About
Press Releases
The communications office of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin provides media with timely, accurate information about the Wildflower Center. Below are recent press releases related to Center events and to staff expertise on conservation practices, native plant gardening, nature education, and native plant resources and research findings. For more information or photos beyond those on the newsroom site, please contact:
| Communications Director Saralee Tiede 512.232.0104 stiede@wildflower.org |
Media Manager Barbra Rodriguez 512.232.0105 brodriguez@wildflower.org |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2003
Austin Parks Foundation, PODER, Wildflower Center, and the City of Austin will host the first-ever Festival de las Plantas in the new 363-acre park located along the banks of the Colorado River in southeast Austin. This festival aims to heighten people's awareness of the natural beauty and value of Guerrero Park and celebrate the cultural traditions of plant-human interactions. The event features:
- A children's pumpkin carving contest with six prizes awarded
- Guided nature tours and river walks
- Volunteers working on a new community garden
- An Arbor Day tree planting featuring 66 new trees
- Workshops and how-to demonstrations of native plant gardening
- Speakers discussing topics concerning the relationship and biodiversity of plants and people, including John Dromgoole from the Natural Gardener and Mark Blumenthal from American Botanical Council
- Environmental and regional exhibitors and vendors
- Great food representing many cultures
Entertainment and musical performances from Ceremonials Los Concheros, Mexican Indian Sacred Dancers; Mexican Indian Costumes as Fashion from El Interior Folk Art Gallery; Guelaguetza, Folkloric Dancers from Oaxaca; Folklorico/Contemporary Chicano Dance Co.; and Tejano headliner Johnny Degollado, among others, will also be featured during the event.
Guerrero Park will eventually feature community gardens, multi-use recreation areas, nature trails, a performance pavilion, and a children's adventure play village. The future plans for the park will also be unveiled during Festival de las Plantas.
