Des Moines Botanical Center

History

The Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.

Interest in a botanical center for Des Moines began in 1929. A proposal was made to build a flower conservatory surrounded by formal gardens in one of the city parks. In 1939, a city greenhouse was acquired on the west side of the river, just north of downtown. It served the city as a production and display greenhouse until the Botanical Center was completed in 1979. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, proposals were made for a botanical center to be constructed on urban renewal land near downtown. Construction began in October 1977 and the Center was completed December 15, 1979.

The Botanical and Environmental Center is managed and operated by Des Moines Water Works. Support for the Des Moines Botanical Center comes from both public and private dollars, which include tax revenues from the City of Des Moines and other surrounding communities. In addition, revenues are received from memorials, contributions, grants, membership fees, and fundraising events of the Friends of the Botanical and Environmental Center. The Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is a member of the American Public Gardens Association.

In January 2013 the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, will take on the leadership, management and improvements of the facility. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden evolved from the original a 501(c)3 Friends of the Botanical Center. In the spring of 2011 as the nonprofit signed a lease with the City of Des Moines, the nonprofit changed names to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and formed a governing board in preparation for the 2013 transition of leadership.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is in the midst of the "A New Beginning" Capital Campaign to raise $11.6 million for the phase I development of the master plan and to establish a $2.4 million endowment. If you would like to support the transformations of the Botanical Center contact Amanda Jordan at ajordan@botanicalcenter.com or 515-323-6265.

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