While Olbrich has long been practicing and teaching environmentally-friendly gardening, Olbrich Botanical Gardens received official certification as a Travel Green Wisconsin organization.  Travel Green Wisconsin is a voluntary program sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative.
             This program reviews, certifies, and recognizes tourism organizations that have made a commitment to continuously improve their operations in order to reduce their environmental and social impact.   
             John Imes, director of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative says, “Olbrich Gardens has demonstrated their commitment through innovative gardening practices including recycling leaves for leaf mulch, rehabilitating polluted land, and planting a rain garden to absorb storm water runoff.  Moreover, their commitment to increasing public awareness with display signage, watershed education, earth-friendly gardening, and educational opportunities will help spread the word and encourage others to work for the benefit of Madison’s environment and quality of life.”  
              In order to be certified, organizations need to earn a minimum of 30 points on a checklist including categories such as education; waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; energy efficiency; and water conservation.  Olbrich exceeded the requirement by earning 83 points on this checklist.  
              The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is currently developing a marketing plan to promote Travel Green organizations. The goal is that travelers will be able to easily identify Travel Green organizations, feel good about supporting an organization that has a reduced impact on the environment, and spread the word about their experiences. For more information check www.travelgreenwisconsin.com.