Fall 2024 IN BLOOM Newsletter : simplebooklet.com

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTSTAFFPhilip Koester President& CEOMegan Bibelhauser Director of Marketing & CommunicationsOfelia Cardenas Director of FinanceAndrew Hagerty Director of HorticultureJen O’Connell Director of EventsWanda Peck Director of EducationLori Kay Scott Director of DevelopmentDaniel Cash Facilities ManagerDuncan Cherry Marketing & Media ManagerDrew Combs Horticulture ManagerAmy DeFigueiredo Accounting ManagerAbby Sparks Special Events CoordinatorJordyn Fowler Development Administrative ManagerHaley Justice Human Resources & Administrative ManagerMary Miller Grant WriterAlivia Ryan Horticulture SpecialistDeacon Smith Facilities AssistantJon Wysong Database ManagerMolly Young Volunteer & Membership ManagerOFFICERS OF THE BOARDMargaret Bell Chair Retired, Former Managing Director, Fort Washington Investment AdvisorsNancy Davis Vice Chair Retired, Former CFO, Stock Yards Bank & TrustBen Ruley Treasurer Vice-President of Financial Planning Analysis, Tri-Arrows AluminumBOARD OF DIRECTORSFrank (Tré) Campisano Executive Director of Sales at Globalair.comDavid Carpenter President/CEO, Japan/America Society of KentuckyKaren Dahlem President, Dahlem ConsultingMary Gwynne DoughertyHuman Resource Consulting Manager, Marsh McLennanKevin FennellArchitect, Calhoun ConstructionMatthew Boone Gardiner Owner & President, Boone Gardiner Landscape and FarmJoe GravissFormer Kentucky State Representative, District 56Sally GrayCommunity Leader and VolunteerDavid GreySenior Machine Learning Data Scientist, OptumKathy OylerCommunity Leader and VolunteerMatthew Rutherford Self-employedChase Sanders Senior Investor Relations Analyst, Brown-FormanFrances Scholtz Community Leader and VolunteerBen Simmons Associate & Client Liaison, Schmidt AssociatesClay Stinnett CFO, EVP, Stock Yards Bank & TrustMac WillettOwner, R. M. Willett Properties and Willett Lumber Co.THANK YOU SUMMER STAFF AND INTERNS! Marena Brenzel, Seasonal Gardener - Environmental Studies and Biology Graduate, University of CincinnatiAudrey Brown, Horticulture Intern - Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences Student, University of KentuckyCam Carroll, Seasonal Gardener - Kinesiology and Nutrition and Health Graduate, Miami UniversityAlastair Flowers, Seasonal Gardener - Horticulture and Soil Sciences Graduate, Western Kentucky UniversityAlex Goldsmith, Horticulture Intern - Wildlife Management and Conservation Graduate, University of KentuckyLayah Hodges, Education Assistant - Design, Arts, Technology, and Communications Student, Bellarmine UniversityFlor Ramos, Education Assistant - Student, University of LouisvilleMackenzie Sanders, Education AssistantSPECIAL THANKS TO:This summer, Waterfront Botanical Gardens welcomed two Horticulture interns, three Seasonal Gardeners, and three Education Assistants. Each of these individuals brought valuable skills and talents to the team, and we are incredibly grateful for their work at the Gardens. OUR VISIONTo be a world class botanical garden that enhances quality of life by exemplifying the beauty of nature and welcoming all to ﬁnd inspiration and connection with the natural world.Front: Hybrid Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii ‘Butterscotch’) by Drew CombsBack: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) by Duncan CherrySummer at the Gardens was extraordinarily beautiful, and the beginning of fall has been just as stunning. The changing colors, daily activity on the plaza, and many opportunities for programs and events make being at Waterfront Botanical Gardens a truly special experience.Since spring, we celebrated a ribbon cutting for our new Learning Garden, which will provide a space for even more hands-on youth programming. We also hosted over 1,500 attendees at the 2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend, welcomed hundreds of families to the plaza for the Kaleidoscope Family Festival, celebrated the Gardens’ ﬁfth birthday, and announced an incredible $5 million in combined funding from the Kentucky General Assembly and Louisville Metro Government. To say the last few months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement.The dedication of our sta, volunteers, members, donors, and the larger community makes celebrating Waterfront Botanical Gardens so rewarding. This organization stands as a beacon of possibility, telling the incredible story of transformation from landﬁll to living landmark. It’s humbling to look back on all that’s happened in just a few months and to imagine the monumental growth still to come. I am thrilled to see where we go next, especially as we prepare to break ground on Phase 2 of our Master Plan in early 2025.As we move into winter, we look forward to our Party at the Gardens fundraising event, as well as 24 festive nights of Louisville’s Loveliest Holiday Tradition, Gardens Aglimmer. This time of year also brings planning and preparation for what’s ahead, and there is much to do as we continue bringing our Master Plan to life.I invite you to join us on this exciting journey and connect with the Gardens. Whether through volunteering, becoming a member, attending a class or event, or making a donation, your support is vital to our growth. We’ve achieved tremendous things in the past ﬁve years, and with your help, we can ﬂourish for the next 50.Sincerely,Philip KoesterPresident & CEOPhil speaks during the Learning Garden Ribbon Cutting on July 12, 2024

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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT STAFFPhilip Koester President& CEOMegan Bibelhauser Director of Marketing & CommunicationsOfelia Cardenas Director of FinanceAndrew Hagerty Director of HorticultureJen O’Connell Director of EventsWanda Peck Director of EducationLori Kay Scott Director of DevelopmentDaniel Cash Facilities ManagerDuncan Cherry Marketing & Media ManagerDrew Combs Horticulture ManagerAmy DeFigueiredo Accounting ManagerAbby Sparks Special Events CoordinatorJordyn Fowler Development Administrative ManagerHaley Justice Human Resources & Administrative ManagerMary Miller Grant WriterAlivia Ryan Horticulture SpecialistDeacon Smith Facilities AssistantJon Wysong Database ManagerMolly Young Volunteer & Membership ManagerOFFICERS OF THE BOARDMargaret Bell Chair Retired, Former Managing Director, Fort Washington Investment AdvisorsNancy Davis Vice Chair Retired, Former CFO, Stock Yards Bank & TrustBen Ruley Treasurer Vice-President of Financial Planning Analysis, Tri-Arrows AluminumBOARD OF DIRECTORSFrank (Tré) Campisano Executive Director of Sales at Globalair.comDavid Carpenter President/CEO, Japan/America Society of KentuckyKaren Dahlem President, Dahlem ConsultingMary Gwynne Dougherty Human Resource Consulting Manager, Marsh McLennanKevin Fennell Architect, Calhoun ConstructionMatthew Boone Gardiner Owner & President, Boone Gardiner Landscape and FarmJoe Graviss Former Kentucky State Representative, District 56Sally Gray Community Leader and VolunteerDavid Grey Senior Machine Learning Data Scientist, OptumKathy Oyler Community Leader and VolunteerMatthew Rutherford Self-employedChase Sanders Senior Investor Relations Analyst, Brown-FormanFrances Scholtz Community Leader and VolunteerBen Simmons Associate & Client Liaison, Schmidt AssociatesClay Stinnett CFO, EVP, Stock Yards Bank & TrustMac Willett Owner, R. M. Willett Properties and Willett Lumber Co.THANK YOU SUMMER STAFF AND INTERNS! Marena Brenzel, Seasonal Gardener - Environmental Studies and Biology Graduate, University of CincinnatiAudrey Brown, Horticulture Intern - Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences Student, University of KentuckyCam Carroll, Seasonal Gardener - Kinesiology and Nutrition and Health Graduate, Miami UniversityAlastair Flowers, Seasonal Gardener - Horticulture and Soil Sciences Graduate, Western Kentucky UniversityAlex Goldsmith, Horticulture Intern - Wildlife Management and Conservation Graduate, University of KentuckyLayah Hodges, Education Assistant - Design, Arts, Technology, and Communications Student, Bellarmine UniversityFlor Ramos, Education Assistant - Student, University of LouisvilleMackenzie Sanders, Education AssistantSPECIAL THANKS TO:This summer, Waterfront Botanical Gardens welcomed two Horticulture interns, three Seasonal Gardeners, and three Education Assistants. Each of these individuals brought valuable skills and talents to the team, and we are incredibly grateful for their work at the Gardens. OUR VISIONTo be a world class botanical garden that enhances quality of life by exemplifying the beauty of nature and welcoming all to ﬁnd inspiration and connection with the natural world.Front: Hybrid Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii ‘Butterscotch’) by Drew CombsBack: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) by Duncan CherrySummer at the Gardens was extraordinarily beautiful, and the beginning of fall has been just as stunning. The changing colors, daily activity on the plaza, and many opportunities for programs and events make being at Waterfront Botanical Gardens a truly special experience.Since spring, we celebrated a ribbon cutting for our new Learning Garden, which will provide a space for even more hands-on youth programming. We also hosted over 1,500 attendees at the 2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend, welcomed hundreds of families to the plaza for the Kaleidoscope Family Festival, celebrated the Gardens’ ﬁfth birthday, and announced an incredible $5 million in combined funding from the Kentucky General Assembly and Louisville Metro Government. To say the last few months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement.The dedication of our sta, volunteers, members, donors, and the larger community makes celebrating Waterfront Botanical Gardens so rewarding. This organization stands as a beacon of possibility, telling the incredible story of transformation from landﬁll to living landmark. It’s humbling to look back on all that’s happened in just a few months and to imagine the monumental growth still to come. I am thrilled to see where we go next, especially as we prepare to break ground on Phase 2 of our Master Plan in early 2025.As we move into winter, we look forward to our Party at the Gardens fundraising event, as well as 24 festive nights of Louisville’s Loveliest Holiday Tradition, Gardens Aglimmer. This time of year also brings planning and preparation for what’s ahead, and there is much to do as we continue bringing our Master Plan to life.I invite you to join us on this exciting journey and connect with the Gardens. Whether through volunteering, becoming a member, attending a class or event, or making a donation, your support is vital to our growth. We’ve achieved tremendous things in the past ﬁve years, and with your help, we can ﬂourish for the next 50.Sincerely,Philip KoesterPresident & CEOPhil speaks during the Learning Garden Ribbon Cutting on July 12, 2024

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Donate to support the Gardens at waterfrontgardens.org/support or scan the QR codeFinding a way to support Waterfront Botanical Gardens does not always mean making a gift today. Instead, planned giving oers donors an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the future. The Helen Harrigan Legacy Society was established to not only honor the woman whose bequest brought Waterfront Botanical Gardens to life, but to celebrate donors who choose to support our growth for years to come. Here are ﬁve reasons to consider planned giving:In August, Waterfront Botanical Gardens hosted an informational breakfast with guest speaker Turney Berry, where attendees could learn about the Helen Harrigan Legacy Society and the beneﬁts of estate planning. Turney Berry is a partner at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs and he is a nationally recognized leader in the areas of estate and business planning, estate and trust administration, and charitable giving and tax-exempt organizations. He leads Wyatt Firm’s Trusts, Estates & Personal Planning Service Team and also serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee.This year’s 1,000 Cranes Campaign was a resounding success. Thanks to a $100,000 match provided by David Graeser, Waterfront Botanical Gardens welcomed 59 members into the Crane Community and raised a total of $373,450. In celebration, the Crane Community will be invited to an exclusive reception at Gardens Aglimmer.Now in its second year, the 1,000 Cranes Campaign was inspired by a story in Japanese folklore that says if you fold 1,000 origami cranes (千羽鶴, senbazuru) your wish will come true. This campaign serves to help fulﬁll our community’s wish of building a world-class Botanical Garden. We are so grateful to David Graeser for his unwavering support, and to the many donors who are joining us on our journey to complete the Gardens’ Master Plan. Stay tuned for information on our 2025 Crane Campaign.The Lasting Impact of Planned GivingSuccess Takes Flight with the1,000 Cranes CampaignLori Kay ScottDirector of DevelopmentTo learn more about planned giving and the Helen Harrigan Legacy Society, or if you have already included the Gardens in your plans, please contact Lori Kay Scott, Director of Development or scan the QR code lkscott@waterfrontgardens.org | 502-609-3580The Helen Harrigan Legacy Society1.2.3.4.5.Making a planned gift does not impact your cash ﬂow today.Charitable gifts are often exempt from estate tax, allowing more of your dollars to directly support the Gardens.A planned gift may allow you to make a major gift that otherwise would not be possible during your lifetime due to other ﬁnancial commitments.Many legacy gifts can help to eliminate or reduce capital gains taxes when transferring certain types of assets.Planned giving allows you to sustain your generosity and legacy beyond your lifetime.

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Scan the QR code to learn more and apply for the Volunteer Bonsai Certiﬁcation Series.1st Place: Shimpaku Juniper Cascade - Jim KeithThe River Lotus Lion Dancers at Bonsai Weekend3rd Place: Yew - Jim Doiron2nd Place & People’s Choice: White Pine - Russ StevensBest in Show: 5 Tree Shohin Display - Joe GravissThank you to all who contributed to this memorable event. Save the date! Mark your calendars for next year’s 3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend from May 30 - June 1, 2025.Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ 2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend featuring the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society was a fantastic convergence of art, science, and community. A special thank you to presenting sponsors Mac and Catherine Willett for their continued generosity and support.From August 23-25, nearly 60 stunning bonsai trees were on display, drawing over 1,500 guests from 18 states. The weekend featured a packed schedule of workshops, demonstrations, and, for the ﬁrst time, bonsai vendors selling trees, pots, stands, and more. Guests enjoyed Asian street food from Renshoku Ramen, educational activities from Kentucky Science Center, and cultural crafts provided by the Asia Institute Crane House and UofL Japan Club. The vibrant performances by the River Lotus Lion Dancers and Japanese Fish Dancers added even more excitement.The event’s success would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. Thanks also to the Central Kentucky Bonsai Society for their additions to the bonsai show. Guest artist and show judge Phil Malhiot was a highlight of the weekend, oering insightful demonstrations and workshops while providing an exclusive walkthrough of the bonsai exhibit. His humor and expertise made bonsai approachable for enthusiasts of all skill levels.Congratulations to the 2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend show winners! Joe Graviss won Best-in-Show for his shohin display, while Jim Keith, Russ Stevens, and Jim Doiron earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors. Russ Stevens’ Japanese White Pine took home the People’s Choice award, and Joe Dietz’s Eastern White Cedar Forest was voted Members’ Choice.“If you build it, they will come.” At Waterfront Botanical Gardens, we’re discovering the same truth with our upcoming oering: a training program focused on bonsai care that has already sparked signiﬁcant excitement! Our growing collection of over three dozen bonsai trees is a true investment of time and creativity, and in 2025, we’re launching a Volunteer Bonsai Certiﬁcation Series to share the joy and dedication that goes into their care.In collaboration with the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society, this upcoming series will provide a comprehensive, hands-on journey into the art and science of bonsai. This program isn’t just about learning; it’s about crafting a skill, connecting with nature, and becoming part of the Gardens’ legacy. Participants who complete the training will receive a certiﬁcate and play a vital role in the ongoing care of our bonsai collection - an exciting opportunity to turn knowledge into action.The program will be led by Bonsai Master Russ Stevens, owner of Twisted Nature Bonsai. His expertise, enthusiasm, and years of experience will guide students through a two-year curriculum, totaling roughly 300 hours of class time. Starting with the foundational principles of bonsai, students will gradually learn advanced techniques, mastering the skills necessary to care for and cultivate these extraordinary trees.Becoming a Bonsai Master is a lifelong pursuit, why not begin at Waterfront Botanical Gardens? Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, the Volunteer Bonsai Certiﬁcation Series invites you to nurture a practice that combines patience, precision, and a deep respect for nature’s beauty. Join us, and let’s grow together - one leaf, one branch, one tree at a time.Introducing the Volunteer Bonsai Certification SeriesAndrew HagertyDirector of HorticultureBonsai Weekend A Blossoming SuccessFor more information, visit bonsaiweekend.com or scan the QR code

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Waterfront Botanical GardensReceives $5 millionto advance the Master PlanSenate President Robert Stivers presents Waterfront Botanical Gardens President & CEO with a $4 million check from the Kentucky General AssemblyTree Allée lined by 20 American Dream® Swamp White Oak trees Aerial rendering of the Graeser Family Bonsai GardenBeargrass Creek OverlookPhase 2A construction will begin in early 2025, with an initial focus on “preloading” the site - a process of compacting soil to ensure stability for future structures. This step is especially critical given the Gardens’ location on top of the former Ohio Street Dump. The preloading process will take approximately six months, allowing us to remobilize the design and construction teams. Construction is expected to be fully underway by fall 2025. We are profoundly grateful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Louisville Metro for these signiﬁcant contributions. This support underscores the importance of public gardens as essential community resources and rearms our shared commitment to cultivating a greener, more vibrant urban environment.Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared his excitement for what the Gardens have accomplished, and the future ahead. He said, “I know that you all are just getting started, and that’s one of the reasons you have such strong public support. You are already a tremendous asset to our city, to our entire state. The future is so exciting.” He continued, “Taking a landﬁll and turning it into a botanic garden, it’s also an economic driver for downtown Louisville, and for our entire region, and the Commonwealth.”We invite you to celebrate this exciting milestone with us! Stay tuned for updates on the progress of Phase 2 and other exciting developments made possible by this generous funding.Thank you to our incredible supporters, donors, and partners for your continued belief in our vision. Together, we are creating a beautiful and thriving urban oasis at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.see the completion of the remainder of the Japanese Garden designed by Shiro Nakane of Kyoto, Japan.Senate President Robert Stivers has been a vocal champion of the Gardens, and he was instrumental in making this visionary gift from the General Assembly a reality.“Waterfront Botanical Gardens stands for what was once a blight on Louisville’s landscape, transforming it into a beacon of possibility, repurposed with vision into something that inspires and uplifts. In addition to creating a uniquely beautiful green space, Waterfront Botanical Gardens provides environmental education and community events, which mean opportunities for economic development. The $4 million investment in this project is an investment in the quality of life for Kentuckians, and we are proud to showcase Kentucky as a vibrant arts and cultural destination for visitors from the region and around the world.”With this combined investment, we are celebrating a bright future. Waterfront Botanical Gardens is now in our ﬁfth growing season, having opened to the public in October 2019. To date, approximately ﬁve acres have been developed, and last year we welcomed over 57,000 visitors. On October 24, 2024, Waterfront Botanical Gardens hosted a press conference to announce that we would be receiving $5 million in government funding, and also to celebrate our 5th birthday. The Kentucky General Assembly awarded the Gardens $4 million, plus an additional $1 million was granted by Louisville Metro. Many government and community leaders were present at the event, and speakers included Mayor Craig Greenberg, Senate President Robert Stivers, Senate Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams, and House Majority Whip Jason Nemes.“This unprecedented level of government support will play a crucial role in advancing Phase 2 of our Master Plan,” shared Philip Koester, President & CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens. “We are honored and humbled by the shared vision of Senate President Robert Stivers, as well as the support of Senator Julie Raque Adams, House Speaker David Osborne, and Mayor Craig Greenberg.”With Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 will focus on the Japanese Garden and surrounding elements. The $5 million from city and state will focus on infrastructure for Phase 2A, including the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Tree Allée, and Beargrass Creek Overlook. Phase 2B will To learn more about Phase 2A, visit waterfrontgardens.org/ master-plan/phase-2a or scan the QR code

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Layah HodgesEducation AssistantReconnect and Grow Rediscover the joy of real-world connections and hands-on learning by taking a class at Waterfront Botanical Gardens. While 21st century technology has made many aspects of our lives increasingly eortless, our reliance on digital communication is, not surprisingly, creating a very socially isolated generation. The frequency of face-to-face interactions and regularity of real-time relationships have decreased. We work, order food, and purchase entire wardrobes - all without leaving the comfort of our homes. These luxuries are valuable timesavers, but what are the long term impacts of solitude on our health and overall quality of life? Research shows that prolonged loneliness can not only aect mental health, but can also increase the risk of developing physical ailments like heart disease and dementia. Waterfront Botanical Gardens oers more than just an escape from screens. Among the many beneﬁts of lifelong learning through in-person adult education programs at Waterfront Botanical Gardens, is the opportunity to engage with new people and forge new friendships. We are working to create a welcoming community where individuals with a similar passion for plants can bond over shared interests and foster new hobbies. Whether they are repotting orchids or cooking with culinary herbs, our class attendees broaden their knowledge of the natural world through collaborative activities and meaningful discussions. Over the next year we plan to oer a robust selection of programs on plant education, garden inspired wellness, and nature-based creative expression. We encourage you to join us at the Gardens for one of our upcoming classes to network with other learners and with our guest instructors that are skilled experts in their ﬁeld. Check out our Adult Education calendar online! Visit waterfrontgardens.org/learn or scan the QR codeWITH ADULT EDUCATION AT THE GARDENSSPROUTS SUMMER CAMP 2024To learn more about youth and family programs at the Gardens, visit waterfrontgardens.org/youtheducation or scan the QR codeWanda PeckDirector of EducationGrowing TogetherFrom wizarding wildﬂowers to bountiful birdwatching, our 2024 Sprouts Summer Camps brought together young nature enthusiasts from all across Kentuckiana to explore and develop their passions in the natural world around them! Over the course of six exciting weeks, summer campers aged 4 to 12 embraced their curiosity and became bug detectives, aspiring artists, and mindful meditators. Each week oered a new theme designed to spark their imaginations and senses, while also fostering a deeper connection to the environment. Whether identifying plants and trees, learning about health beneﬁts from natural sources, or engaging in hands-on activities, campers were immersed in a unique blend of nature education and adventure.One of the camp highlights came during the “Conifers to Camptosaurus” week, where campers had the honor of ocially cutting the ribbon on our new Learning Garden. This innovative addition to the Gardens provides an outdoor classroom that emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning. Campers were encouraged to get their hands dirty, connecting directly with nature as they planted and nurtured their very own plant starts in the Learning Garden bed. The Garden, now an added space for ﬁeld trips and outdoor classes, allows children to witness ﬁrsthand how nature and nurture can come together to create something beautiful.Beyond the natural sciences, each week incorporated lessons about the history of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens. Campers learned that sustainability is key, as the Gardens themselves are a shining example of how waste can be transformed into a resource. The summer camps provided a welcoming environment for kids to cultivate both plants and friendships, all while discovering the magic and possibilities the natural world has to oer. As our space expands, we look forward to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards!

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For more information on the trail and to start planning your journey, visit kentuckygardentrail.com or scan the QR codeKentucky Garden Trail WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS NOW PART OF THEWaterfront Botanical Gardens is thrilled to be a part of the newly launched Kentucky Garden Trail, a scenic, self-guided exploration of Kentucky’s lush and diverse horticultural oerings. This exciting trail features 12 stops showcasing the state’s rich natural beauty, from curated garden spaces to expansive arboreta, bringing plant lovers and outdoor enthusiasts closer to nature.The personalized passport program invites travelers to discover and document their journey. Passports can be picked up at any of the participating venues or their local tourism oces, and guests receive a botanical stamp at each location on the trail. After collecting six stamps, explorers will receive a special KY Garden Trail gift! Continue to receive all 12 stamps, and a Garden Trail Grand Prize will be waiting for you. Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a key destination along the trail, oering an urban green space to enjoy while visiting the many other arts and cultural attractions that Louisville has to oer.The development of the Kentucky Garden Trail was made possible through collaborative eorts, with special thanks to Oldham County Tourism and Louisville Tourism for their instrumental roles. Their support has been invaluable in creating a uniﬁed eort to both preserve and celebrate Kentucky’s natural splendor.Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Kentucky Garden Trail oers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s vibrant plant life. We look forward to welcoming new guests from near and far to Waterfront Botanical Gardens!Molly YoungVolunteer & Membership ManagerNew Reciprocal MembershipWhat is better than working in nature? Working in nature with friends! This year, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest joined forces to create a Reciprocal Volunteer Program. This collaboration brought together sta and volunteers from all three organizations for shared volunteer days, where everyone pitched in to help out and learn more about each other’s work.The program kicked o with great success at Bernheim Forest in May, followed by work days at Waterfront Botanical Gardens and Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in June. While at Bernheim, volunteers worked together to mulch their impressive magnolia tree collection in preparation for accreditation with the American Public Garden Association… which they received! Trees were also the focus when visiting Yew Dell with volunteers working to clean up the grounds in their Arboretum. When it was WBG’s turn to welcome visiting sta and volunteers, their eorts contributed to intensive weeding and mulching work along parts of the Beargrass Creek Pathway. This collaborative event not only helped each partner complete vital tasks but also created an opportunity for participants to learn more about each other’s missions and approaches to environmental stewardship. It was a perfect mix of productivity and fun!We could not be more grateful to our friends at Bernheim and Yew Dell for lending their time, energy, and green thumbs. This program has been a fun and rewarding way to build our community, grow new friendships, and learn about these other fantastic organizations. We are lucky to have three projects in this area that are each unique in their history and scope, yet, aligned with one mission to connect our community with nature in meaningful ways. We look forward to continuing the Reciprocal Volunteer Program in 2025. Waterfront Botanical Gardens is excited to announce an exciting new beneﬁt for our Members: reciprocal garden membership through the American Horticultural Society. This partnership opens the door for WBG Members to enjoy free admission and exclusive perks at more than 360 participating gardens across the U.S. and North America. From sprawling botanical gardens to intimate local gems, Members can explore a wide range of horticultural experiences, each oering unique landscapes and approaches to gardening. This new beneﬁt not only enhances our Members’ access to these incredible destinations but also increases Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ visibility on a national level. Join today and take advantage of this enriching opportunity to connect with gardens far and wide!Find an AHS Reciprocal Garden by visiting AHSGardening.orgLearn more at waterfrontgardens.org/volunteer or contact Molly Young, at myoung@waterfrontgardens.org or scan the QR codeLearn more at waterfrontgardens.org/membership or scan the QR codeWATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS, YEW DELL BOTANICAL GARDENS, AND BERNHEIM FOREST TEAM UP FORReciprocal Volunteer ProgramDISCOVER OVER 360 GARDENS WITH WBG’S

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Fall 2024 IN BLOOM Newsletter

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