Hurricane Irma (2017)
Montgomery Botanical Center’s collection endured severe damage from Hurricane Irma. Support for recovery is appreciated. The staff at Montgomery is working hard to save what can be saved and clear out what did not survive. It is hard work, but we are staying positive while working on the recovery effort.
The great Ylang-Ylang that was in front of Nell’s House was felled by Hurricane Irma.
Major loss of fronds can be seen in this comparison. Some palms were also lost right near the building, on the right side.
Photos of Damage and Cleanup
Jesse Harshaw and Mario Borroto repairing the main shadehouse.
Debb DuMond and Laurie Danielson assessing palm damage.
Corypha taliera after Hurricane Irma. This species is extinct in the wild, and fewer than two dozen survive in botanic gardens.
Corypha taliera, the same one, back in 2015.
To reduce water loss, we trimmed most of the leaves. We set this palm back up again! We were impressed with the large leaf.
Large live oak toppled by Hurricane Irma.
Our youngest volunteers watering a downed palm.
This large tree was a landmark that stood over our Cycad Savanna plantings.
Young volunteer collecting downed palm fronds.
Javier Francisco Ortega volunteering to remove downed branches.
The State Champion Kigelia pinnata! This sausage tree went back to Colonel Montgomery's era.
State Champion Kigelia pinnata before Hurricane Irma.
Pachystela msolo branches hit the greenhouse, but did not damage the structure.
Damage to area in front of Nell's House. Champion Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) down along with fronds.
Xavier Gratacos removing a downed Ylang Ylang tree.
This Arenga palm blocked the road, but after enough stalks were removed, it settled back into place.
Moringa trunk snapped in Cycad Savanna
STORM SURGE: this debris line was around 5 feet above sea level.
Storm Surge at Montgomery Botanical Center.
Map shows peak storm surge at MBC was between 5 and 6 feet! By Gregory Barber, Peter R. and Stuart Y. Jennings Intern.
Montgomery Botanical Center staff keeping positive while working on recovery and clean-up after Hurricane Irma.
With thousands of plants, historical properties, and a full staff of locals, planning and responding to major weather disasters can be a challenging undertaking. You can help us do both by contributing to our Disaster Recovery Fund.
