The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Grows Greener: 10 Additional Acres Acquired!

Exciting news for nature lovers and JABG supporters! The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (JABG) has expanded its conservation footprint by a whopping 10 acres thanks to the generosity of donors and community members.

Eight acres of land were purchased with funding from the River Branch Foundation and an anonymous donor; quickly following this purchase, an additional two acres were generously donated by Rhona and Grover Burgan, bringing the Arboretum to a total of 136 acres. This expansion significantly boosts JABG's commitment to preserving green space and environmental education.

"It is our honor and privilege to be part of the growth of this amazing organization," said Rhona Burgan. "The expansion...will have a tremendous impact on the beauty and health of our city."

The newly acquired land will be used as a natural buffer zone for the existing gardens. This allows JABG to prioritize the existing ecosystem and create a haven for native plants and animals already thriving on the property.

"We would never be able to expand and preserve such natural Floridian greenspace without the help of these giving donors," shared JABG Board President Lindsay Starner. "Being able to share this space with the surrounding community is thrilling - just wait for what we have in store for 2025!"

Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting plans JABG has in store!