After receiving its largest private financial gift ever, South Coast Botanic Garden (Garden) hosted the groundbreaking for its new multi-million-dollar children and family garden and announced the “Cultivate the Future” campaign, the Garden’s largest fundraising campaign in its 63 year history.

During the event, the Garden’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adrienne Nakashima thanked Marilyn and John Long and the Long Family Foundation for their $3 million donation, the largest private gift ever received by the Garden. In addition to their financial support Nakashima recognized them for their overall support of the Garden and Mrs. Long’s dedication as a member of the Garden’s Board of Directors since 2018. In recognition of their gift and support, it was announced the newest Garden attraction will be named the Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden (MJLCFG).

According to Nakashima, “This is a monumental moment in the Garden’s history for many reasons. The Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden will bring a new dimension to South Coast Botanic Garden and will bring in families and visitors throughout the LA area and beyond. The space will have features never before seen in children’s gardens, and we have the Long Family Foundation to thank for that, particularly Marilyn and John Long for their gracious support.”

The Longs are longtime residents of the Peninsula and lifetime members of the Garden. Mr. and Mrs. Long share, “We have many memories over the years of our shared experiences with our children as they were growing up and we spent time at the Garden. Our children attended numerous science classes and summer camp programs at the Garden. We saw firsthand how our own children and other children visiting the Garden explored, learned, and thrived in nature.”

Mr. and Mrs. Long have been discussing ideas for the MJLCFG for over 10 years. They wanted this “children’s” garden to offer more than they have seen in other gardens. They admit that it was their visits to gardens in the cities of Denver and Phoenix that sparked their imaginations and provided a road map for the MJLCFG design. The Long’s want the MJLCFG not only to serve the Garden’s youngest visitors, but provide opportunities for multiple generations in each family to share in the experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Located in the northwest section of the Garden’s property, the 3.5-acre MJLCFG will feature a variety of areas for visitors to explore and experience. The Garden’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Marylynn Mack states, “For as long as there have been humans there have been youngsters learning about themselves and the world around them through playful exploration. The Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden will allow visitors the opportunity to stop and turn off the distractions of daily life and be in nature.”

Scheduled to open in 2024, the MJLCFG’s environment is designed to mirror the natural environments found throughout the Los Angeles basin. The Marine Fossil Dig area will allow visitors the opportunity to unearth simulated marine fossils that were once plentiful and can still be unearthed along the undeveloped regions of the Peninsula. The child-friendly Great Plant Maze will incorporate a variety of leaf bearing plants. It is the variety of vegetation that will open the eyes of its visitors to the assortment of native plants that surround us in everyday life, but we seldom have time to appreciate their beauty and their differences. The Fred and Peggy Hartley Foundation Pollinator Garden will serve as home to a variety of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators and provide opportunities for visitors to observe them close up as the pollinators dash about the plants gathering their pollen and nectar. The Ephemeral Streams will feature a small waterfall and a stream that neatly integrates into the variety of ecosystems as it flows through the MJLCFG. Lastly, the Fig Forest Walkway takes visitors above the MJLCFG for an elevated view of the Garden and the trees surrounding the MJLCFG.

Nakashima indicates that along with the Long Family Foundation donation, the Garden has received funding from several individuals and family foundations as well as funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Proposition A and Measure A.

According to Nakashima, “The Garden has raised 95% of the funds necessary for the Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden. Now the Garden is launching the ‘Cultivate the Future’ campaign, a $16 Million initiative in support of the Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden to help bridge the gap. We need additional support to ensure the Garden can continue to thrive for generations to come. We are constantly striving to enhance our space with new collections and exhibits that will make South Coast Botanic Garden a landmark in California.”

For more information on the “Cultivate the Future” campaign visit the Garden’s website at:

www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/cultivate-the-future/

The Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are required for weekend visits.

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Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.