“What you are endeavoring to do here, to educate people about the benefits of using natives... gives me great joy. I hope all who come here will find their pleasure in our living world enlarged and enriched.” Lady Bird Johnson The former First Lady wrote these words when The Native Plant Center was established in 1998 as the first affiliate of her center in Texas. The trailblazing founders of The Native Plant Center designed the signature demonstration gardens and educational programs at Westchester Community College that have since nourished wildlife and taught thousands of students of all ages about native plants. The Native Plant Center kicked off its 25th anniversary with a Texas-style barbecue in homage to Mrs. Johnson. The Center also endowed a scholarship to be awarded yearly to an Environmental Science or Environmental Studies student at Westchester Community College. The first recipient was Jayden Cancellaro, whose passion is “making the world a safe and accessible place for all.” He was so determined to earn his associate degree, that he commuted two hours each way to school. Mrs. Johnson’s daughters, Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson, were honorary chairs of the event along with founder and former Foundation Board Chair Betsy May Stern. Event honorees were the Healthy Yards Program and Rosedale Nurseries, Inc. Special charter recognition went to longtime supporters Catherine Campbell, Michele Hertz & Larry Friedman, Sandra Morrissey, Rye Garden Club, Carol Sommerfield, and Kristine Wycisk. “Mother was so proud of The Native Plant Center. And we, her daughters, remain so…Your work was Mother’s hope for tomorrow!...With pride in your accomplishments and applause for your continued dedication to making our world a more beautiful one for all!” SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS THE NATIVE PLANT CENTER An excerpt from a letter from Mrs. Johnson’s daughters, read at the party. 32
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