REAL Exclusive Magazine

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Children’s Rainforest

By Tracy Eisnaugle

Renderings by Don Brandes

Creative by Debbie Zaroba

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist.

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A small group of thoughtful committed citizens are actively planning to change our small corner of the world by creating the Children’s Rainforest at Selby Gardens. Fulfilling the legacy of William and Marie Selby by providing an understanding and appreciation of plant life, education and enjoyment to all who visit the garden.

The Selby Children’s Rainforest is a magical place for children and families to interact with nature in an inviting and educational environment. The garden was designed to mimic the mystic rainforest and will provide multiple areas for children and their families to explore and uncover the mysteries of nature. Built around the massive banyan tree structures at the Marie Selby Gardens, the Children’s Rainforest will offer a range of activities from swinging on rope bridges, exploring caves, using periscopes to observe underwater sea life, and splashing in a lily pond.
 

The grounds will include: the central banyan tree play area which will also function as the entrance and exit, a fern canyon, research station, canopy walk, frog and butterfly exhibit, the pond which features a 15-foot waterfall, an amphitheater, event lawn, a mixture of shelters and huts, a horticultural station, a birthday tent and an adventure trail. Designed to maximize discovering and learning as they play, the amazing site will focus on giving children a place to play freely and explore, allowing their imaginations to take them into the depths of the rainforest.

 
With construction scheduled for late 2009, the Selby Children’s Rainforest committee needs your assistance; please contact Susan McLeod, chair of the Capital Campaign and the Children’s Rainforest Committee, 941.928.4445 or ChildrensRainforest@Selby.org. You can also visit www.selbychildrensrainforest.com for additional information.