"Our everyday experience tells us that things wear out and decomposition follows death. However, the earth is a closed system, and its only source of energy to combat decay and death is the sun. Only plants and other chlorophyll-containing organisms can directly convert sunlight to chemical forms of energy and thus fuel the building and maintenance of life. Simply put, we are totally dependent on photosynthesis; plants are not optional. " The Hangarter Lab

Memorial University of  Newfoundland -Botanical Garden is committed to providing research and education that supports the conservation of plant diversity and its sustainable use. Integral to the research and education is a knowledge, understanding, and concern for plants, their habitats, and the threats they face. Yet it is evident that as our world becomes more modern, our relationship with the plant world weakens. Within communities around the world, local skills and knowledge of plant lore, including its uses, properties, and even basic identification are all but disappearing.  This fact is alarming, considering that the implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainability depends upon an informed, concerned community of citizens promoting these principles. How many of us think of plants when we eat? Yet all the food we eat, directly or indirectly is derived from plants. 

Our air, medicine, clothing, and building materials depend on plants. Today, more than ever, our leisure and recreation are linked to our natural environment. Simply put, will the children of today grow up to be a generation of policy makers and decision-makers that neither know nor care about our environment? Will they be unaware of the link between human survival and sustainable development? Unfortunately, the answer could be yes unless our attitudes on plant education change drastically. 

While it is acknowledged that the need for change starts in the classroom, what steps have been taken to effectively enhance and increase botany in the curriculum? More importantly are teachers, particularly primary and elementary, adequately trained in this field of science? Feedback from teachers, youth group leaders and even parents indicate that they are not. School administrators are already faced with such overwhelming concerns as decaying infrastructures, teacher shortages, overcrowding and loss of music and art programs. Plant education is just not a priority.