Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
The only frost-free, natural conservation habitat, botanical garden in the continental United States
We are open. Daily. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Masks required. Social distancing protocols
Scarecrows in the Forest | September-November
Help us preserve, develop and expand the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, museum, wildlife refuge and habitat
The Garden is open!
This historic, rare ecosystem provides a safe and educational alternative through these trying times. There are 15 acres of native garden and forest to explore on the six-to-10-foot-wide 
trails. Visitors have plenty of room for social distancing, walking your dogs and breathing the fresh air under a magnificent open sky in the company of abundant native flora and fauna. This outdoor refuge is the antidote to the coronavirus blues. Spring and summer are glorious with native plants in bloom and plenty of birds and butterflies as part of Mother Nature’s annual migration wonder.
Covid-19 protocols: Masks are required at all times and social distancing must be maintained. Keep your mask handy! Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Be Safe. Be Well.
Today’s Best of the Garden
On the calendar today
Open Daily
Scarecrows in the Forest
Garden Guardians
#KWVirtualGarden | Students
Welcome to the Virtual Garden
Our virtual garden is the perfect choice when you need smart, fun and well-planned activities for the children in your lives — with just the right balance between screen time and structured play. Videos, interactive lessons, StoryTime and hands-on activities designed by our education team and consistent with state of Florida education standards.
Live from Facebook
This week we are talking about the invasive Curlytail Lizard!
Check out #KWVirtualGarden be registering for free at www.keywest.garden/education/ for the guide & worksheet to learn more about this species.
Scarecrows in the Forest
Open to Public: September-November
Come see our Scarecrows!
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden’s second annual Scarecrows in the Forest event features locally designed scarecrows from individuals, creative professionals, organizations and businesses. Scarecrow creators use natural and recycled materials. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: school-age groups; not-for-profit groups; and businesses, amateur individuals and creative professionals. Best in Show will be chosen by garden visitors.
Student Art in the Garden Project
Local students and local artists collaborate in a workshop of the Key West Art in the Garden Exhibit to design, create and exhibit their masterpiece in the Scarecrows in the Forest Exhibit and Contest that runs through Nov. 30, 2020. Materials are provided by the art project and the workshops are held at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.
Our Partners
What would you like to do today?
Become a member
Memberships include unlimited free admission, special events, gift shop discounts, volunteer opportunities and offers from our partners.
Check events calendar
There's always something to do in the botanical garden and tropical forest. The latest schedules for yoga, plant sales, speaker series and more.
Become a volunteer
Our volunteers get their hands dirty -- or not. We have opportunities for volunteers who love people, plants, trees and animals.
Make a donation
Sustain and preserve our fragile Florida Keys ecosystems. Purchase endangered plants and trees and support educational programs.
Schedule a venue
Wedding? Family reunion? Company outing? Whatever you're planning, our venues are the perfect setting for your special event.
#KWVirtualGarden
Our new online videos and classes are unique, interactive educational programs for parents and students K-8.
We’ve been green since 1989
We're frost free
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States! A tropical environment with ample rain allows most trees to retain their leaves in the dry season (December through late May).
We love our native plants
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a special place where you can appreciate biodiversity and learn more about its importance. We are home to many endangered and threatened flora and fauna. Unlike traditional botanical gardens, this garden advocates the importance of native plants and species through education in a natural conservation habitat.
Rare fresh-water ponds
The Garden has three of the last remaining freshwater ponds in the Keys and is a major migratory stopping point for neotropical birds from places as far away as South America, as well as being home to many rare birds in the Florida Keys. Enjoy this unique US tropical forest and garden and a chance to see hundreds of different butterflies, birds, plants and beautiful flowers.
Our mission
Preservation
To preserve, develop and expand the Key West Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, museum, wildlife refuge and habitat
Public Awareness
To educate the public about the threatened, endangered and endemic flora and fauna of the Florida Keys, Cuba and the Caribbean Basin
Education
Our adult and youth education programs ensure our members and visitors know how they can protect our ecosystems. The Living Laboratory uses interactive workshops to teach students about the importance and the benefits of native plants and wildlife
Conservation
To conduct conservation programs to understand and propagate threatened and endangered endemic species of native flora and fauna
Let’s do good together
Help us preserve, develop and expand the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, museum, wildlife refuge and habitat
