If you become a Friends member, you and a guest are invited to attend the Friends’ exclusive members-only reception for Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise. On Friday, September 27th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you’ll explore the USBG’s newest exhibit on opening night!

Most plants are relatively harmless, but beware some of the unique survival features plants have evolved to defend themselves against herbivores, infection, and plant competitors! Explore this new multisensory exhibit that shares the ferocious side of the bright and beautiful plant world. Plants have engaged in a millennia-long evolutionary struggle with their animal and plant competitors, and some people can experience negative consequences from touching, consuming, or, in rare cases, sitting beneath them. But some of the chemicals that cause harm can also be used for human good: more than half of pharmaceutical drugs are originally derived from plants. It’s a plant’s world; we are just living in it!

It wouldn’t be a celebration without food and drinks! Savor passed hors d'oeuvres and a station with an assortment of domestic and imported cheeses, antipasti, local farm fresh crudites, roasted root vegetables, and more. For dessert, ring in the start of fall with s'mores bites and mini spiced pumpkin cakes. Raise a glass in celebration with wine, beer, and a pear ginger shrub mocktail.

We would be thrilled to welcome new members and celebrate this new exhibit with you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach us at friend@nfusbg.org.