Tropical Forest Congo Party Premiere
#SEENBeingGreen: More than 200 guests flocked to escape the dreary weather and enjoy the warm, colorful tropical forest of the Congo at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Thursday evening. “We really try to bring underappreciated parts of the world to Pittsburgh for all to enjoy,” said executive director Richard Piacentini. Exhibit coordinator Jordyn Melino and curator of hortculture Ben Dunigan spent three weeks in Cameroon hiking through the national forests, learning from leaders of nomadic tribes and exploring local cuisine. “We wanted to bring back what people could relate to ... and food markets are very impactful,” said Ms. Melino. This is Phipps’ first exhibit devoted to Africa, and it showcases plants never before displayed there, such as the African blood lily with orangered blooms and a fruit natives call a “plum” but tastes like an artichoke.
And now a moment with ... Nigerian Sen. Olusola Adeyeye: “It is good that an advanced country like the United States is taking our environmental issues more seriously. Usually when you have more money, you have more contempt for the environment, but it is our duty as humans to protect the world we call home.”
#SEEN: Cameroon Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Naomie Begala Mikel, Mayor Bill Peduto, Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Philip and Kathleen Reeder, Jeff and Jessica Brown, Bill Slivka, Daniel and Carole Kamin, Dr. James and Ruby Kang, Dr. Andrew Watson and Dr. Ritu Thamman, Kristina Gerszten, John and Judy Woffington, Anuj and Anne Dhanda, Mike Herald, Nick Varischetti, Tammy Selzer, Joe Totten, Tayler Fletcher, Bernie Kobosky and Dr. Lisa Cibik.