# UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research

> botanical garden at the University of British Columbia in Canada

**Wikidata**: [Q2466506](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2466506)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UBC_Botanical_Garden)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ubc-botanical-garden-and-centre-for-plant-research

## Summary
The UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research is a botanical garden and research institute located at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 1916, it serves as both a public garden and a center for plant research and education. The garden is part of Metro Vancouver Regional District and houses extensive plant collections from temperate regions worldwide.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1916, making it one of Canada's oldest botanical gardens
- Located at 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
- Coordinates: 49.253333° N, -123.25° W
- Part of the University of British Columbia campus
- Contains over 10,000 plants from temperate regions worldwide
- Operates as both a public garden and research institute
- Member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) with garden ID 256
- Features a treetop canopy walkway opened in 2008
- Hosts educational programs and research initiatives in plant science
- Maintains collections including Asian garden, alpine garden, and food garden

## FAQs
### Q: What are the operating hours of UBC Botanical Garden?
A: The garden is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though hours vary seasonally. Check the official website for current hours and admission fees before visiting.

### Q: What research does the Centre for Plant Research conduct?
A: The Centre conducts research on plant biodiversity, conservation, and ecology, focusing on temperate plant species and their habitats. Research areas include plant systematics, ethnobotany, and sustainable horticulture practices.

### Q: Can I host events at UBC Botanical Garden?
A: Yes, the garden offers venue rental for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Several garden areas and facilities are available for private functions, with capacity varying by location.

## Why It Matters
The UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research plays a crucial role in plant conservation, education, and scientific research in Western Canada. As one of the region's premier botanical institutions, it serves as a living laboratory for understanding plant diversity, ecology, and conservation strategies. The garden's collections represent important genetic resources for research and education, while its public programs connect thousands of visitors annually with the importance of plant life and environmental stewardship. Through its research initiatives, the Centre contributes to global understanding of plant biology and helps address challenges in biodiversity conservation and sustainable horticulture. The garden also serves as a vital educational resource for the University of British Columbia and the broader community, offering programs that range from elementary school field trips to advanced botanical studies.

## Notable For
- Canada's oldest university botanical garden, established in 1916
- Features the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, a 308-meter aerial trail system
- Houses one of North America's most significant collections of temperate Asian plants
- Maintains specialized collections including a physic garden and food garden
- Serves as a key research facility for plant conservation and biodiversity studies

## Body
### History and Development
The UBC Botanical Garden was established in 1916 under the directorship of John Davidson, British Columbia's first provincial botanist. Originally located at the university's Fairview campus, it moved to its current location in 1925. The garden has expanded significantly over the decades, with major developments including the Asian garden (1970s), alpine garden (1980s), and food garden (1980s).

### Collections and Gardens
The garden contains several distinct areas:
- Asian Garden: One of North America's largest collections of temperate Asian plants
- Alpine Garden: Features plants from mountainous regions worldwide
- Carolinian Forest: Showcases eastern North American species
- Food Garden: Demonstrates edible plants and sustainable food production
- Native Garden: Highlights British Columbia's indigenous flora
- Physic Garden: Traditional European medicinal plant collection

### Research and Education
The Centre for Plant Research conducts studies in:
- Plant systematics and taxonomy
- Conservation biology
- Ethnobotany
- Sustainable horticulture
- Climate change impacts on plant communities

Educational programs include:
- University courses in plant science
- Public workshops and lectures
- School field trips
- Guided tours
- Volunteer programs

### Facilities and Features
Key features include:
- Reception Centre with gift shop and café
- Research greenhouse complex
- Treetop canopy walkway (opened 2008)
- Multiple themed garden areas
- Educational display gardens
- Event venues and rental facilities

### Conservation Efforts
The garden participates in:
- Plant conservation networks
- Seed banking initiatives
- Rare species preservation
- Habitat restoration projects
- Public education on biodiversity

### Visitor Experience
Visitors can enjoy:
- Self-guided and docent-led tours
- Seasonal events and exhibitions
- Educational displays and interpretive signage
- Photography opportunities
- Garden shop and plant sales
- Café and picnic areas
- Seasonal highlights including spring blooms and autumn colors

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/)
3. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions