December News | Build (eat!) gingerbread greenhouses this Saturday, discounts, gift ideas, photos and winter cheer!

Issue 62
December 2012

Conservatory Chronicles

A monthly newsletter for our growing community.

Greetings!

Winter is here again and we've weathered the recent storms. If you haven't already, please come visit our new special exhibit: Boomtown: Barbary Coast at the Conservatory. The miniature garden railway replicating California during the Gold Rush is a perfect activity for the holiday season. It's also a great place to get out of the wet winter weather. So come visit, and enjoy the lush tropical atmosphere and beauty of the Conservatory of Flowers. Happy Holidays!

Eric Andersen, Acting Director

The Conservatory is recruiting Docents and Children's Jungle Guides. Jungle Guides introduce elementary school students to the wonders of the rainforest. Docents educate adult visitors about the Conservatory's fascinating collection of tropical plants and the importance of conserving the rainforest and San Francisco's stunning historic greenhouse. No experience with plants or as a docent is necessary. To schedule a meeting and fill out a volunteer application, contact Erika Frank, Director of Volunteers & Education, at efrank@sfcof.org or (415) 637-4326. For more information, click here.

Frosting the Conservatory!

THIS Saturday, December 15:
Bring a sweet tooth for the third annual Frosting the Conservatory! $10 materials fee for Graham Cracker foundation, tasty icing and edible candy decor to build the gingerbread greenhouse of your dreams! Read the coverage of last year's event in the San Francisco Chronicle, and see photos on facebook.

Click for more upcoming special events.

We are now carrying Boomtown: Barbary Coast at the Conservatory of Flowers merchandise in our gift shop and in our online store! If you are looking for a special present for a San Francisco history buff, check out "The Official Guide to San Francisco's Barbary Coast Trail," by Daniel Bacon. Guidebooks are $8.95 each. Support your local non-profit: us!

Click SHOP for more on the guide...

Click here to see our holiday gift ideas.

Shift the Gift

Click the hibiscus for green gift ideas for your employees, teachers, family and friends. And remember, we're an Amazon Associate! When you shop through our Amazon account, the Conservatory of Flowers receives a percentage of your purchase. Double giving!

HELP US WIN $10,000!

Calling all you creative folks: this is going to be fun! There is a $10,000 grant waiting to be awarded to the nonprofit that writes a poem that best represents the mission of the organization. Our working mission is: Connecting People and Plants in a Place of Exceptional Beauty. The poem chosen will then be set to music by the Blind Boys of Alabama. Submit to contest@sfcof.org by Jan. 2: click here for details!

Bay Area Discover Museum 2-for-1
Enter the magic portal into a storybook world at the Bay Area Discovery Museum's newest hands-on exhibit, Once Upon a Time...Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. Embark on an adventure through the larger-than-life pages of seven favorite fairy tales told around the globe. While you explore the seasons with Thumbelina, climb up Jack's beanstalk, and sit in Cinderella's pumpkin carriage and more, be sure to visit one of the many colorful programs led by the Museum's talented education staff. Visit: baykidsmuseum.org. Bring a printed copy of this email for a 2-for-1 price of admission!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES

FROM ALL OF US AT THE CONSERVATORY!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

You're social, right? We're posting fun photos and facts all over the internet.

Visit Us!

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 4:30pm (last entry is at 4:00pm)
Holidays: We'll be CLOSED on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day.

WE WILL BE CLOSED, TUESDAY, JANUARY 1. FREE DAY WILL RESUME ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF FEBRUARY, FEBRUARY 5!

Please note that on Sundays and holidays,
Golden Gate Park closes many of its roads to all vehicle traffic.

Admission: $7.00 for Adults; $5.00 for Youth; 12-17, Seniors age 65 & over, and College Students with ID; $2.00 for Children 5-11; Free for Children 4 and under

Discounts available to all SF City and County residents with proof of residency.

The Conservatory is free to all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month.
RPD logo

Accessibility: The Conservatory of Flowers is wheelchair accessible for both motorized and non motorized chairs. Handicap permit parking is located at the east side of the building and also on JFK Drive in front of the Conservatory.

Strollers are not allowed in the Conservatory.

Information line: 415-831-2090