Georgia Southern University’s Botanical Garden celebrated the groundbreaking for its new Heritage Pavilion and renovation project Wednesday. Georgia Southern Botanical Garden Board president Jack Orman and community supporters joined Dr. Gary Means, dean of Continuing Education and Public Service, to break ground for the project.
    The Heritage Pavilion, which will provide the garden with covered event space and improved visitor facilities, represents the first phase of the garden’s Heritage Initiative. Renovation plans will include the Bland Cottage and the installation of new gardens that unify the new buildings with the original Bland farmstead. When complete, the additions and renovated areas will increase the garden’s ability to share the biological, historical and cultural heritage of the Southeastern Coastal Plain with the thousands of visitors and school groups who enjoy the facility each year.
    The new Heritage Pavilion will include a community meeting room, restrooms and a large open-air pavilion area that will enhance popular garden events and public gatherings such as weddings and receptions.
    The pavilion is projected to be completed by spring 2009.
    The Heritage Pavilion has received significant community support.
    “Mr. Bland gave the garden to the Statesboro and surrounding community to enjoy, and it is a green jewel in the center of our beautiful city. Our role in preserving and teaching about the area’s natural and cultural heritage will become even more important as the area continues to grow,” Orman said.
    “The Heritage Initiative builds on the wonderful legacy left by Dan and Catharine Bland,” said Botanical Garden director Carolyn Altman. “With this project, we are entering a new era for the Garden and are excited about all the new additions and improvements that will enable current visitors and future generations to enjoy the facility.”