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 (October 8, 2020) — The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) and Fort Worth Botanic Garden invites visitors to the newest exhibit “Topiaries in the Garden,” running Oct. 16, 2020 through Jun. 30, 2021. Featuring 12 plant-based animal shapes, such as elephants, giraffes, and butterflies, the displays are sure to stimulate a sense of wonderment and fascination. “Seeing the animal topiaries throughout the Garden gives visitors yet another reason to get outside and enjoy this beautiful fall weather,” said Vice President for Horticulture and Assistant Director Bob Byers. Topiary is a horticultural practice that trains plants to grow and develop into distinctive shapes. In this case, animal-shaped frames are stuffed with sphagnum peat moss, bound in fishing line, and t...

FORT WORTH, Texas (October 1, 2020) — Today the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) assumes nonprofit management of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden ushering in a new era for the 86-year old community favorite on its way toward becoming a world-class Garden. The Fort Worth City Council approved the 20-year management agreement with BRIT on May 19 after extensive review, assessment and public involvement, including a community task force that determined transformational change was needed for the Garden’s long-term sustainability. “Today we honor those who helped establish one of the largest botanic gardens in Texas, as well as those who had the vision to establish one of the leading botanical research and educational institutions on the very same campus,” said BRIT President Ed Schne...

Help Bella Change the World, One Seed at a Time Dear Friends, While 2020 has been full of unexpected challenges, the unfortunate reality is that the threat to endangered plants and ecosystems still exists and they still need our protection. BRIT offers a solution – one seed at a time. [Click on image above to find out more.] Help us plant the seeds of hope through outstanding outdoor education programs, world-renowned research, and valuable art and book collections. Early giving opens today for the Sept. 17 North Texas Giving Day campaign, one of the largest community giving events in the nation. We hope we can count on your support. Your gift also strengthens our partnership with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden so we can continue to reward our greatest champions (you!) with complimentary pe...

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...