Following an in-depth review by the North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC), Montgomery Botanical Center’s (MBC) Palm Collection and Cycad Collection were both certified as Collections of National Significance.

“These are important accreditations for Montgomery Botanical, which directly verify our mission,” stated Dr. Patrick Griffith, MBC’s executive director. “Each member of the Montgomery team can share the credit for these achievements.”

Chad Husby, MBC collections manager, stated, “MBC and NAPCC share the common goal of promoting focused and responsible plant conservation. Public recognition of MBC’s palm and cycad collections reflects the success of MBC’s ongoing efforts to practice excellence in ex-situ conservation.”

Pam Allenstein, NAPCC coordinator, writes, “[MBC] stands among a prestigious group of gardens and arboreta that have committed themselves to the conservation and care of specific plant collections curated at the highest professional level.” The American Public Gardens Association (formerly the American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta), through the NAPCC, is working to promote high standards of curation for plant collections nationwide.