Our Impact
16,809
Number of Individuals reached through 448 education and outreach programs.
15,328
Free admissions through innovative programs and partnerships.
138,971
Total guests welcomed from all 50 states and beyond.
Mission
Exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants with our community.
Key Services Provided
The Botanical Garden is more than a dome; it’s a connection point among plants, people and the natural world. The 12 acres include 18 garden spaces and 4 acres of free public garden access. It offers a variety of programs, activities, events and an oasis of respite in every season.
Key Audiences Served
We serve all of Iowa and beyond, welcoming over 1 million visitors from around the world since 2013. The Garden is inviting to guests of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds. We are supported by members, volunteers and community partners, including local agencies serving youth, low-income and marginalized communities.
Ways to give
Volunteer your time.
Become a member.
Take a class.
Donate.
Sponsor an event.
What are the most immediate needs to support your organization?
The Botanical Garden is committed to providing equitable access to a green space with arts and culture by reducing financial barriers for low-income and underserved individuals. Through accessible programming, we welcome diverse socioeconomic audiences who come together to experience the beauty of the gardens and gain appreciation for the role nature plays in our world. Free access programs are made possible through donations and community support. Your donation helps people from all walks of life “find their true nature” in our always-friendly climate. As a resource for ecological stewardship and horticulture education, we strive to inform, illuminate and inspire.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair - Mike Abbott, Faegre Drinker
Vice chair - Chris Hensley, community volunteer
Vice chair - Travis Sheets, GuideOne Insurance
Treasurer - Everett Miles, Principal Financial Group
Secretary - Doug Van Zanten, EMC Insurance
Immediate past-chair - Ed Kenny, community volunteer
Shannon Bielski, Sammons Financial Group
Sarah Boese, Polk County
Kevin Chorniak, Bankers Trust
Jenny Drake, Heart of America Group
Graham Gillette, Des Moines Water Works
Jen Hanks, Corteva Agriscience
R. Scott Johnson, Fredrikson & Byron P.A.
Proctor Lureman, Broadlawns Medical Center
Shannon Maddy, John Deere
Ben Page, city of Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Randy Ramundt, community volunteer
Claudia Schabel, Schabel Solutions
Mike Simonson, Simonson & Associates Architects
Jill Stevenson, community volunteer
Linda Westergaard, Ward 2 City Council