Monk Botanical Gardens Executive Director Steps Down

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – This comes just a short time after recent turmoil over the name and logo change, that was ultimately reversed from community outrage.

The Monk Botanical Gardens board has accepted the resignation of their Executive Director. The departure will happen early next month.

Darcie Howard was the executive director at Monk Botanical Gardens for seven years. 

“We would like to thank Darcie for her seven years of service to the gardens. We are grateful for her accomplishments and efforts to forward the mission of the gardens and in particular, for the development and implementation of the environmental-based education programs enjoyed by many,” states Paul David the Gardens Board President.

In the release it also says that the Board looks forward to a renewed sense of excitement, involvement and passion amongst its wonderful donors, members, staff, volunteers, and guests in the bright future of Monk Botanical Gardens.

If you remember in late April Darcie Howard made a drastic change, “We have decided to evolve our name as the garden has evolved.” This ruptured a community cry for it to keep it’s history of the Monk Family.

And it did, about a month after the board of directors decided to change the name of Monk Botanical Gardens to Wausau Botanic Gardens, it made the decision to change it back again.

“I’ve just had a lengthy conversation with Board President Paul David, and I think it’s the correct thing to do,” said Robert W. Monk IV.

Monk IV is the son of Monk Botanical Gardens creator Robert W. Monk III, who donated 19 acres of land he had worked to turn into his idea of a botanical garden for more than 30 years.