The Evenstad Horticulture Campus is among a handful of tropical growing operations in the United States. Custom designed for Naples Botanical Garden, the campus will allow for the enhancement of the Garden’s 170 acres, the development of nature-based solutions to environmental challenges, and the conservation of tropical and subtropical plants. This includes native species threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and natural disasters.
With more than 60,000 square feet of growing space, the campus features specialized environmental controls that allow our staff to replicate natural conditions and care for even the most sensitive of plants. This center will drive the Garden’s mission for decades to come!
Plant Collections
Laboratories will support Garden conservationists in discovering how to store and grow the seeds of Southwest Florida’s native plants. Their efforts ensure the availability of plants for restoration and safeguard the species we have today in light of an uncertain tomorrow.
Nature-Based Solutions
The Garden studies coastal ecosystems and advises local governments on how to restore beach dunes — the first line of defense against wind and surge. Likewise, the Garden investigates the use of plants to purify stormwater runoff. New research and nursery space will expand these critical efforts.
Horticultural Excellence
From potting sheds to sun nurseries, horticulturists can nurture plants through every stage of their development. By growing more plants in-house, our team can ensure specimens meet the highest standards for beauty and longevity.
Advanced growing facilities will entice serious plant collectors and fellow botanical gardens to share their most precious holdings — and we’ll do the same as we expand our collections.
The campus will deepen the Garden’s study of the trees, shrubs, and groundcovers best suited for Southwest Florida’s unique climate and growing conditions. The research allows us to advise local governments and industry professionals on environmentally friendly, resilient landscapes.
For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Reed, Editorial Director, at jreed@naplesgarden.org.
To inquire on how to support the Evenstad Horticulture Campus, please contact Rhea Merrill, Director of Development: rmerrill@naplesgarden.org.
Thank You to Our Generous Donors
Cornerstone Gift of Support
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Evenstad
Lead Gifts of Support
Blair Foundation
Lorraine Carlson
Tanya and Denny Glass
Linda and Tom Koehn
Marcia and L. Bates Lea
Irma and Thomas Leonard
Cheryl and Phil Leone
Juliet C. Sproul
Mrs. Mary Stephenson
Bill and Mary Stone
Catherine Kidder Ware
Significant Gifts of Support
Patricia and Don Altorfer
Edward and Judith Bergauer
Eleanor and Nicholas Chabraja
William and Sharon Kiehl
Dan and Peggy LeKander
Deb and Vince Maffeo
Andrew R. and Janet F. Miller Foundation
Naples Garden Club
Mrs. Henrietta B. Rothwell
Karen and Robert Scott
Linda and Ken Sumner
Mr. and Mrs. Kermit S. Sutton
John and Connie Vandenberg
Additional Support
Constance Alsbrook
Mary Avellina
Anne Rea and Ken Bigg
Linda LaRue and Jerry J. Brown
Mrs. R. Jill Chamberlain
Liz and Pete Chehayl
Kathy and Roger Cook
Thomas B. Dunkel and Diane A. Dahl
Mary Ruth and Gil Leavitt
Thomas and Carol Matyniak
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. McNamara
Mr. and Mrs. Jay S. Merritt
Sudie Minamyer
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh W. Nevin, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. David Raymond
The Robinson Foundation
Mrs. Patrice H. Schoonmaker
Marti Morfitt and Pat Weber
Linda and James White
The Evenstad Horticulture Campus and the Florida Center for Nature-based Solutions were developed with financial assistance provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Legislature.
