Explore, Discover & Engage
The Mission of The Fort Worth Botanic Garden
To explore the critically important world of plants, collaborate to discover the role they play in our cultural and natural environments, and engage people to conserve nature and improve the human experience.
Gardens teach patience and promise: that with time, care, and
hope, even the smallest seeds can grow into something magnificent. Over the past two years, we have carried that lesson into everything we do, nurturing a vision that stretches beyond the horizon.
During 2023 and 2024, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden saw extraordinary seasons of growth. The seeds planted in years past, through planning, perseverance, and partnerships, have begun to bloom in beautiful and tangible ways.
At the Garden, our pathways are livelier than ever, as attendance continues to climb, bringing new faces and new energy. Educational programs have flourished, opening doors for more children, families, and learners of all ages to wonder, explore, and fall in love with the natural world. BRIT research teams completed major projects, many funded by the National Science Foundation, adding vital knowledge to the global understanding of plants and their essential role in sustaining life.
In November 2024, FWBG also broke new ground, literally, with the launch of the Baker Martin Family Garden, the first project to emerge from our 20-year Master Plan. The two-acre space will be a “garden of yes” that welcomes intergenerational enjoyment, encourages interactive exploration, and beckons unstructured play and discovery. It marks the beginning of a campaign that will continue to transform the Garden for decades to come.
With every step, every blossom, and every breakthrough, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden continues to move forward, rooted in hope, reaching for tomorrow, and inviting all to share in the beauty of what is yet to come.
The First steps of the master plan:
In November 2024, the groundbreaking of the Baker Martin Family Garden was celebrated, thanks to key contributions from Louella Martin, Laura and Greg Bird, and the Bird Family Foundation. With $22 million raised out of the $25 million goal, including $6 million from the City of Fort Worth, this project is set to make a significant impact on the community.
From left to right: donors and supporters Dana Porter, Brooke Lively, Laura Bird, Greg Bird, Louella Martin, Mayor Mattie Parker, William Brentlinger, Patrick Newman, and Richard Zavala celebrate the groundbreaking of the Baker Martin Family Garden. Some are joined by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, adding to the joy and anticipation for the future of the Family Garden.
Guest Experience:
Over two years, Guest Services hosted exciting exhibits like World of Orchids, ZimSculpt, Florigami, and Dinosaurs in the Garden, attracting 875,949 visitors. Popular events, including ¡Celebramos!, plant sales, Japanese Festivals, and Dog Days, brought the community together to celebrate the Garden’s beauty and diversity.
“Love the garden! You have done so much great work to enhance the physical space and bring in new events.” – Garden Member
Horticulture
In 2024, FWBG achieved significant milestones, including earning accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International for plant conservation. Highlights included the relocation of the nation’s only accredited Begonia collection to the upgraded Conservation Greenhouse, the addition of a fernery, and renovations to the Backyard Vegetable Garden. FWBG also celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century as Texas’s oldest botanic garden and a cherished space for community connection and nature appreciation.
Science and Conservation:
From 2023 to 2024, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) achieved significant milestones. Key projects completed include evaluating the rare small-headed pipewort for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, digitizing over one million herbarium specimens for online access, and concluding the NSF-funded Philippines Biodiversity project, which resulted in over 100,000 collected specimens and new species discoveries. BRIT also accessioned 255 artworks worth $2.57 million into the Arader Natural History Art Collection. These accomplishments were made possible through dedicated staff, volunteers, and support from funding partners like the NSF and private philanthropy.
Education
In 2023 and 2024, FWBG’s educational programs saw significant growth, expanding Children and Families programs to 15 camps, 43 classes. New initiatives included an outreach program for Fort Worth ISD preschoolers and environmental STEM camps for low-income families. Adult Education featured 93 classes with 1,385 participants and emphasized accessibility. The 4th Grade Initiative supported professional development for teachers and organized immersive field trips for over 5,100 students in 2024, including STEM-focused experiences. Volunteer efforts expanded with 967 members by 2024, offering interactive Discovery Carts and docent-led tours, fostering community engagement and lifelong learning.
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875,949
Guests who visited the garden
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17,681
Member Households
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2,497
Participants in education classes and workshops
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65,389
Plant specimens digitally processed
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1,147
Service hours by junior volunteers
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73,330
Service hours by volunteers
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5,174
Children explored the garden through school field trips
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26
Educational camps
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99
New books published by BRIT press
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320,559
Bulbs planted
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514
Weddings hosted at the garden
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4,629
Service hours by 231 corporate groups
