he “Garden of Discovery” showcases species encountered by, and in some cases collected by, the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

  Among them are species collected between Onawa, Iowa, and Nebraska’s Niobrara River, including Buffaloberry.

  Signage, stamped-concrete pathways and benches enhance the Garden of Discovery as a setting for contemplating the natural world.

 The Lewis & Clark Expedition set out from St. Louis, Mo., on May 14, 1804, with instructions from President Thomas Jefferson. Documenting, collecting and preserving plant specimens were among the instructions. The explorers succeeded in returning with almost 200 species.

  The formal gardens occupy areas on the northwest grounds. At the center of the gardens is a bench dedicated by members of Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind (SIG-B) in memory of their dear friend Betty Strong.

  Betty was a member of SIG-B and president of Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD), the non-profit organization that built and sustains the Center and is building the Encounter Center.

  SIG-B chose a bench located in the middle of the formal gardens and named it “Betty’s Bench.” Rather than attaching a dedication plaque to the bench, they had an arts-and-crafts style stand made to hold the plaque next to the bench.

  “In loving memory of our friend Betty Strong from Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind (SIG-B), October 12, 2005,” the plaque states in English and Braille. SIG-B member Darcy Boyok translated the English into Braille.

The Garden is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. Admission is free.