- outlines three priority areas for Milner Gardens & Woodland: People, Place and Potential
- affirms VIU’s six commitments, in alignment with VIU’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan
- provides strategies, actions and tactics for monitoring and evaluation
Ambition
We want Milner Gardens & Woodland to be a:
- place of inspiration and contemplation for all
- leader in botanical research and education
- focal point for human-nature connections
- contributor to our community
Values
We have three core values when it comes to Milner Gardens & Woodland:
- Understanding: to better understand our visitors' interests and experiences. And to bring an openness of mind and curiosity of spirit to all that we do.
- Connection: to invite everyone to connect with the plants and landscapes of our space
- Commitment: to protect and enhance the site, recognizing the importance of its natural systems and history. And to recognize the efforts of all who came before us in creating this legacy.
Key considerations
Woven throughout the Plan are four key considerations:
- Braid together Indigenous and western knowledge on human-nature connections.
- Deepen equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Broaden activities in research, education and knowledge dissemination.
- Support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Six commitments
People
Commitment one: Welcome a larger and more diverse population of learners
- Increase the number and range of students learning and doing research on site.
- Increase regional awareness of Milner Gardens & Woodland.
Commitment two: Become a more inclusive and healthier place for work and study
- Ensure Milner Gardens & Woodland has a welcoming and inclusive culture.
- Maintain the feel of the site even as site upgrades are being made.
Place
Commitment three: Grow to be the region’s hub for research and expertise
- House VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute.
- Have VIU faculty help develop a framework that identifies research opportunities, goals and partnerships.
Commitment four: Build stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities
- Develop respectful and reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations and individuals.
- Recognize and include Indigenous histories, language and current information.
Potential
Commitment five: Become a leader in learning for new generations
- Elevate operational standards from plant collections to sustainability by obtaining Botanic Garden accreditation through Botanic Garden Conservation International.
- Expand programming and activities.
Commitment six: Expand life-enriching and career-building experiences
- Support a healthy, vibrant volunteer culture of celebration of excellence and dedication.
- Expand learning and work opportunities at Milner Gardens & Woodland.