JABG 2024 Annual Report by jacksonvillearboretum

AletterfromJABG ExecutiveDirector

Dearfriends,supporters,and visitors,

As we reflect on the past year at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for your generosity and unwavering support. Your contributions, alongside the dedication of our staff, board, and volunteers, have allowed our gardens to flourish in remarkable ways. We've welcomed an unprecedented number of visitors, expanded our plant collections to enhance biodiversity, and deepened our commitment to conservation, education, and meaningful community engagement.

Your support is far more than just a gift; it's a seed planted for the future of JABG. And that future, thanks to you, is brighter than ever imagined! Exciting transformations are on the horizon, new opportunities are taking root, and we can't wait to share what's ahead.

Our mission, to cultivate understanding and wonder by engaging the community through the natural beauty of Northeast Florida, remains the guiding principle in everything we do. Whether it's enhancing our trails, developing new educational programs, or hosting community events, we are constantly striving to provide enriching experiences that connect people with nature.

Thank you for being such a vital and cherished part of our journey. Together, we are cultivating something truly extraordinary, a legacy of natural beauty and community connection that will flourish for generations to come

TheJacksonvilleArboretum&

BotanicalGardens’RichHistory

1880s

The Humphries Gold Mining Company operated strip mines in and around the Arlington area in Jacksonville, including parts of JABG.

1970s

Dr. Judith Stevens pitched to City Hall the idea of a Conceptual Garden Arboretum with a mission to "educate northeast Florida and its regional communities about native and cultivated plants, improve its beauty and atmosphere, engage in and promote the conservation and preservation of our natural resources and provide public service."

2008

A railroad ran through parts of the property that is now JABG It was for the Jacksonville, Mayport & Pablo Railroad and Navigation Company to carry freight and passengers from Downtown to Hanna Park and Mayport.

1940s - 1960s

The land was set aside as a buffer between the JEA facility and nearby communities. For the next 30 years, the land was abandoned and unfortunately abused by illegal dumping.

2004

On November 15, 2008, JABG officially opened to the public! We have been happy to carry on the founders’ vision of an Arboretum & Garden with the goals of education, conservation, and community.

Cultivating understanding and wonder by engaging the community through the natural beauty of Northeast Florida.

OurMission OurGoals

Restoration: we revive the natural resources entrusted to us so that they can continue to do the same for the mind, body, and spirit of our visitors.

Resiliency: we adapt and adjust to changing circumstances, and commit to continuous improvement.

Growth: with dedicated effort and continuous learning, we improve and achieve all that we set out to accomplish for the community.

Discovery: we facilitate education and programs through the intricacies, wonder, and inherent beauty of nature.

Welcoming: we have a culture of warmth and belonging, being open to all people.

2024NumbersataGlance

147,000+ Visitors

885 Members

3,408 Average Volunteer Hours

30+ Field Trips and Tours

Education

At JABG, we believe that by connecting people with nature, we inspire them to become stewards of the environment. Our Discovering Nature Nearby (DNN) educational programs exemplify this commitment. This series brings expert-led classes and events to JABG, offering unique opportunities to explore our diverse ecosystems and wildlife. In 2024, we were proud to offer a variety of DNN programs, including:

Owl Prowl: delved into the nocturnal world of owls.

Birds & Breakfast: guests honed their observational skills during bird watching expeditions.

Forest Therapy Walk: guided therapy walk to help guests find peace and connect with nature.

The Arboretum Goes Batty: guests learned about the unique world of bats and the important role they play in our ecosystems. The Wonderful World of Fungi: explored the fascinating kingdom of fungi on a guided mushroom walk.

Beyond our educational programs, JABG serves as an exceptional outdoor classroom for field trips. With seven distinct natural trails and thirteen diverse ecosystems, we offer a living laboratory for students to explore science and nature firsthand. From identifying native plants to observing wildlife in their natural habitat, a field trip to JABG provides an immersive and memorable learning experience that complements classroom instruction.

We are proud to play a role in cultivating the next generation of environmental enthusiasts and conservationists.

Thankyou,Late BloomersGardenClub!

In 2024, JABG was thrilled to announce the successful redesign of our Pollinator Garden! This exciting transformation was made possible through the generous support of a grant from the Late Bloomers Garden Club (LBGC). We extend our deepest gratitude to the LBGC for their commitment to our mission.

The Pollinator Garden, located at JABG’s entrance, provides visitors with their first glimpse of the property. Thanks to the grant, this initial impression is now more impactful than ever. The revitalized garden is designed to attract and support a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, birds, lizards, moths, beetles, and caterpillars. Notably, JABG is home to eight of Florida's 13 bat species, including two rare species, highlighting the importance of our gardens for these nocturnal pollinators. With Northeast Florida boasting approximately 315 bee species, 29 of them endemic, our expanded Pollinator Garden plays a crucial role in supporting these vital creatures.

The redesign focused on incorporating native plants, which are essential for the health and sustainability of our local ecosystems. Native plants and pollinators have co-evolved over thousands of years, forming intricate relationships crucial for pollination and seed production. They provide specific nutritional needs, synchronize life cycles, and support overall biodiversity. The garden now features a wider variety of these crucial native species, providing both nectar and larval host plants.

The impact of the LBGC's support extends beyond the beautification of our gardens. Pollinators are essential to the health of our ecosystems and the production of much of the food we eat. By creating a thriving habitat for these crucial creatures, JABG is contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the overall well-being of our community. We are incredibly grateful to the Late Bloomers Garden Club for their partnership in this important project. Their generosity has allowed us to create a truly special space that benefits both our visitors and the vital pollinators that call JABG home.

Additional10AcresAcquired

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens celebrated a significant expansion of our protected greenspace in 2024, adding 10 acres through a combination of strategic land purchases and generous donations. This acquisition reinforces JABG's commitment to conservation within the city.

Eight acres were secured through crucial funding from the River Branch Foundation and an anonymous donor, demonstrating the power of philanthropic partnerships. Adding to this success, Rhona and Grover Burgan generously donated two adjacent acres, bringing the total expansion to ten. "The expansion...will have a tremendous impact on the beauty and health of our city," shared Rhona Burgan, highlighting the community benefit of preserving these natural areas.

This newly acquired land, adjacent to the existing 126-acres, will serve as a vital natural buffer zone, protecting the established gardens and providing a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife. This preservation effort contributes to the health of the local ecosystem and ensures a thriving habitat for diverse species. Former JABG Board President Kevin Blalock emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, "We're so grateful for the amazing support of these donors, and for the incredibly generous land donation from the Burgans."

This 2024 land acquisition marks a pivotal moment for our organization, solidifying its role as a vital conservation leader in Jacksonville. Thank you to the Burgans, the River Branch Foundation, and to our anonymous donor for making this possible!

Conservation

Alookbackat 2024'sevents

What an incredible year it's been for events at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! Each event played a vital role in bringing our community together and connecting people with nature.

From educational workshops to family-friendly festivals, each event was carefully curated to offer enriching and enjoyable experiences for all ages.

The success of our events is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, staff, and generous sponsors. We are truly honored to provide a space where people can connect, learn, and celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds us. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2025!

CaitlynBliss ventsManager

Seeding Jacksonville

Sponsored by: Earth Works, Serenoa Landscape Design, Waverly Capital Advisors, L.C., Atlantic Self Storage, & Kettell Inc

ABrush WithNature

Sponsored by: The Driscoll Group, bestbet Jacksonville, The Bekkum Family, JM Family, The Mitchell Family, Earth Works, & Atlantic Self Storage

DogDays ofSummer

Sponsored by: Dogtopia of Jax Beach Blvd, Atlantic Self Storage, Florida Blue, Monument Road Animal Hospital, Capital Veterinary Specialists, The PAWtographers, 4Imprint, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, AB Signs, Hollywood Decks

Discovering NatureNearby

TheDeloresBarrWeaverImpact ontheJacksonvilleArboretum& BotanicalGardens

Delores Barr Weaver is a renowned philanthropist whose extraordinary generosity has transformed Northeast Florida. Since arriving in Jacksonville in 1993 as co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, alongside her husband Wayne Weaver, Delores has championed countless causes, leaving an indelible mark on the community. In 2012, she made history with a $50 million gift to The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, creating the Delores Barr Weaver Fund. This monumental contribution, the largest in the Foundation's history at the time, has since grown through numerous multi-million dollar gifts, including a record-breaking $61 million donation in 2023. Delores's influence is evident in the establishment of permanent endowments for more than four dozen nonprofits, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Perhaps most remarkably, Delores's commitment to creating new philanthropists shines through her use of matching grants, encouraging everyone to participate in giving back to the community. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in the growth of organizations like the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, where her investments have facilitated incredible expansion and growth. Delores Barr Weaver's legacy is one of profound impact, inspiring hope and positive change throughout Northeast Florida and beyond.

The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was created by Delores Barr Weaver in 2015 as the natural evolution of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, which has awarded more than $86 million in grants since she created it in 2012. She also provides separate, annual support to 20 local, nonprofit organizations for their annual fundraising events through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund. Like the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund’s purpose is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that do work she has supported over many years and to encourage others to do so as well. Mrs. Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten and advance our community.

DeloresBarrWeaver’s PastSupportofJABG

In 2021, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund made a significant impact on the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, providing two crucial grants.

A $30,000 grant supported the initial development of our Master Plan, enabling essential site analysis and community engagement.

Additionally, a $70,000 challenge grant, matched by generous donors to a total of $153,000, funded critical infrastructure improvements, including an ADA-compliant Lake Loop, new restrooms, and a beautiful fernery, greatly enhancing visitor accessibility and experience.

In 2023, JABG received two $50,000 challenge grants from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund. These funds provided a significant boost towards finalizing design plans for our eagerly anticipated Children's Garden, a key component of our Master Plan.

And in 2024...

JABG received an incredible $1 million allocation grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund. This generous gift of is structured as a nonendowed fund and will provide crucial support over the next decade. We are eligible to receive up to $100,000 annually, enabling us to strategically invest in key initiatives that advance our mission.

Thankyou,JimVanVleck!

In 2024, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens received a generous $100,000 unrestricted donation from local philanthropist James (Jim) Van Vleck. Mr. Van Vleck made the gift in loving memory of his late wife, Joan, a dedicated Master Gardener and active member of the Late Bloomers Garden Club.

The donation will significantly impact JABG’s mission to cultivate wonder and understanding by engaging the community through the natural beauty of Northeast Florida. The unrestricted nature of the gift provides JABG with flexibility to address its most pressing needs and pursue strategic initiatives. An unrestricted grant represents the pinnacle of philanthropic trust, a powerful testament to a donor's belief in an organization's vision and ability to effectively address its mission.

The Van Vleck’s have been deeply involved in the Jacksonville community for decades, particularly in the areas of arts, education, and horticulture. Having moved to the area in 1996, they quickly became pillars of local philanthropy. Jim has served on numerous boards, including The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Joan dedicated her time and talents to organizations like the Women’s Giving Alliance, the revitalization of Memorial Park, and the establishment of Bird Island in Ponte Vedra.

Joan's passion for gardening was a lifelong pursuit. From her childhood summers on the Oregon coast to her involvement in local garden clubs and horticultural projects, her love for the natural world was evident. She was also a champion for women ' s advancement, demonstrated through her involvement with the Women's Giving Alliance and the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. Her dedication to community and her "velvet hammer" approach to problem-solving earned her recognition as one of the Top 10 Women in Dayton, OH, and, after moving to Florida, Jacksonville's Philanthropist of the Year in 2019.

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens extends its deepest gratitude to Jim Van Vleck for this generous donation and for honoring Joan's memory in such a meaningful way. The gift will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on JABG and the community it serves.

ALookBackat JABG’sPartnership’s andGrantsin2024

A-1 Coastal Paving

AB Signs

ACON Construction Co.

Ally Bank

Atlantic Self Storage

Bekkum Family

bestbet Jacksonville

Campers Inn RV

Capital Veterinary Specialists

citibank

Community Disposal

The Community Foundation

Crowley Maritime

The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund

DiscoverTec

The Driscoll Group

Dogtopia of Jax Beach Blvd

Earth Works

easy102.9

Floaters Portable Sanitation

Florida Blue

Fort Caroline Baptist Church

Hollywood Decks

JEA

Jim Van Vleck

JM Family

Kettell Inc

Late Bloomers Garden Club

Marcia Mederos

Mason’s Mission Foundation

Meyer Najem

Mitchell Family

Monument Road Animal Hospital

Moore Real-time Services, Inc.

The PAWtographers

Pillar Construction & Remodeling

Rayonier

Rhona & Grover Burgan

River Branch Foundation

River Capital Advisors, L.C.

Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping

Serenoa Landscape Design

VyStar

And thank you to all of our anonymous donors: you know who you are!

ATransformativeGift:River BranchFoundation's$1Million GrantFuelsJABG'sFuture

In 2024, JABG reached a pivotal moment in our history, thanks to a remarkable $1 million grant from the River Branch Foundation. This landmark gift will serve as a catalyst for growth, solidifying our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

"This grant represents a turning point for JABG, and we are incredibly grateful to the River Branch Foundation for their visionary support," said JABG Board Director Lindsay Starner. "With this crucial funding, we are well-positioned to become a leader in environmental education and to serve as a family-friendly green space for all Jacksonville residents to enjoy."

The grant will empower JABG to focus on several key initiatives, all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening our environmental impact. These include investments in essential maintenance equipment, improvements to visitor accessibility, enhanced security measures, and the hiring of additional staff.

"The Arboretum has gained incredible momentum over the past few years, and it is great to see the support coming from the community," remarked District 2 Councilman Mike Gay. "I'm eager to see how the nonprofit organization will continue to progress, especially with this generous support from the River Branch Foundation."

The River Branch Foundation's generous grant marks a new chapter in our story, accelerating our mission to cultivate understanding and wonder by engaging the community through the natural beauty of Northeast Florida. We extend our deepest gratitude for this transformative gift, which will enable us to further our commitment to conservation, education, and community enrichment.

VisitationOverview

In 2024, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens took a significant step towards enhancing visitor experience and operational efficiency by implementing a new, streamlined ticketing system. This upgrade represents a commitment to transparency and accessibility, as it eliminates all hidden fees associated with event ticketing, daily admission, and member access. More than just a convenience, this new system provides invaluable data, allowing JABG to accurately track visitation analytics. By understanding visitor patterns and preferences, we can better tailor our programs, events, and grounds maintenance to meet the needs of our community. This data-driven approach ensures we are maximizing our resources and providing the most enriching experience possible for everyone who walks through our gates. Below, you will find an averaged overview of the overall visitation for the year 2024, reflecting the impact of our efforts to welcome and engage our community.

ExpenseOverview

HowYouCanSupportThe JacksonvilleArboretum& BotanicalGardens

Membership

Membership dollars directly contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of our gardens and trails. By becoming a member, you join a community that shares a passion for preserving this urban oasis. You also enjoy exclusive benefits like free admission, discounts on programs and events, reciprocal garden access across the country, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a tangible difference in our community. Visit www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/membership to learn more.

Volunteerism

From trail maintenance and invasive plant removal to assisting with educational programs and special events, volunteers directly impact the visitor experience and the health of our diverse ecosystems. Their passion and commitment are essential to maintaining our gardens, supporting our staff, and ensuring that JABG remains a welcoming and inspiring space for all. Visit www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/volunteer to learn more.

Donations

Your generous donation, no matter the size, is a powerful investment in the future of the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. By contributing, your gift helps us maintain and improve over three miles of hiking trails nestled within 136 acres of protected forest, providing a vital space for recreation and exploration. Join us in keeping this invaluable resource available to everyone in our community. Donate today by visiting www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/donate.

Your support can make a lasting impact. To help us further our mission of cultivating understanding and wonder by engaging the community through nature, please call us at 904-318-4342 or email info@jacksonvillearboretum.org

CurrentGifts

Cash donations: provide immediate support to JABG and qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation.

Monthly giving: sustains our conservation efforts, maintains our diverse ecosystems, and supports educational programs, ensuring a thriving green space for our community.

LegacyGifts Philanthropy

Trusts: planned giving through trusts, like Charitable Remainder or Lead Trusts, allows you to support the Arboretum while securing income for loved ones or reducing estate taxes

Donating appreciated securities: by contributing assets like stocks or real estate, you can claim a charitable income tax deduction for their full fair market value and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciated portion. This allows you to make a significant impact on our gardens and programs while also optimizing your financial strategy.

Wills: this allows you to direct your assets as you wish, avoiding state-mandated distribution, and potentially reducing estate taxes You can include a charitable gift to JABG, ensuring your legacy supports our mission

Retirement plans: by naming JABG as a beneficiary of a percentage or all of your plan assets, you may reduce or even eliminate both estate and income taxes. Note that naming a specific dollar amount, rather than a specific percentage, may result in the inclusion of these funds in your gross estate for tax purposes

CorporateSupport

Corporate giving: your corporation can play a vital role in preserving our natural sanctuary and supporting environmental education initiatives. From local businesses to large enterprises across Northeast Florida, our Corporate Partners share a commitment to maintaining the Arboretum as a treasured community resource.

Sponsorships: corporate sponsorships are vital to JABG, serving as crucial pillars that sustain our conservation efforts, educational programs, and events. Through sponsorship, your corporation becomes a key partner in preserving our urban oasis and fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

JacksonvilleArboretum& BotanicalGardens2024Board andStaff

Board

In 2024, we welcomed a new Board President, Lindsay Starner.

ExecutiveCommittee

Lindsay Starner - President

R. Dean Scott - Vice President

Adam M. Robinson, CPA - Treasurer

GeneralBoard

Kevin Blalock

Jeff Blount

John Burr

Sarah Henderson

Charles Kleeman

Andrea McNally

Adina Pollan

Chaz Runfola

Valerie Strickland-Smith

Jeremy Stalker

Ron Whittington

Terri McGregor

Staff

SeniorStaffMembers

Dana J. Doody - Executive Director

Michelle Beers - Director of Philanthropy

Grace Stallone - Director of Communications & Marketing

Caitlyn Bliss - Events Manager

Luke Schake - Admissions & Membership Manager

Mike Lunny - Groundskeeper

Allan Scheutze - Human Resources

Shawn Trembley - Horticulturist

AdmissionsTeam

Sydney Barrett

Rachel Booth

Noble Neal

Onyekachi Egemonu