January 26, 2010
by Steve Campbell, Fort Worth Star Telegram
What was once Dust Bowl farmland in North Texas is poised to be on the front line of one of the nation’s largest ecological projects. Over 30 years, the rolling prairies and woodlands of the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands will serve as part of a living, changing laboratory in the first-ever continental ecological observatory.
The National Ecological Observatory Network is designed to increase understanding and forecasting of the effects of climate change, biodiversity, land-use changes, invasive species, pollution and other issues, said Dr. Michael Keller, chief scientist of the Boulder, Colo.-based nonprofit organization.
January 22, 2010
by Eric A. Christenson
Orchid expert, Eric Christenson, describes a month documenting orchids in the southeastern Peruvian Departments of Cusco, Madre de Dios, and Puno as part of the Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program.
January 4, 2010
by David Hennessey, Norwalk Citizen
Norwalk High School graduate turned botanist William Burk has spent years collecting botany and natural history children's books, all of them unique and some of them, like the 220 year-old "The Catechism of Nature for the Use of Children," precious historical relics. In 1997, Burk decided to donate his sweeping 2,045 volume collection, amassed from books fairs, sales and catalogs from around the country and valued at $22,000, to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth.
"I realized that BRIT had a strong program of educational outreach, particularly for children," Burk said. "When I was down at BRIT for a national meeting, I was really taken by the fervor of its programs. I wanted to help its cause."
- Read more from Norwalk Citizen's David Hennessey about this wonderful collection.
- Find our more about the Burk Children's Library at BRIT.
- Make plans to enjoy the full collection in BRIT's new building.
December 29, 2009
by Shirley Jinkins, Fort Worth Star Telegram
Vandagriff [Elementary School] has been recognized as one of the top distance-learning schools in the Region XI Education Service Center.
Classroom teacher Johnna Cabeen said she tries to schedule two distance-learning lessons a month. Cabeen’s class recently did a research project with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Students made "pumpkin pies" and talked about the parts of plants from which the ingredients come.
Distance-learning projects always go with something the students are studying in science, social studies, reading or language arts, Martha Bryant said.
- Read the full article by Fort Worth Star Telegram's Shirley Jinkins.
- Find our more about Distance Learning Programs offered by BRIT.
December 14, 2009
A ground breaking ceremony was held today for BRIT's new $48 million, 69,000-square-foot facility, which will be located at 1800 University Drive (at the southwest corner of Harley Avenue and University Drive) adjacent to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. BRIT will seek the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ Platinum certification for its new facility, which would be the first at that level in Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the second in the North Texas area, and the fifth in Texas. BRIT’s new home will be one of the first buildings in the region to have a “living” roof, and it will be planted with flowering plants of the Fort Worth Prairie variety suitable for the climate.
Read the full press release (pdf).
Video of the Ground breaking ceremony
Read more about BRIT's Future Home and how you can join the campaign.
November 26, 2009
By Lucien Chauvin, TIME
U.S. scientists working in the zone ... believe that Quince Mil could be put on the map for its environmental potential. 'This is a biological hotspot. There is so much out there just waiting to be identified,' says John Janovec, a botanist from the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. He sees tourists coming down to gawk at birds, tropical flowers and brilliantly colored butterflies.
Read more on the postcard from Quince MIL from TIME's Lucien Chauvin.
Read more about the Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program.
October 12, 2009
By MELINDA MASON, Fort Worth Star Telegram
'Medicine Man’: When I saw this movie recently, I thought of BRIT, the Botanic Research Institute of Texas. Why, you ask? Because Sean Connery was zipping through the steamy canopy of the Amazon rainforest 100 feet above the ground trying to find the leaf that cures cancer, and had he found it, I’m convinced he would have FedExed it (if you can do that from the jungle) to a BRIT researcher right here in Fort Worth to include in its internationally recognized herbarium. So you can see why BRIT came to mind then, as its upcoming gala, the Fete du Vin wine dinner and auction, does now. And it’s all because of plants.
Read more from the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Melinda Mason on BRIT's upcoming Fete du Vin.
October 6, 2009
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Pericles
BRIT has lost a special friend, mentor and trustee who touched our lives and our hearts through our shared work together. Through the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Suzy Peacock dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of children. Her vision and determination to make schools a nurturing and stimulating place to learn has touched the lives of countless children, educators and families.
Perhaps Suzy’s greatest legacy will be her deep caring for children. She truly loved that we were working together to help "kids and schools." She believed that each one of us had a special gift to bring to this work, and that we were all in it together, working very hard because of our shared commitment to children.
Resolved to continue her legacy, we are moving forward with the work of developing a teacher education center in Suzy’s honor. Over the last year, we have had the opportunity to dream with Suzy and create a vision for this center, setting a standard of excellence for a place that honors, nurtures and inspires teachers, preparing them to help children experience nature and learning in life-changing ways.
Suzy challenged us to remember the “heart” in our work, to never forget the child or the educator.
“I'm thinking this work we are doing together, in the service of children, teachers, leaders, schools--it also has something to do with making ‘a few rivers and other quiet things’ -- finding those incorruptible spots of grace within our schools and attending to what matters--each other.” Richard Ackerman
Although we will miss her guiding hand, we are privileged to be entrusted with reflecting Suzy’s heart in the service we provide to others. If this work touches your heart as well, let us know if you would like more information on how you can become involved.
More about Suzy's Work
Leave your own thoughts about Suzy
October 3, 2009
It was a beautiful day for the first "Lake Worth Monster Bash" at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. BRIT participated in the event by hosting an activity booth where seed balls were made by the hundreds! Eager to get their hands dirty, children of all ages made the marble sized balls out of clay, compost, and a mix of Texas and Oklahoma native wildflowers. Participants left excited to distribute their creations with hopes to see a variety of wildflowers next spring. Read more and see pictures from the day.
August 20, 2009
Carrie Donovan, science teacher at Goodman Elementary School in Arlington, Texas, received the 2009 Wendy Owsley Garrett Science Teacher Award at the BRIT Board of Directors meeting on August 20, 2009. Read more about Carrie. Read more about this award.
August 6, 2009
by Steve Campbell, Fort Worth Star Telegram
Garrett Creek Ranch Conference Center in Paradise, Texas has become the first property in Wise County to undertake native grass restoration. Through this effort, more than 100 acres have begun to return to the grasses, such as Big and Little Bluestem, Lometa Indiangrass, Blackwell Switchgrass, Sideoats Grama (the State grass of Texas), Canadian Wildrye, Green Sprangletop and Eastern Gammagrass, which fed the region 100 years ago. The property's remaining 300 acres will be added to the program over the next two years. Additionally a complete inventory of plants and wildlife has begun through which more than 450 species of plants have been identified by Bob O'Kennon, president, Texas Land Conservancy and Vice Chairman and Research Scientist, Botanical Research Institute of Texas.
August 6, 2009
REAL School Gardens and BRIT Education facilitated “Question the System” a professional development event for the REAL School Gardens’ learning community at Woodway Elementary on August 6, 2009.
Nearly 200 participants – 123 educators from 13 school districts and 69 schools, as well as 55 other members from the community - joined together to tackle tough questions regarding teaching and learning in the outdoor classroom. Participants left inspired, more connected and full of positive solutions for sparking the imaginations of students. Read more about the day, review presenters' handouts, or browse pictures from the day.
July 1, 2009
Each summer, Pinhead Institute places approximately 10 regional students at renowned scientific institutions for 6 to 10 weeks to work with leading researchers on critical issues facing the world today including biodiversity, indigenous cultures, influenza study, sustainability, habitat loss, and climate change. This summer, two students are participating in research with BRIT.
June 4, 2009
Education in Action has selected BRIT to host over 600 students in their Lone Star Leadership Academy throughout the summer. Participants in this program are distinguished students (grades 5-8) representing schools from across Texas. During the program, students have the opportunity to learn about future career and internship opportunities, visit historically, scientifically and environmentally significant sites and be part of a rare academic experience. At BRIT, these students will gain an understanding of botany and the critical work of botanists.
May 26, 2009
For the past 8 years BRIT has worked with other members of the Great Tree Ring to provide up to 2,000 free tree saplings to participants of Mayfest along with planting information to assure the successful maintenance of these trees.
Cancellation of the 2009 Mayfest in the wake of the swine flu outbreak created a dilemma for what to do with the many trees ready to be planted.
On May 26, BRIT distributed several hundreds of these trees to educators and parents as part of a REAL People Networking Event at Atwood McDonald Elementary, hosted by REAL School Gardens.
We are grateful to know that several Live Oaks and Shumard Red Oaks will be shading educators, children and their families across the area as part of this unexpected turn of events!
May 20, 2009
Have you been thinking of making a donation to BRIT and were just waiting for the right time? Now is the time!
BRIT has joined DonorBridge in its effort to help North Texans become more-informed donors and nonprofits become better collaborators. DonorBridge is a new online database to assist nonprofit organizations and donors in making mutual connections by hosting comprehensive information about hundreds of DFW nonprofits, including BRIT.
On May 20, 2009, DonorBridge will launch its public website. Also on that day, your donation to BRIT will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the generous support of the Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation.
Your tax-deductible gift to BRIT must be made via a credit card through the DonorBridge website* on May 20, 2009. The minimum matching gift is $25 and the maximum matching contribution is $2,500 per individual.
Visit www.DonorBridgeTX.org on May 20th, search for "BRIT" and ensure your donation goes even further.
* All online credit card gifts made through DonorBridge will be processed through the Communities Foundation of Texas. A credit card processing fee of 5% of the amount of the gift will be deducted from the total amount of the gift, with no charge to BRIT.
May 15, 2009 Press Release
The Great Tree Story Essay Contest is a part of The Great Tree Project. This essay contest allows third grade students from Fort Worth to share personal stories (many heart-rending) associated with trees in their communities.
This year’s grand and first prize winning authors, Jacob Coffey of Alice Carlson Applied Learning Academy, Roman Julian Mejia and Daniel Barnes, both from Daggett Montessori School and their classmates will spend a day at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on May 15 from 10:30am until 1:30pm.
Their day will begin with a videoconference connecting them with students across Texas to share their winning stories. Guest of honor, Deborah Ferguson of Channel 5 News will participate in the broadcast by reading Alan Zweibel’s Our Tree Named Steve. After a picnic lunch, the center’s biologists will give students a tree tour of the 3600 + acre center
May 12, 2009
“Lost Worlds: Stories and Lessons from the Tropical Rainforest”
Dr. Bruce Beehler, Vice President of Indonesia-Pacific Islands Division, Conservation International
Bruce Beehler is an ornithologist, tropical ecologist, and conservationist, who has visited and studied rainforests around the world. His most recent books include “Ecology of Papua” (with Andy Mitchell) and “Lost Worlds” (Yale, 2008). Beehler will summarize the main environmental, social, and political lessons learned from his studies of rainforests in Papua New Guinea, Panama, Philippines, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, India, and Madagascar. These include the importance of indigenous peoples to rainforest conservation; the need for good governance before conservation can succeed; and the nature of development. The presentation will include images of plants and animals of the rainforest.
May 11, 2009
The Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Project (AABP) has developed several important collaborative agreements with colleagues at academic and research institutions. One of the most important collaborations to date has been formed with the natural resources and conservation unit of the Regional Government of Cusco, Peru. The letter of understanding was finalized in March, 2009, and on March 31 it was signed in person by Janovec, Renan Valega (legal representative and project manager of BRIT-Peru) and officials of the Regional Government of Cusco. Janovec delivered the document in multiple copies to Texas, and on May 11th, these documents were signed by Sy Sohmer.
The purpose of the letter of understanding is to formulate a collaboration between BRIT and this governmental agency, with the goal of planning and implementing new conservation areas in Cusco, one of the most biologically diverse states of Peru. The BRIT-AABP team will form an essential base of real data and expert knowledge about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of this region of Peru. Collaborative expeditions between the BRIT-AABP team and the Regional Government of Cusco will be conducted during June-December, 2009.
Read more about the various collaborations between the AABP team and organizations in the US and Peru.
May 9, 2009
At this year's Prairie Fest, in the Prairieland area, more than 120 children used mud and native wildflower seed to create "seed balls" for distribution at the Tandy Hills Natural Area. The kids had a blast playing in the mud and doing their part to help with the restoration of the prairie. On May 9, 2009, they celebrated their handiwork by dispersing the seed balls. Read more about this beautiful gift to Mother Earth and the people of Fort Worth.
May 7, 2009 Press Release
"Building for the Future: green development in Fort Worth"
with Jyl DeHaven, CEO, Green Urban Development
The lecture is free and open to the public: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Dorothea Leonhardt Lecture Hall, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth
April 30, 2009
Biologist Edward O. Wilson, Ph.D., praised as ''one of the world's greatest living scientists'' and known as the ''father of biodiversity,'' will receive the 2009 International Award of Excellence in Conservation from the Botanical Research Institute of Texas on Thursday, April 30, 2009.
Dr. Wilson is revered internationally as a ''genius of modern science and one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century.'' Tireless at 79, he has evolved into being a leading advocate for conservation and biodiversity. A professor at Harvard University for nearly 40 years, Dr. Wilson is their Honorary Curator in Entomology, Museum of Comparative Zoology. He has also initiated the worldwide Encyclopedia of Life project to catalog the Earth's known 1.8 million species.
An author of "intellectual steel," Dr. Wilson has distilled his lifelong research by writing 22 books and over 400 technical articles. He established the field of study known as "sociobiology" with Sociobiology: The New Synthesis (1975). Two of his books won Pulitzer Prizes - On Human Nature (1978) and The Ants with Bert Hölldobler (1990). He suggests that human attraction to other living things is innate in Biophilia (1984) and in Consilience (1998), urges wider integration of the sciences.
"We are honored to present this award to Dr. Wilson," said S. H. Sohmer, Ph.D., BRIT's president and director. "He is a remarkable scientist whose accomplishments are legendary."
BRIT created the International Award of Excellence in Conservation in 1995 to honor individuals and organizations that exemplify the ideals expressed in its mission: to conserve our natural heritage by deepening our knowledge of the plant world and achieving public understanding of the value that plants bring to life. View all prior recipients.
April 30, 2009
Rarely in BRIT's history have we had the opportunity to reach out to the educators and youth in our community in such a powerful and life-changing way. Pulitzer Prize winning scientist E. O. Wilson, Ph.D., has accepted our invitation to receive the BRIT Award of Excellence in Conservation on April 30. A special breakfast and lecture with Dr. Wilson on the morning of the awards event will allow students and faculty from local universities as well as public and private schools to meet this legendary scientist and be inspired by the lessons he’s learned as a lifetime observer of the phenomena of nature.
If you want to share in this inspiring event, please consider a donation to sponsor a teacher or a local young person.
April 22, 2009
Dr. Mathias Tobler, Research Ecologist with BRIT's Andes to Amazon Project, is back from the field and on Wednesday, April 22, will present his current research on the ecology of tapirs and other large mammals such as peccaries, jaguars and ocelots in the Peruvian Amazon at a special BRIT Brown Bag Botany event.
April 20, 2009
The Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Project (AABP) team has invited Clayton Sublett, a student from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, to intern in Peru this summer. Clayton will work closely with the Peruvian AABP team to study the Sphingidae (hawk moths) of Quincemil in the Department of Cusco. In his down time, he will also work in the project gardens and assist the team during botanical explorations of the Amazon Rainforest.
Read more about other students that have interned with the AABP team over the years.
April 16, 2009
Glenn Wightman, Australia’s “barefoot botanist,” will be sharing his research in Ethnobiology Thursday, April 16, at a BRIT Brown Bag Botany event, noon to 1 p.m.
The senior ethnobiologist, based in the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts (NRETA) Biodiversity Conservation division, has spent the past 26 years working with senior Aboriginal knowledge custodians, recording and promoting knowledge to help reduce the loss of biological knowledge as elders pass away.
Wightman has been involved with 44 Aboriginal languages in north Australia and coordinated the publication of 24 books on the subject. He was also the first Australian to be awarded the auspicious Slow Food Award in 2003 for his commitment to conserving traditional Australian Aboriginal plant and animal knowledge.
April 2, 2009
"Reweaving Nature’s Web: Bringing Sustainability to 21st Century Botanic Garden Design"
with Carol Franklin, RLA, FASLA, Andropogon Associates
March 5, 2009
"DFW International Airport: Green Clean and Energy Efficient" with Jeffrey Fegan, CEO, DFW International Airport, and BRIT Board Member
March 2, 2009
The National Science Foundation recently awarded a 5-year grant totaling $368,173 to BRIT for a Research Coordination Network grant entitled “Open Science: An education network in Ethnobiology to coordinate the development of a new culture in the science classroom.”
The purpose of this innovative project is to further the field of ethnobiology education. Patricia Harrison, Assistance Director at BRIT is the Principal Investigator and is joined by a diverse team including Will McClatchey, professor at the University of Hawaii; Gail Wagner, professor at the University of South Carolina; Rainer Bussman, research botanist at Missouri Botanical Garden; Sunshine Brosi, professor at Frostburg University; Karen Hall, professor at Clemson University; My Lien Nguyen, former professor at Vassar College; and Jeanine Pfeiffer, social scientist with Earthwatch Institute.
The network will use computer-based technologies and web-based portals, such as Atrium, to facilitate a continual exchange across institutional and international borders. Materials shared will include educational methodologies, materials and experiences that engage students in scientific inquiry of traditional knowledge to advance the field of ethnobiology.
The inaugural meeting for the project will be in Charleston prior to the annual Society of Economic Botany Meeting in June, but network building is already underway through WiserEarth, an online community site. Join the online discussion.
February 18, 2009
BRIT and REAL School Gardens are now accepting proposals for a professional development conference in Fort Worth on August 6, 2009. Please consider sharing your knowledge of how to connect children, families, and schools to nature.
All teachers, principals, parent volunteers, support staff, and outside professional development providers are invited to submit proposals. This year's theme is "Question the System."
To learn more about the theme, strands, goals and details of the conference, download the
Call for Proposals PDF Document. The deadline for submitting a proposal is March 13, 2009.
For questions, please contact Pat Dorraj, BRIT Education Specialist.
February 5, 2009
"Plants and Cities: A New Relationship" with Diana Balmori, IFLA, landscape design, Balmori Associates, New York
January 15, 2009
"Sustainability and Health by Design" with Kirk Teske, AIA, LEED AP, HKS Inc.
Novemer 12, 2008
Exciting news for BRIT supporters is in the press release linked below.
The Institute for Museum and Library Services (ILMS) has awarded over $700,000 to BRIT and our great collaborators at the University of North Texas, Denton.
The importance of natural collections grows exponentially every year, because we are facing mass extinctions of so many elements of the natural world. As a result, plant collections such as those housed at BRIT (over a million at this time), document that certain species were found in certain places at certain times. This is critical knowledge. Each specimen has important information associated with it. Getting at that information from the millions and millions of specimens that exist in the world’s herbaria (plural term for the institutions that house these collections for research, education and that document the existence, or former existence, of the species those specimens represent) can be difficult.
The grant will make it easier to extract and share this critical data, not only for us, but for all of the herbaria of the world. The linked press release gives a wonderful overview of this significant grant that has been awarded both institutions.
November 13, 2008
"Will the Future Be Green?" with Hugh Hardy, FAIA
October 2, 2008
"Green Roofs from Prairie Barrens: inviting the Fort Worth Prairie into the city" with Dr. Tony Burgess
