A Blossoming Future: Jacksonville Arboretum's $1 Million Grant Sparks New Growth
- 8/6/2024
- Grace Stallone
In a thrilling development for nature enthusiasts and the Jacksonville community, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (JABG) has been awarded a monumental $1 million grant from the River Branch Foundation. This isn't just a big win; it's a game-changer for everyone who loves our green spaces and educational programs.
Nestled right in the heart of Jacksonville, JABG is like a hidden gem, offering a slice of nature's paradise with its diverse ecosystems and beautiful trails. Thanks to this generous grant—the largest we’ve ever received—JABG is all set to take things to a whole new level.
Dana Doody, JABG’s Executive Director, couldn’t be more thrilled. She shared, "This grant represents a turning point for JABG, and we are incredibly grateful to the River Branch Foundation for their visionary support. With this crucial funding, we're in a prime position to become a leader in environmental education and serve as a delightful green space for all Jacksonville residents."
So, what’s on the horizon with this funding? For starters, JABG plans to invest in essential maintenance equipment, make the garden more accessible to everyone, enhance security, and bring on more staff to keep everything running smoothly. And if you love our "Glowing Gardens" light show as much as we do, you’ll be excited to hear it’s getting a glow-up too!
Councilman Mike Gay from District 2 also chimed in, saying, "The arboretum has gained incredible momentum over the past few years, and it is great to see the support coming from the community. I’m eager to see how the nonprofit organization will continue to progress, especially with this generous support from the River Branch Foundation."
What makes this story even more inspiring is JABG’s journey from a once-mined site to a lush sanctuary. Since our public debut in 2008, JABG has blossomed into a hub of natural beauty and learning.
Whether you’re a fan of nature, a hiking enthusiast, or someone who just needs a peaceful escape, JABG is the place to be. So why not come and explore? There’s always something to discover, and your visit supports a future full of green dreams. For more info or to get involved, head over to jacksonvillearboretum.org. Let’s nurture a more beautiful and sustainable world together! 🌿