Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information from the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

Quarterly Garden Newsletters

Bench over pond

Fall 2023 Newsletter

Grant applications have been made for two major conservation projects. (1) In partnership with the National Key Deer Refuge and the Garden’s Native Nursery, our Education Department plans to expand its Zebra Longwing Butterfly Biome Conservation Project. (2) Plans are moving forward with a joint Native Orchid Conservation Project. Working with the Key West Orchid Society, we were able to bring Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens Orchid Conservation and Out-planting Center’s support to the program, a major contributing partner organization.

Bench over pond

Summer 2023 Newsletter

What a wonderful spring and summer in the Garden. We’ve been busy and our visitors have been treated to exceptional programming, including our latest updates on our Cuban chugs exhibit, the annual meeting, GardenFest, Migration Mania, Speaker Series and the extended Art in the Garden. The Garden is in full bloom following recent rain and it’s a great place to enjoy the summer.

2023 Winter Newsleteer

Winter 2023 Newsletter

The Garden is faced with several significant capital projects. The education building and staff offices are on their last legs; ceiling leaks and holes in the floors need repaired and replaced. Restroom facilities close to the Nature Chapel are in demand. And, we must find ways to protect and enhance our historic Cuban Chug collection. While some of these items can partially be covered by grants, the need for a major capital fund campaign is clear.

Olive Chair

Fall 2022 Newsletter

THANK YOU!

On Aug. 23, 2022, Key West voters overwhemingly approved the Garden’s referendum for a 99-year lease. We are grateful to voters and to our members who supported the public campagin. We are working with the City now to complete the lease. That will allow us to apply for large capital funding to improve the Garden facilities.

Chug Mariel

Spring 2022 Newsletter

Please vote “yes”

Key West requires a referendum to change the terms of a lease. Thanks to the sponsorship of Commissioner Sam Kaufman and Mayor Johnston, the city commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to put the “99 year” lease question for the Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on the August ballot.

Palm garden

Winter 2022 Newsletter

Though 2021 brought now-familiar Covid -19 challenges, the Garden, its staff, volunteers and board members worked effectively to keep the Garden growing. From finishing the children’s playground to welcoming visitors, we are proud of our accomplishments. And we are ready for 2022. Please join us!

Bench over pond

Fall 2021 Newsletter

ANNIVERSARY GALA: Postponed until 2022.

We welcome two new staffers, ask for volunteers to help in our native plant nursery — and take our grandson on a tour of the Garden, complete with an app to identify our wonderful native, endangered and exotic plants and trees.

OUR WISHLIST: We need your help to raise funds to address our conservation efforts for our Chug Collection; paving the entrance driveway to the garden; funding to upgrade the wifi system throughout the Garden and new software to integrate all Garden business and facilitate a more efficient use of staff time in conducting daily business; and significant repairs to our ADA Boardwalk in the Garden.

 

85th Anniversary Logo

Spring 2021 Newsletter

ANNIVERSARY GALA: Nov. 13, the Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden celebrates our 85 anniversary. The Gala will be a 1930’s themed event with time appropriate Trivia, period costume judging and a great meal by The Iron Chefs as well as live music.

OUR WISHLIST: We need your help to raise funds to address our conservation efforts for our Chug Collection; paving the entrance driveway to the garden; funding to upgrade the wifi system throughout the Garden and new software to integrate all Garden business and facilitate a more efficient use of staff time in conducting daily business; and significant repairs to our ADA Boardwalk in the Garden.

 

85th Anniversary Logo

Winter 2021 Newsletter

ANNIVERSARY GALA: Nov. 13, the Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden celebrates our 85 anniversary. The Gala will be a 1930’s themed event with time appropriate Trivia, period costume judging and a great meal by The Iron Chefs as well as live music.

 

Winter 2020 Newsletter

A monumental effort to restore the Garden has been met through your support, our contributors and donors, along with FEMA Public Assistance. This has provided necessary capital to repair, reforest & renovate damages from Hurricane Irma including the boardwalks, roofs, fencing, gates, irrigation and landscape lighting. Renovation efforts continue on outstanding projects including the Education Department Outdoor Classroom, Desbiens Pond and Foy Thompson Lookout.  Reforestation of lost trees remain a priority.

Olive Chair

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Since March when Covid-19 changed us, the world and the Garden, we have adapted to the new ways of doing things. From board meetings and Speaker Series via Zoom to our new online education programs for children and teachers, we learned to meet the Garden’s mission. The Garden is open for visitors to experience the wonderful healing powers of a walk along the pathways. Programming, like yoga, Garden Guardians and the monthly plant sales continue in the Garden. Join us!

Summer Fall 2019 Newsletter

A busy summer season leads us into our annual Scarecrows in the Garden, Migration Mania and a return to our weekly Story Time. We welcome new staffers and volunteers and continue our Hurricane Irma recovery and cleanup. You make a difference in the Garden!

Spring 2019 Newsletter

Our first quarter 2019 has been an exceptional Spring season in the Garden. The dedication of Olive’s Spirit. Migration Mania and Eco Fair. Record-setting bird sightings. The kick off of Art in the Garden. And the continuation of our Hurricane Irma recover and cleanup. You make a difference in the Garden!

Nursery Newsletter

Native Plant Nursery

Native Plant Nursery Newsletter

Each month our Native Plant Nursery experts bring you the latest information about our wildly popular native plant nursery.

The Native Nursery propagates native species for the garden, for restoration projects, and for sale to the public.

Volunteerism is a great way to learn about native plants as well as helping us propagate and care for them. Join us at the nursery Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. to Noon

 

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.

Education

Student and adult education: Speaker Series, Species Spotlight and StoryTime are among our extensive in-person and online courses.