International Center for Tropical Botany at the kampong​
Our Roots at The Kampong
Located in Coconut Grove, Florida, ICTB is headquartered at The Kampong, Dr. Fairchild’s historic estate and one of five sites of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Thanks to support from the Batchelor Foundation and the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, we’ve established a world-class research and education center next to this living legacy.
Advancing Research and Education in Tropical Botany
At the International Center for Tropical Botany (ICTB), we conduct cutting-edge research, education, and outreach focused on tropical plants and ecosystems. We bring together faculty with global reach and cultivate the next generation of botanists — all in the spirit of Dr. David Fairchild’s enduring mission.
What We Focus on
Tree canopy preservation
Invasive species management
Plant-based medicine discovery
Building resilience and driving adaptation through plant science.
Through hands-on learning and impactful research, we’re preparing the next generation of botanists and addressing critical environmental challenges.
A Home for Tropical Science
Our center is a hub for tropical plant science, teaching, and conservation. It includes:
Classrooms and meeting areas for education and collaboration
A state-of-the-art herbarium with plant specimens from around the world
A native plant landscape designed with Raymond Jungles
Over 900 new trees representing more than 150 native species
Community Engagement
Our work extends beyond the research lab. ICTB is:
A training site for community and academic partners
Home to the Grove ReLeaf citizen science network
A featured garden in the Food Forest program
Open to the public for garden tours and educational events
We believe in science that serves both people and the planet.
Programs and Resources
Herbarium
A cornerstone for tropical plant research, housing thousands of specimens that support teaching, taxonomy, and biodiversity conservation
Diatom Herbarium
A collection of microscopic algae from the Everglades and tropics. It supports research and education through specimen preservation, imaging, and ongoing collaboration.
Tropical Botany Course
A premier, hands-on training in tropical plant science—50+ years of fieldwork, research, and discovery at The Kampong.
NYBG Graduate Fellowships
Train as a leader in tropical botany—blend fieldwork and genomics at FIU and the New York Botanical Garden with full funding and a mission to protect global biodiversity.
Meet Our Team
Chris Baroloto
Director
Nichole Tiernan
Program Director