Texas botanists will collaborate with other U.S. institutions and international personnel to conduct research in threatened forests of Southeast Asia. FORT WORTH, Texas (August 28, 2018) – Researchers at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) have received a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct a project titled “Plant Discovery in the Southern Philippines.” Dr. Peter Fritsch, BRIT’s Vice President of Research, will head the team as Principal Investigator with co-Principal Investigators Dr. Taylor Quedensley (BRIT), Dr. Darin Penneys (University of North Carolina at Wilmington), and Dr. Daniel Nickrent (Southern Illinois University Carbondale). The project begins this month and field expeditions will begin in the spring of 2019. The Philippines...

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 31, 2020) — The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) is excited to announce the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) award designation to Director of Philanthropy Sara A. Richardson. The CFRE credential is awarded to those who have met a series of standards set by CFRE International, including a tenured profession, education, and high achievements in fundraising. They must also pass a rigorous written examination that tests the knowledge, skills and abilities required in a fundraising executive. The certification identifies those who can best perform fundraising duties with corresponding ethical commitment, and who agree to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights. "Sara is an exceptional fundraiser who cultivates and maintains excell...

Conservation standouts in their respective fields, both Mittermeier’s have made significant impacts on preserving the variety of plant and animal life on Earth and protecting its ecosystems The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) is proud to announce that Cristina Mittermeier and Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier are recipients of its 2020 International Award of Excellence in Conservation for their conservation achievements and their ongoing work in biodiversity and communicating the trials and successes of species and ecosystem survival. Lauren-Ashton and John Moncrief will serve as event chairs for the award gala to be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at Palmwood Event & Conference , Frost Tower, Fort Worth, Texas. Both Mittermeiers have devoted their lives to protecting Earth’s na...

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas condemns all forms of racism and intolerance. We strive to uphold the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and speak out against acts of violence and racism. We stand with our community members, partners and colleagues across our city and our nation, including: American Public Gardens Association https://www.publicgardens.org/news/article/association-statement-racism-and-violence American Institute of Biological Sciences https://www.aibs.org/position-statements/20200604_statement_on_racism.html American Alliance of Museums https://www.aam-us.org/2020/06/02/for-museum-leaders-who-want-to-do-better/ Botanical Society of America https://cms.botany.org/home/resources/bsa-statement-diversity-and-inclusion.html City of Fort Worth htt...

Both organizations adhering to recommended health and safety guidelines Starting June 1, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden will reopen from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only, with the first and last hour of the day reserved for GROW members only (8–9 a.m. and 5–6 p.m.). Starting June 13, the Garden will reopen also on weekends. “We know that people are excited to get back outdoors and enjoy some fresh air surrounded by the beauty of the Garden,” said Bob Byers. “We’re delighted to reopen our gates.” ​Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at fwbg.org to allow for contactless payment and specific entry times. To protect the health of all, guests, staff and volunteers will be screened before entry to ensure they do not have a high temperature or other COVID-19 symptoms. The Garden Center w...

In a historic vote today, the Fort Worth City Council approved a 20-year agreement for the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) to manage the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, ensuring the Garden’s long-term sustainability and building upon a successful collaborative partnership built over the past several years. “ We are excited by the potential of working together with the staff, patrons and supporters of the Botanic Garden to make it an even greater resource and attraction for our City and the North Texas region," said Ed Schneider, president of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. After years of study, public involvement and task force recommendations, the BRIT Board of Directors saw the opportunity for significant growth and improvement through both organizations working toget...

Threatened plants and endangered habitats still need our protection. Children and families still need to be encouraged about the value of nature and being outside. In good times or bad, all of life depends on plants – without plants we cannot live. The COVID19 crisis has challenged the momentum of our work.Donations and memberships have nearly halted over the past month, threatening these crucial efforts. You have already been a part of the early successes achieved through the collaboration between BRIT and the garden. Now and through May 5, 2020 the BRIT and Garden community will come together for North Texas Giving Tuesday Now, an emergency giving opportunity to support nonprofits in our region. If you can, we are asking for your support on this emergency giving day. If you prefer to giv...

DR. ED SCHNEIDER RELEASED THE FOLLOWING TODAY: Dear Friends, As I write this, blooming bluebonnets and other wildflowers on the BRIT campus remind me that it’s spring, a favorite season for botanists and for all of us who love plants. Sadly, it has also become a season of crisis and caution due to the COVID-19 virus. Accordingly, following Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth mandates to curb the spread of the virus, BRIT will temporarily close beginning today through April 22. For their health and safety, all of our employees will be sheltering at home during this time. Just as the wildflower seasons come and go, we know that this season too will surely pass. Until then, please know this: We are in this thing together . We are in it with your families, friends and loved ones. We are in i...