Monk Botanical Gardens sign. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Executive Director of Monk Botanical Gardens is stepping down, weeks after controversy swirled around the outdoor learning center and garden.
Darcie Howard announced her resignation on Wednesday, effective in early July. No specific date was given.
“We would like to thank Darcie for her seven years of service to the gardens. We are grateful for her accomplishments and efforts to forward the mission of the gardens and in particular, for the development and implementation of the environmental-based education programs enjoyed by many,” said Board President Paul David in a press release.
Leaders also thanked Howard for “past accomplishments” and added that they look forward to “a renewed sense of excitement” in the garden’s future.
The statement did not include comments from Howard. It comes roughly one month after leaders at the Garden reversed course on a name change, which caused tension with the community and the Monk family. An online petition to reverse the change gained thousands of signatures in a matter of days and local printers created yard signs supporting the Monk name.
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The move caused the Gardens’ social media team to limit comments on their posts and eventually led to a series of closed-door meetings that ended with the name being restored in mid-May.
Leaders cited a desire to emphasize the Gardens as a Wausau attraction with the name change. In a statement to WSAU News following that decision, Board President Paul David said if a further name and branding revision occurs, the name will include “Robert W. Monk.”
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