Volunteers planting grasses - Photo by Elroy Limmer
 Presentation by Betsy Kaido and Elroy Limmer, sponsored by the Gila Native Plant Society

For its evening program on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm, the Gila Native Plant Society has asked longtime GNPS members and garden volunteers Betsy Kaido and Elroy Limmer to give a presentation on "The History of the Silva Creek Botanical Garden." The program will be presented live at Harlan Hall on the WNMU Campus in Room 111, as well as via Zoom for those who prefer to attend online. As always, the public is welcome. Anyone interested in joining in the Zoom presentation may request a link from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Elroy Limmer and other volunteers clearing rocks - Photo by Dennis Lane
The Silva Creek Botanical Garden is a long-term project of the Gila Native Plant Society. Betsy and Elroy will trace its development from a neglected property to the beautiful native plant garden it is today. Photos of the garden's development and the many volunteers who made it happen will provide the basis for this presentation.

About 20 years ago, a group of local residents started planning a botanical garden on Virginia Street, two blocks north of Highway 180, on property owned by the Town of Silver City. The spot had been used for a variety of purposes over the years but had fallen into disuse. The garden has evolved into a showcase for native plants, providing knowledge about them and encouraging people to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes. The garden is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished with volunteers—some of whom have landscaping credentials and others with no particular expertise—and a supportive local government.

Grass area of the garden - Photo by Elroy LimmerThe Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest; encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species; and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping.  For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org .