a dream eight years ago and became a reality with a generous lead gift from Alfred Goldstein to honor his late wife,” said Thomas Buchter, CEO of Selby Gardens.
The Children’s Rainforest showcases Selby Gardens’ world-class collection of tropical plants and provides new ways to connect and build relationships with and among children and families. Lessons, tours, interpretive programing, and activities have been specifically designed to teach children and families about biodiversity, the physical characteristics of a rainforest, and the irreplaceable roles plants have in our lives and world. The setting is a safe, natural environment to learn, discover and play in the great outdoors.
Features include huts with thatch roofs, a 12′ waterfall cascading down a rock face with lush plants, a suspended rope bridge, caves for exploring, adventure trails, and even a research station to inspire curious minds about what they may find in an actual working research center. Features were purposely designed to simulate one of the wildest places on earth–the tropical rainforest, home to half the world’s known plant and animal species.
“My goal has always been to create enduring relationships between people and the Gardens”, Buchter added. “Offering a taste of treetop living, this innovative exhibit provides visitors with countless reasons to return and will deepen their understanding and appreciation for plants and the natural world.”
Tom’s vision became a reality in late 2013. This family-friendly feature has encouraged more students, families and multi generations to learn about the beauty of the natural world. In tribute to Tom, you have an opportunity to ensure that Selby Gardens has funding in perpetuity to provide school programs. A generous matching grant provided by the Patterson Foundation, will turn every dollar you contribute to a special endowment fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County into $3.
Make your gift today to the Thomas Buchter Tribute Fund…and watch our Gardens grow!