The National Wildflower Research Center in Austin opened to the public on December 22, 1982–seventieth birthday of former First Lady Claudia (Lady Bird) Johnson. What an appropriate birthday present! Wildflower conservation and beautification were driving themes during Mrs. Johnson’s tenure as First Lady, and she was the most ardent proponent of the Research Center, which she envisioned as a nationwide repository of information about wildflowers and native plants.

If you have not visited the National Wildflower Research Center, you’re missing a treat!