What are Botanical Gardens?
Botanical gardens grow and display collections of plants for research, educational, and recreational purposes. The origin of the “scientific” garden is often traced to the renaissance, when medical schools established collections of medicinal herbs to assist their students in plant identification. Similar medicinal gardens can be found throughout human history, from ancient China to the Aztec civilization. During the industrial revolution, most botanical gardens opened to the public, expanding their recreational, civic and economic benefits. Contemporary botanical gardens serve as modern day arks, preserving genetic diversity from extinction and supporting plant conservation efforts around the world.
Who and what are the Portland Botanical Gardens?
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.’
Where are the Portland Botanical Gardens?
Portland Botanical Gardens has negotiated two “Prospective Purchaser Agreements” for the McCormick & Baxter Superfund Site in North Portland and intends to complete the financial transaction for the property before May, 2027.
Is the McCormick & Baxter Superfund site safe for the public and future botanical gardens?
Yes. Cleanup and remedial action was completed in 2005, and annual site monitoring and reporting confirm the site remains safe for human health and the environment. For more detailed information, see the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) project page.
What is unique about the proposed Portland Botanical Gardens?
Our vision is to create research-and-education-focused botanical gardens in Portland with Oregon’s first conservatory, the state’s largest collection of native plants, and its most comprehensive vocational & research program in climate resilience, plant habitats and responsible horticulture – all within a living laboratory. Establishing this garden at McCormick & Baxter allows PBG to showcase innovative research and educational programming on environmental remediation, restoration and urban ecology.
What is the potential economic impact of Portland Botanical Gardens?
PBG will boost economic activity in the Portland Harbor by bringing visitors and tourists, green jobs, workforce training, and event space to a site that has been vacant since 1991. While it will take time to realize the full economic impact, comparably-sized gardens can support over 100 employees.
How will the Portland Botanical Gardens promote conservation and sustainability?
Locally, PBG’s adaptive management of the existing restoration plantings will demonstrate best practices and resilient species for ongoing restoration in the Portland Harbor Superfund Site over the next two decades. Regionally, the Traverse Oregon collections will feature rare and endangered plants from across the Northwest, preserving the botanical diversity of our native plants and educating visitors on plant conservation efforts. The Walk the World collections allow PBG to support global plant conservation efforts, and will showcase climate adapted species for urban forestry and green infrastructure.
What is the construction timeline?
Garden development will occur in phases over ten years. PBG will establish a “Living Laboratory” in the first phase and aims to open the “Foundational Garden” in 2031. Full build-out is targeted for completion in 2036.
When will the Portland Botanical Gardens open to the public?
PBG is plan to “activate” the site with tours, educational programming and an event series shortly after the property is acquired (estimated Summer, 2027).
Will there be an admission fee, and what kind of discounts will there be for the community?
Like many botanical gardens, museums and zoos, there will be affordable memberships that allow free access, and an admission fee for non-members (with discounts based on season and need). Additionally, the Portland Botanical Gardens will develop ten acres of public greenspace along the entire waterfront that will be free of charge.
What kinds of plants and programming will the Portland Botanical Gardens have?
Unlike 19th century botanical gardens that grouped plants taxonomically, PBG will organize its collections by plant community and geographic origin. The primary focus will be the diverse ecosystems of the Willamette Valley, with additional curated ecoregions representing the broader Western U.S. and Mediterranean climates. These living landscapes will showcase biodiversity, and educate visitors on native species, ethnobotanical traditions and conservation efforts. Educational components include facilities to support research, learning and vocational training.
How will Portland Botanical Gardens manage traffic and parking?
Based on pre-planning completed as part of our due-diligence, PBG intends to include active transportation improvements along the Willamette River Greenway Trail, e-mobility infrastructure, onsite parking and a shuttle system for peak days. PBG has started conversations with the University of Portland for parking and shuttle coordination. PBG’s expected peak season also occurs during UP’s summer break, reducing overall traffic load on the transportation system.
Has there been Tribal input on this project?
Six federally recognized Tribes are heavily involved with habitat restoration in the Portland Harbor, and DEQ conducted extensive outreach to these Tribes during the two-year development of the Prospective Purchaser Agreement. PBG was an active partner over this period and has identified a number of collaboration opportunities with Tribal entities through our own direct outreach. We are excited to further build these relationships. Portland Botanical Gardens will prepare and implement a tribal engagement plan as part of the PPA scope of work, which will also extend to the many urban indigenous organizations in the Portland area.
Will Portland Botanical Gardens use synthetic pesticides?
PBG will follow best practices in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), take all reasonable precautions before using synthetic pesticides, and develop an IPM policy in line with project stakeholders. Chemically-intensive plant maintenance is antithetical to our mission of demonstrating climate adapted gardening and responsible horticulture. Note: there may still be a need for targeted chemical treatment if there is an Emerald Ash Borer outbreak with the existing Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia) groves on site. Read more at OSU Extension Service webpage on the topic.
How will Portland Botanical Gardens deal with invasive exotic vegetation?
We take invasive species very seriously and will follow best practices in plant conservation with every plant selection. In response to valid concerns about non-native plants, the conceptual master plan locates the “Walking the World” collections outside of the 500 year flood plain, and we will develop an invasive screening policy with project interest holders before designing these collections. Like other research and education focused botanical gardens, PBG will promote awareness around invasive species for gardeners and the general public while also showcasing climate resilient and culturally significant plants.
How do / will you navigate camping and litter management onsite?
PBG is planning to establish community-based restoration plots through the Test Plot PDX initiative to establish a culture of stewardship along the riverfront. This approach has been demonstrated to reduce conflict, litter and vandalism at similar sites, such as the Fuller Initiative Land Lab. PBG is required to restrict camping per the prospective purchaser agreement with DEQ, as this activity threatens the integrity of the remedy.
What kind of river access will be available?
Ten acres of public native plant collections will line the Willamette River Greenway Trail and remain accessible free of charge. This trail will include separated bike and pedestrian paths connecting the University of Portland to the Willamette Cove Natural Area and link to a public gathering space. PBG’s full build-out includes creating a universally accessible sand and gravel beach, with a pier for public boat access.
How will Portland Botanical Gardens be funded?
Construction and ongoing operations will be funded by a diverse revenue model that includes membership fees, donations, grants, nursery sales, anchor tenants, program and event admission, and event rentals.
Can I visit the Portland Botanical Gardens?
Not yet! We are currently working on acquiring the McCormick & Baxter site and completing a site development plan.
How can I get involved?
Make sure you sign up for our newsletter on our website, and please follow us on Instagram (if you use social media). We will advertise volunteer opportunities and other events as they occur.
Can I tour the McCormick & Baxter site now?
Tours of the McCormick & Baxter Superfund Site available by reservation – email info@portlandbg.org if you or your group would like a tour.
How do I donate?
Your donation helps to make all of this possible! Donate here.
Can I donate plants?
Not yet – but maybe in the future. Once we are able to accept plant donations, we will have a collections policy in place. Depending on the nature of your donation, we may or may not be able to accept it.
How can I stay updated on news and events?
Sign up here to get our newsletters – we won’t spam, promise! We also post on our blog and on Instagram.
Are you hiring?
We do not currently have any paid openings, but we are always looking for volunteers!