Plan to join us on Tuesday, January 3 to kick off an exciting year for the Memphis Horticultural Society! Our speaker is Dow McVean of the Big River Park Conservancy who will provide an overview of the long-term vision and recent progress in converting 1,500 acres of seasonal farmland across the river from downtown Memphis to natural woodland.  The plan will incorporate wetlands restoration and create recreation amenities such as hiking trails, bike paths connecting to the adjoining 110-mile Levee Trail, event spaces, and areas for play and nature interpretation. The park will serve Memphis, West Memphis, and surrounding communities. In addition, restoration of park properties — wetlands and floodplains — will reduce silt and agricultural run-off into the Mississippi River during periodic flooding. The project includes ensuring the financial resources to sustain park management and operations in perpetuity. See the Convervancy’s website for more information:  http://www.br-si.org/big-river-park

Dow’s presentation will be held in the Goldsmith Room at the Memphis Botanic Garden at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is free for all attendees. Contributions to the Big River Park Conservancy are encouraged.