SFWeekly have a funny post today asking, “What’s Left To Do at Strybing Arboretum?” after noting the extensive prohibited behaviors sign at the entrance to the Botanical Garden.
Hey, we appreciate that there are things you shouldn’t do at a classy arboretum like Strybing. But we have to admit — this sign is just a bit unintentionally hilarious. We believe the one just above the “No stealing food from squirrels’ mouths” is “no taxation without representation.”
What the heck is the symbol that’s third from the bottom? No leaf dancing?
Sarah B.
Third from the bottom looks like no picking flowers/plants.
Kate, looks to me like no exorcisms.
Sure, this list looks daunting, but there’s lots to do at the Botanical Garden like exploring 55 acres and seeing more than 8000 different species of plants from all around the world. No other city has a garden like ours.
Just don’t feed the squirrels. 🙂
Yeah, those squirrels are seriously fat and aggressive and numerous…kind of scary really. Please don’t feed them.
Feed Mar to the squirrels.
Seriously, there used to be a certain squirrel there that bothered me. Really bothered me. I named it ‘one nut’ cause well… What I first noticed about this guy was one of his front paws were deformed. Shriveled and not able to be fully extended. He hopped a lot more than scurrying and never took to going up a tree very far. But when he climbed up a tree that’s when you noticed– this squirrel had one freaking HUGE testicle. Just one of them. It was so big, it impared his ability to climb a tree big. For real. They need a sign to warn people about this squirrel.
I can’t believe they don’t allow bowling?!
I love the Botanical Garden! And seriously, that sign would make an awesome t-shirt.
Paul: lawn bowling is farther to the east in GGP.
I volunteer at SFBG. It is unbelievable what some humans think they can do in the Garden. Steal entire plants (which is why some specimens are microchipped), take cuttings without consideration for whether it could harm the plant, set fires, bring dogs in to chase squirrels (and harm plants), play ball games, bike and skateboard on paths designed for walking (which they do everywhere without concern for the law). These activities can kill the plants, some of which exist only in this Garden or at most in two or three other places on Earth. This is not a sports ares, Big Rec is right across MLK Way.
The sign you question means, do not take plants or parts of plants. When in doubt, ask a gardener.