The Portland Botanical Gardens (PBG) was formed in 2020 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by a passionate group of botanists, conservationists, and horticulturists. The idea of a major botanical garden for Portland was initiated by Sean Hogan, a renowned botanist and a founding member of the PBG board. Since its founding, PBG has been devoted to the creation of an inclusive and community-serving botanical garden for the ‘City of Gardens.’
PBG’s mission is to bring plants and people together and provide an immersive space for knowledge, community, and collaboration.
Looking to the Future
The vision for PBG revolves around Oregon’s diverse landscapes and Portland’s celebrated culture of gardening. PBG imagines a centrally located garden accessible to all, composed with a mix of outdoor pathways, pavilions, and greenhouses to showcase Northwest botanical diversity, biogeographic exhibits, and endangered and significant plants of the world. Educational components include facilities to support research, learning, and vocational training.
Who is Involved?
PBG’s ten-member board of directors is led by Karl Rapfogel (President), and staff are Executive Director Matt Taylor and Research Director Michael Geffel. PBG relies on hundreds of volunteers and donors, and works with industry experts and consultants as it conducts due diligence on the McCormick & Baxter property.
Where Will it Be?
On Earth Day 2024, PBG secured an option to purchase the 59-acre McCormick & Baxter Superfund Site at 6900 N. Edgewater St. Portland, OR 97203*. In order to acquire the site, PBG must also sign a Prospective Purchasor Agreement (PPA) with DEQ and EPA. Read here for more information on that process. Once PPA’s are approved by the respective agencies, PBG will be eligible to close on the property.
* NOTE: A new entrance was created after University of Portland made major improvements to N. Van Houten Place for its new Franz River Campus, that address is 6700 N. Van Houten Pl. Portland, OR 97203
Botanical Gardens by the River
The proposed location for the Portland Botanical Gardens is only five miles from downtown, less than a mile from Cathedral Park, and adjacent to the University of Portland and the future Willamette Cove Natural Area.
Situated along the north reach of the Willamette River and in the Portland Harbor, the site has 41 acres of flat upland and 18 acres of riparian, beach and submerged lands.
With wide views of Forest Park, the river and the bluffs of North Portland, the unique site offers extraordinary potential for botanical gardens by the river.