The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia is a State Government statutory authority as defined by state legislation.
The Gardens, together with the State Herbarium, are governed by the Department for Environment and Water and the Board of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.
Our Director
Lucy Sutherland
Dr Lucy A. Sutherland was appointed in 2016 as the Director of the Botanic Gardens of South Australia and State Herbarium, following her role as the National Coordinator of the Australian Seed Bank Partnership. There she worked with the leaders of Australia’s capital city botanic gardens to achieve a future vision where Australia's native plant diversity is valued, understood and conserved for the benefit of all.
Dr Sutherland is a Visiting Professor at the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru. She holds a research Masters of Applied Science (Charles Sturt University) and a PhD (London Metropolitan University) in botanic gardens management and policy. She has integrated her academic studies in ecology and the social sciences with her professional experience in botanic gardens and protected area management, policy and practice in Australia and internationally. Lucy has published and presented papers on botanic gardens focusing on such diverse topics as collections management, biodiversity and plant conservation, access and benefit sharing, nature-based tourism, education and interpretation policy and practice.
An accomplished leader, Lucy has a long history associated with botanic gardens and previous roles have included Acting Director of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Assistant Director (Policy and Strategic Planning) at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and Senior Conservation and Education Project Officer and Acting Head of Education at Botanic Gardens Conservation International (UK).
Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation raises and administers community funds to assist the Gardens with its important work in scientific research and education, and the maintenance of living collections.
The Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide
The Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide is a volunteer organisation that supports the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, offering guided walks, self-guided trails, tours and community events.
Our vision
Our vision is a community inspired to actively contribute to the sustainability of our world.
Through our work in realising this vision, the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia will be recognised as world-class in botanical sciences, collections and conservation, influential in leading changes in humanity, and a creative and collaborative institution that advances thinking through experimental approaches.
Our mission
Our mission is to build an understanding and appreciation of the botanical world.
We manage living, cultural and preserved collections and use our science and research to improve understanding of the botanical world.
Our science is vital to support our community’s resilience and sustainability, and it underpins evidence-based decisions that inform effective legislation, policies, education, management and land use practices.
We engage with the wider community to share stories about plants and enhance understanding and appreciation of the importance of plants in sustaining life, and as a key part of cultural identity. Our places provide unique experiences and learning opportunities for visitors, and create an urban oasis of peace and tranquillity.
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