Georgia Southern University’s Botanical Garden Renamed Garden of the Coastal Plain at Georgia Southern University

August 29, 2012

The Georgia Southern Botanical Garden is receiving a new name as part of its 25^th anniversary year.  Effective Sept. 1, the garden will be known as the Garden of the Coastal Plain at Georgia Southern University.  The new name is designed to reflect the garden’s growing reputation as a popular destination for tourists, schools and more.

“This new name will help us as we pursue greater regional recognition,” said Carolyn Altman, director of the Garden.  “The new name incorporates the Garden’s mission, focusing on the natural and cultural features of the southeastern coastal plain.”

Altman points out that the name also clearly connects the Garden to Georgia Southern.  “Including Georgia Southern University in the title clarifies and reinforces the important relationship between the Garden and the University, and introduces Georgia Southern as a University to people who may be unfamiliar with the growing institution.”

The Garden of the Coastal Plain at Georgia Southern is an 11-acre natural and historical site located in Statesboro.  The Garden attracts thousands of visitors each year and offers a wide variety of gardens, trails, the Bland farmstead and the popular Weathervane Barn Exhibit.  One of the most recent additions to the Garden has also become one of the most popular attractions for visitors of all ages — the Oak Grove One Room Schoolhouse. The authentic early 20^thcentury schoolhouse provides visitors with an opportunity to not only see how children were taught, but to experience lessons first hand through creative programs designed to educate and entertain.

The Garden is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to7 p.m.  and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free of charge.  In addition to its normal hours, the Garden also offers rentals for special events, tours and other educational programming.  More information is available atwww.georgiasouthern.edu/garden.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  In 2012, the University was named one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.