Donor Impact Report 2025
Dear New England Botanic Garden Family,
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community of inspired donors who care deeply about the environment, the beauty of gardens, and the joy they bring to people. With your generosity, we welcomed a record 250,471 visitors last year, each one experiencing the wonder and impact of our mission: creating experiences with plants that inspire people and improve the world. As we continue to grow, we are proud to share the highlights of the past year.
• We established formal affiliations with leading environmental organizations, the U.S. branch of Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Ecological Landscape Alliance, to safeguard the future of plants and ecosystems. Together, we are supporting global efforts to protect threatened plants, advance scientific research, and build a community of ecological horticulture practitioners.
• We enhanced accessibility in two of our most visited gardens by resurfacing pathways and improving overall usability, creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all visitors. In the same gardens, we also advanced sustainability by upgrading irrigation systems and installing energy-efficient lighting, promoting year-round enjoyment and environmental stewardship.
• With the expansion of our youth education programs, we proudly engaged 15,220 children in hands-on learning experiences across our gardens. Through field trips, camps, and family programs, we sparked curiosity and inspired the next generation of environmental stewards.
• We continue the vital work of preserving and expanding our living plant collections, which serve as the foundation of our conservation and education mission. With a focus on native plants and climate resilience, our collections represent a living archive of biodiversity and an enduring resource for future generations.
Your support keeps our momentum strong and brings our vision of a “garden for all” closer to reality. We are excited about what we will do next together.
With gratitude,
Grace C. Elton chief executive officer
new england botanic garden at tower hill
A Lasting Gift for a Living Legacy
Stretching along the entry drive to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, the Harrington Orchard welcomes visitors with 268 trees representing 119 heirloom apple varieties. These heritage apples—prized for their remarkable diversity in flavor, color, texture, and form—are more than just fruit; they are a living link to New England’s agricultural roots.
The orchard’s origins date back nearly a century to Stearns Lothrop Davenport (1885–1973), a trustee of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, who began collecting heirloom apples during the Great Depression. His vision helped preserve these rare varieties and the stories they carry—of resilience, regional identity, and horticultural ingenuity.
Thanks to a generous $500,000 gift from George and DD Harrington of Kennebunk, Maine, to the Harrington Orchard Endowment, this vital collection will continue to flourish. The gift ensures ongoing care for the trees and supports programs that share the orchard’s history and science with visitors of all ages— from schoolchildren to gardeners and researchers.
“With this gift, we hope to ensure the Orchard’s vitality and to inspire others to appreciate the deep history and scientific importance of heirloom fruit trees,” said George and DD Harrington.
Honoring Paul E. Rogers Through Horticultural Education
Thanks to a generous gift from anonymous donors—inspired by the friendship and example of Herb Tobin and Dix Leeson—the Paul E. Rogers Endowed Lecture Fund continues to grow. This act of heartfelt philanthropy helps ensure lasting support for one of the Garden’s most inspiring traditions—an annual lecture featuring leading voices in horticulture.
Paul Rogers was a beloved horticultural educator whose passion lay in sharing knowledge and sparking curiosity. His career was defined by a deep commitment to making horticulture accessible, engaging, and meaningful for learners of all backgrounds. The lecture series established by his family in his name honors that legacy, bringing renowned speakers to the Garden to educate and inspire.
With this endowment, the Garden will continue to offer enriching educational experiences that reflect Paul’s vision— connecting people to plants, fostering creativity, and nurturing the next generation of gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Barbara’s Bus:
Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a New Generation
A longtime trustee, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate for environmental education, Barbara Morse believed deeply in the power of nature to inspire, teach, and heal—especially for children.
In tribute to her life and vision—and inspired by the heartfelt idea of a dear friend—we established Barbara’s Bus Fund, an expendable fund that provides transportation assistance for school field trips to the Garden. This fund ensures that children, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Since its launch in 2024, Barbara’s Bus has made a meaningful and measurable impact. Thanks to the generosity of donors, 1,068 students from twelve elementary schools across ten cities and towns—including Lowell, Dorchester, Dudley, Lancaster, Webster, and Rutland—have visited the Garden, most for the very first time. As they explored the trails, discovered pollinators, and connected with nature, their joy and curiosity stood as a powerful tribute to Barbara’s spirit.
Barbara is fondly remembered at the Garden. Her legacy has left an indelible mark on our community, and through Barbara’s Bus Fund, her commitment inspires others to support education and access, opening doors for young learners across the region.
To learn more about supporting youth education and access to the Garden visit nebg.org/barbaras-bus.
Preserving a Wildlife Refuge:
Enhancements to “Hope’s Pond”
Thanks to the generous gift from Penny Spear Kaczyk and Gene Kaczyk, key improvements are revitalizing the Garden’s cherished Hope Spear Wildlife Refuge Pond. Known fondly as “Hope’s Pond” by the family, this serene space not only offers a peaceful retreat for visitors but also provides valuable habitat for native wildlife.
Tree work around the Pond has enhanced the health of the canopy while opening sight lines and improving access for youth education and nature observation. A new rowboat and equipment will help our horticulture team maintain the Pond’s edges, making it easier to access and enjoy. The gift funded much-needed repairs to the Rustic Overlook, preserving this peaceful spot as a place for visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the natural beauty of the Pond.
These thoughtful enhancements are protecting the ecological integrity of “Hope’s Pond” while enriching the visitor experience. We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful investment in the beauty and wellbeing of one of the Garden’s most peaceful places.
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW BY THE NUMBERS
Thank you for your generous support!
Visitors
250,471
Members
13,107 CO2 Emissions Eliminated 50 tons (through sustainable horticulture initiatives) Total Dollars Raised $5,518,142
Vegetables Donated 500 lbs (fresh produce to local pantries in Worcester)
Garden Volunteer Hours
5,483
Financial Report
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Fiscal Year April 1, 2024–March 31, 2025
Total Revenue from Operating Activities
Total Expenses from Operating Activities
These figures are unaudited and subject to change. The FY 2025 audit will happen in June 2025 and the results will be finalized in September 2025. Please reach out to info@nebg.org for any questions or a copy of the most recent audited financial statements.
Donor Recognition
Thank you to all of the individuals, foundations, and corporations who supported New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in the 2025 fiscal year. View the full list of donors at nebg.org/impact-in-action
18 42
Recognizing all donors who give two or more years consecutively.
362 MEMBERS
Honoring annual leadership donors of $1,500 or more. Young professionals 40 and under are recognized at $1,000.
100 MEMBERS
Recognizing the foresight and generosity of our friends who have arranged a bequest or planned gift to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
82 MEMBERS