FUSIA/CCIP Students visited the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) on June 21st touring round one of the most environmentally sound gardens amidst the backdrop of New York's diversity. Despite its limited space, QBG has made a name for itself in environmental conservation efforts with state-of-the-art technology, even earning the LEED(R) Platinum Rating Recognition.

A roundtable session with QBG speakers opened the event. Fred Gerber, the Director of Education executive, began with an overview of QBG's history, mission, vision and current activities. Speeches by Julia Corwin, Compost Project Instructor, Morgan Potter, Assistant Gardener and Emily Liu, a QBG Board Member became the chorus of QBG's efforts to communicate the dire importance of environmental conservation.

"I was amazed by QBG's vision. A nonprofit organization operating with just 30 staff members and in constant need of volunteers, their capabilities and progress so far have been simply awe-inspiring. The gracious support of the committee has also showed me how united they are in this effort to preserve the environment," said Kam Tim Wong, a year 2 Accounting student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

A video screening followed: its focus being the amount of trash a person creates daily. Statistics show that we leave behind 4.5 pounds of trash each day with only a fraction of that being recycled. "Before this visit, I thought it was just all about flora and fauna. But the information I got from this trip expanded my knowledge of the environment I live in and QBG's positive message of change to save it," said Kwok Wai Kwong, a year 2 Design student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

QBG is not just about the greenery, it's a venue for weddings and other activities. And recently it collaborated with HSBC on an upcoming children's garden program. "It is truly amazing how QBG is so perfectly placed in such a diverse neighborhood—QBG and its volunteers and patrons have just the right base to spread word of their message. As an Accounting major, this experience showed me how important funding is to the whole process," said Man Tsing Hui, a year 2 Accounting student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.