Silver and Gold Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 11

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RBG Celebrates 150

Royal Botanical Gardens is commemorating Ontario and Canada ’ s 150th anniversary with year-long celebrations showcasing the diversity of Canada and RBG ’ s unique landscapes .
RBG programming aims to connect visitors to Canada and Ontario ’ s heritage and our environment , and one such connection is the Canadian debut of the Nature Connects exhibit . Those who love LEGO will love Nature Connects . Created with over 300,000 LEGO pieces , this exhibition ( May 20 to August 20 ) features 14 sculptures by New York artist , Sean Kenney .
Other programming connecting
Canadians to RBG includes the 2017 Speaker Series , featuring informative lectures exploring Ontario ’ s history and connections to the natural world , and a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony ( June 29 ) at the historic Rock Garden .
Much of RBG ’ s programming takes place outdoors , and visitors will discover beauty and history through RBG landscapes and unique horticultural displays . The Biodiversity Celebration ( May 22 ) lets guests explore Ontario ’ s nature , while the Canada BioBlitz ( July 21-22 ) encourages visitors to learn about Ontario ’ s biodiversity through handson exploration , with local scientists and community organizations .
In September , RBG is partnering with Anishinabek elders and traditional teachers to create the Indigenous People and Plants Discovery Trail . The trail will showcase Anishinabek culture ’ s relationship with Ontario ’ s native flora .
Celebrations will include a full lineup of concerts , art , culinary experiences , and cultural programs . Garden Music Nights live summer concert series returns to beautiful Hendrie Park , and will be kicked off with a special signature performance . The Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection will continue to grow with the addition of new installations to Hendrie Park , and RBG founder T . B . McQuesten will also be celebrated through sculpture at the Rock Garden .
2017 proves to be one of the busiest years in the Gardens ’ history , and one that will fittingly celebrate all we have to be proud of as Canadians .•
Canadian Winter Traditions at RBG !
PRESENTED BY
Step into the Ice Age with this winter ’ s coolest exhibit !
January 21 to April 17 , 2017
10 a . m . to 5 p . m .; RBG Centre
Ice Age Mammals exhibit produced by Canadian Museum of Nature , in partnership with Montreal Science Centre , Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre .
www . rbg . ca / bigfreeze
RBG Centre , 680 Plains Road West Hamilton / Burlington , Ontario
If you love LEGO ® , you ’ ll love Nature Connects !
MAY 20 to AUGUST 20 Hendrie Park
George “ Rinaldino ” Teichmann
Silver & Gold Magazine ~ Spring 2017

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