A Letter from our CEO
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Often as years come to a close, we reflect on the extraordinary events of the year. I try, instead, to choose three themes that resonated with me over the course of the year. I’ve done a lot of thinking about 2024, what lessons it has taught me, and how it has shaped my life. Here is what I’ve discovered:
Community – There is no place I would rather be than right here and right now. I think everyone needs a community to belong to and The Garden community - made up of plant people, artists, members, donors, volunteers, staff, other nonprofits, art enthusiasts, local and seasonal residents, tourists, business partners, educators, the wider public garden network is an eclectic mix of generous, kind, and passionate people that support beauty, creativity, and education in its many forms. How incredibly blessed I feel to belong to such a meaningful community of caring people.
Resilience – As I walk the Gardens each day, I am in awe of nature’s ability to flourish and thrive in the aftermath of catastrophe. With love, care, and a willingness to adapt each of us, like the plants here, have demonstrated a level of resiliency of which movies are made. The changes and challenges we face ultimately drive innovation, promote collaboration, and create grit that prepares us for what life unexpectedly and inevitably throws our way – making us all better prepared for the future.
Abundance – In a society-at-large that is filled with messages of scarcity, competitiveness, volatility and even shaming this one is often the easiest to miss. Viewing the world with abundance instead of scarcity is a mindset practice that transforms how I try to view opportunities, resources, and success. Despite the challenges of any given year, we all have so much to be thankful for… human connection, a loving pet, a blooming flower, food on our table …the list goes on and on. With a focus on abundance we can experience less fear, fewer moments of anxiety, and practice more creativity enabling us to contribute fully and enjoy life more deeply.
As I reflect on each of these themes, I’m met with the realization that this is exactly what our founder, Roger Tetrault, had wished for our Gardens and our guests, and that brings a smile to my face knowing that with your help we are carrying on his vision. As you close out your year, I hope that you, too, can take a moment to define your year with three words of positivity. I’d love to hear them!
To you and yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with gratitude and tranquility. We are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but I hope that you can take some time in the next few weeks for a visit (either by day or an evening of Gardens Aglow)– I promise it will do your soul a world of good!
In gratitude for your support and engagement,
Tanna Horner
President & CEO
