At the Gardens, we are more than a place to visit.
We are a place where our guests can engage deeply and connect meaningfully with one another and with the natural world. Our team is focused on having a positive impact on people and the planet through horticulture, education, and plant science and conservation.. An exceptional year, 2021 saw many successes, including record-breaking visitation of over 336,000—140% greater than our previous high-water mark in 2019. This level of visitation brings with it a unique opportunity and responsibility: to teach our guests and to inspire action on climate change and biodiversity conservation. We did this with the help of some giant teachers: the Guardians of the Seeds, and I am pleased to report that 73% of our guests said they were inspired to take action on climate change after their visit. Because our guests are so deeply impacted by the experiences they have here, we are focused on making the Gardens accessible, ensuring that all people feel like they belong. Working toward that goal, our Gardens for All program, launched in 2021, allows anyone to visit, regardless of their ability to pay. More locally, in 2021 the Gardens had a positive impact on the state and region, contributing $42M to Maine’s economy, including 490 jobs and $15m in wages. Within Lincoln County alone we had a $24.5M economic impact. But we couldn’t do any of this without the foundation of our gardens. Unique and phenomenal, they are the vehicle for all of our impact. We also couldn’t do any of this without you, our supporters. Thank you. Through your involvement, you make all of this possible. Gretchen Ostherr
President & CEO