Through the special interests and efforts of several of our members, the Plateau Discovery Garden has gained national recognition in several categories, and actively supports the organization's respective programs and garden focus.

​

• Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom:  The Kinder Garden:  Certified Nature Explore Classrooms are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces. Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom Design Services apply research-based, field-tested design principles to create these nature-rich outdoor spaces that can be located anywhere a school, child care center, park, or other community site might have a traditional playground.

• Monarch Watch:  Monarch Butterfly Waystation: Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.

• American Conifer Society:  Reference Garden:  Public gardens with significant conifer collections who partner with the Society to further our mission. Regional management selects the gardens within their geographical area for admission to the program.  Reference Gardens may apply for grants from the ACS (which are awarded on a rotating basis, with each region receiving national ACS funds every four years), and collaborate to host events and create publications.

• Barn Quilt Trail:  The story of the American Quilt Trail, featuring the colorful patterns of quilt squares painted large on barns throughout North America, is the story of one of the fastest-growing grassroots public arts movements in the United States and Canada.  Our barn quilt is visible near the entrance to the Plateau Discovery Garden.