THE EVANS LIBRARY PRESENTS

The Nature of Florida Tech

The Botanical Garden

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise."

- George Washington Carver

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"Before 1900, the natural shelter of tall trees, rich soils and water protected abundant plant and animal species. An ancient and vibrant Florida hammock, the basis of the gardens, is among the most productive of Florida landscapes. Known as Cat Head, early settlers marveled at the flocks of Carolina parakeets and fished the Crane Creek tributaries you see today."

Source: "Florida Tech Botanical Garden: The Garden Unfolding" brochure

Those who have been around Florida Tech's campus for a few years have witnessed a remarkable change in the Botanical Gardens in the past year. Acknowledging not only the natural beauty of these 35 acres, but the botanical treasure that it is, Florida Tech President, Anthony Catanese has lead the effort to nurture the garden back to its original beauty. In addition, new plantings are occuring on a regular basis. Public gathering arenas, whether for a twosome or a large group, are strategically placed along paths throughout the garden. The garden offers to all a place of peace and quiet study, an opportunity to sit or to stroll, to listen and to learn.

In recognition of these continuing campus-wide efforts of beautification, the Evans Library invites patrons to learn more about the garden and the wildlife that call it home.

"In the early 1960s, [Florida Insititute of Technology founding president] Jerry Keuper enlisted the support of Dent Smith, a retired Wall Street executive and avid collector of rare palms. Smith [founder of The Palm Society] contributed to establishing the college's collection of rare palms. The Dent Smith trail winds through one of the largest collections of exotic palm trees in the continental United States."

"Florida Institute of Technology" by Gordon Patterson

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

- Greek proverb

The Botanical Garden contains more than 2,000 palms. Over 200 species of palm - some very rare - stretch skyward, their sword-like fronds forming a cooling canopy in the hot Florida sun. In addition to palms, the fertile soil of this sub-tropical hammock feeds a multitude of other plants such as the swiss cheese philodendron, the false petunia, crotons, holly tree, white sapote, silk tree, and more.

Patrons visiting the library display are offered a supplemental brochure that lists many of the Library's resources along with additional information on tropical plants and gardens.

In addition, a Power Point presentation provides additional display color and allure to the natural beauty just outside our doors.

"I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do."

- Willa Cather ("O Pioneers", 1913)

Some of the Evans Library resources on display include:

In addition to the flora, the "jungle", as the botanical garden is affectionately called by campus affiliates, is home to a multitude of fauna as well. Birds of prey and birds of song, raccoons, snakes, frogs, turtles, fish, and insects make this Florida hammock their home.

This [still] little critter, measuring about 3 feet in length, has been the topic of frequent conversations throughout the Florida Tech campus. Does he have family???

Photo credit: Dr. David Cook

Some Internet sites related to botanical gardens

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now."

- Chinese proverb

"The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness."

- John Muir

This Web site is only a small supplement to the wealth of library resources available for patrons to discover. After strolling through the botanical garden and enriching your senses with the natural beauty and sounds it offers, stop by the Library and discover more about this rich and diverse life source.

This site is presented by the Florida Institute of Technology Evans Library Instructional Programs Team.

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Photo credits, unless noted: Joanne M. Savage

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