David Selk
Horticulture with the Animals
Monday March 19th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
NHS Hall Section A, Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St. Seattle, WA 98105 Map
This presentation will discuss the role of horticulture in a zoological setting. To accomplish this, a brief history of horticulture at Woodland Park Zoo will be described followed by an explanation of habitat immersion and its role in modern zoo exhibitry. This will set the foundation for a discussion of how the design of a zoological exhibit is approached from a botanical viewpoint, how plant choices are made, and what role the landscape plays in animal health, animal enrichment, the visitor experience, and education. The 100% organic rose garden and the role of pesticides in such a public setting will be touched on. Finally there will be a discussion about the challenges and rewards of maintaining a year round landscape exposed to more than a million visitors a year.
