Furloughed federal employees and contractors, and their families, can receive a break on admission to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas now through Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., park officials recently announced.

The garden is offering free admission to those workers, including their spouses and children, who have lost pay during the federal government shutdown, which went into effect Dec. 22 and is now the longest in U.S. history.

Furloughed federal employees and contractors must show a valid federal identification at the park’s Welcome Center, according to the announcement. Spouses and children must be accompanied by the furloughed employee or contractor to receive free admission as well.

San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. For more information, go online to www.sdbgarden.org/, call 760-436-3036 or email [email protected].