April 25, 2022
Dear Member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly,
The Pennsylvania Public Horticulture Coalition (PPHC) is a coalition of diverse public gardens and related-horticulture entities throughout Pennsylvania. Our organization was formed in 2021 after we collectively determined that our industry needed a unified voice in Harrisburg following the adverse effects of COVID-19.
PPHC strives to be the leading voice for Pennsylvania’s dynamic public horticulture industry, so all citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of our members.
We write today as a collective offering its full support for efforts to create a Growing Greener III initiative. With a focus on preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources while stimulating economic growth in our communities, Growing Greener III represents the type of public policy consideration needed in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania offers an eclectic mix of big cities and sprawling natural space that makes it one of the most desired destinations in the country. We welcome millions of visitors to our communities each year, and our natural resources help tourism remain a driving force in our economy. PPHC members embrace our role in the state’s tourism industry and are proud of our concurrent position as active players in agriculture.
Combining these paramount interests, PPHC recognizes the substantial benefit that could be derived from driving new funds into programs supported by Growing Greener III. Efforts to maintain and bolster the natural beauty of Pennsylvania align with the goals of our organization, and we encourage lawmakers to consider these benefits as they debate this measure.
Growing Greener III legislation has garnered bipartisan support in both the state House and Senate, and it was a prominent point in the governor’s budget proposal. With substantial federal funds available to support the initiative and its potential $500 million investment, we hope lawmakers consider including this program with the state’s final budget plan this spring.
While our coalition is rather new, our member-organizations are deeply rooted in our communities. We take great pride in ensuring our communities embrace the benefits afforded by our state’s horticulture industry, and we believe Growing Greener III presents opportunities to strengthen these benefits for years to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Pennsylvania Public Horticulture Coalition
Keith Kaiser
Co-Chair, PPHC
Executive Director
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Mandy Santiago
Co-Chair, PPHC
Executive Director Tyler Arboretum
Pennsylvania Public Horticulture Coalition Members:
American Public Gardens Association
Awbury Arboretum
Bartram’s Garden
Chanticleer Garden
Hershey Gardens
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries
Longwood Gardens
Morris Arboretum
Natural Lands
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Philadelphia Zoo
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Tyler Arboretum
