Wausau Botanical Gardens rendering. Image courtesy: Wausau Botanical Gardens
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Leaders at Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau have announced a new name and logo in light of recent growth.
As of Friday, the area will be known as Wausau Botanical Gardens. The garden and nature preserve had been named for Robert W. Monk, who helped to start the garden by donating 21 acres of land to a group of volunteers.
Executive Director Darcie Howard says the name change doesn’t mean they will forget the Monk family or Robert’s legacy. They promise to integrate the Monk story throughout a planned visitor center. All tours of the facility will open with the story of his donation and leaders plan to work with the Monk family on a memorial dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Monk. “This space will be a testament to their lasting impact on our community and a beacon of growth and beauty for all who visit,” according to a press release from Wausau Botanical Gardens.
Leaders add that the change “embraces our growth and enhances the positive influence we have on our community. The Gardens has sprouted, and our impact has multiplied. We have evolved from a personal asset to an incredible community asset, and our new name reflects that journey. A name change is in the best interest of the organization and the community we serve so that our roots will continue to deepen as a community asset.
The story of Mr. Monk, his generous gift, and his visionary dream of creating beautiful gardens that offer environmental education will not be lost. In fact, that story has grown bigger than we
ever imagined! It is bigger than Mr. Monk and his family, bigger than the staff members who work here each day. That’s why we made this decision,” the release added.
The release also announced six upcoming projects designed to improve access and grow the facility, including:
1. Replace a secure fence around some of the property and a state-of-the-art security system. The fencing along the remaining acreage will focus on functionality to deter deer and protect the Gardens.
2. Create a Ginseng Garden in partnership with Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises.
3. Establish a traditional-styled English Garden. This garden will provide a “wow” factor as visitors enter and will be a beautiful and unique space for wedding ceremonies.
4. Construct a Gatehouse and parking lot, moving our entrance to 4th Ave.
5. Make all main trails accessible.
6. Complete Sara’s Storybook Garden.
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