Celebrating the First Year of the New Visions Plant Science Program: A Growing Partnership Between Erie 1 BOCES and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

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In its inaugural year, the New Visions Plant Science program is already making a significant impact, thanks to the collaboration between Erie 1 BOCES and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. This exciting new program gives high school seniors a unique opportunity to explore careers in greenhouse management and horticulture by studying in a hands-on environment alongside professional staff at the Botanical Gardens.

Located within the lush surroundings of the Gardens, the program allows students to gain practical, real-world experience in horticulture while learning about everything from plant care and cultivation to sustainable horticultural practices. The partnership offers students not only a classroom experience but an immersive opportunity to learn in the very heart of one of the region’s most treasured landmarks.

Emaleigh Odell, the instructor for the program, is proud to be part of this new initiative. “Teaching this program has probably been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. To have these students come from such diverse backgrounds—many with little to no experience but a strong interest in learning—has been truly fulfilling. Being able to grow and peak that interest over the last six months has been the highlight of the program’s first year,” she said.

The program also has garnered praise from the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens team. Amanda Johnston, the Director of Learning and Interpretation at the Gardens, spoke highly of the students’ contributions: “It has been amazing to have them as part of our team. My staff consistently tells me that interacting with the students is the highlight of their day. They enjoy spending time with the students, showing them new things, and sharing their expertise. The students have been a tremendous help, providing extra hands when we have big projects or need additional support.”

With such a promising start, the partnership between Erie 1 BOCES and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is certainly one to watch, and it is poised to make a lasting impact on students, the community, and the field of plant science.

New Visions program enrollment is open for the 2025 - 2026 school year.

If you are a student interested in this program, talk to your school counselor.