Manager's Message
by Nicole Conners, Green Spring Gardens Manager
Nicole Conners (Photo credit: Fred Blott)As I write this message on a hot summer day, it is hard to imagine that the buildings at Green Spring Gardens have been closed to the public for more than 100 days and counting. We have sincerely missed our visitors and volunteers! The current reality is unbelievable. As the trails remained open this entire spring, I hope you were able to get out to the gardens to see the gorgeous spring bloom.
I also hope that while you were enjoying the gardens and taking in the natural beauty, which was definitely deeply needed this spring, you were able to support FROGS with the phone order/curbside program for the Garden Gate Plant Shop. In June, FROGS grossed more than $8,000 in sales. Please know how grateful staff is to the membership for all ways you support the Park Authority. Many memberships were sold during phone orders when we were able to share the benefits of membership with newcomers. This spring we continued to welcome many regular visitors and met many first-time visitors. Staff members are used to hearing, “I didn’t know this place was here … ,“ and it seemed that we heard that even more this season.
An opening date for the Horticulture Center and Historic House is currently being determined. The Park Authority rose to many unprecedented challenges with the pandemic, and we feel very lucky. The Park Authority never has closed facilities and cancelled programs, services, and other popular amenities in its 70-year history. Happy 70th Birthday to the Park Authority! All openings are based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, state mandates, guidance from local health officials, and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies.
What will the visitor experience be like when we do reopen? The safety of guests, volunteers, and staff remains top priority; and amenities available will be limited. Staff will be conducting regular cleaning and sanitization schedules of public and high-touch areas. We will monitor crowds and are committed to the well being of all who visit Green Spring.
Under the Governor’s order, face coverings are mandatory for indoor facilities. The Park Authority is seeking voluntary compliance with the Governor’s order, and staff will strongly encourage visitors to wear a face covering when entering buildings. Staff will wear face coverings indoors. We can provide guests with a mask when they forget. Traffic flow will be one-way, with separate entrances and exits at both buildings. At the Horticulture Center, the Library and Glasshouse will initially remain closed to the public. For purchasing items from Green Spring’s shops, we prefer to schedule a reservation for an in-person shopping experience. Details on availability and booking a time with the plant shop and/or gift shop will be available on Green Spring’s webpage and the FROGS’ webpage.
Thank you for your unending support and kind patience during these interesting times. We are truly excited to welcome back the public, to delve into the world of virtual programs, and to always connect the community to our natural and cultural resources through horticulture, education, and stewardship.
