Somehow a year slipped by without a personal comment by me about the state of affairs at MEMBG, but this time, whatever I discuss will seem trivial in light of the wicked acts of September 11 and the aftermath. I was working at a microscope in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden of South Africa, trying to explain the physiological significance of ericoid leaves, when the scientists there alerted me to events unfolding in New York. Somehow one's preoccupation with plants and nature can, and should, take a back seat to current affairs.
But the things that we cherish still need to flourish, global conflicts, energy issues, and budget shortfalls notwithstanding. Your botanical garden is stepping along to upgrade its collections with special projects like The Nest, described in this issue by garden manager Dale Witt. We greatly appreciate the gift of a new bench for our visitors. Construction on UCLA's new Plant Growth Center is just getting started--a bit later than expected--and we look forward to its opening within a year.
So, I invite each of you to consider MEMBG as one of your worthy charities for the end of the calendar year, because we need your support. All of us--staff, docents, and volunteers--are working as hard as ever to make MEMBG an important educational facility and a peaceful place for western Los Angeles.