BEYOND THE BLOOMS

Chicago Botanic Garden grows community, science, and learning across the region.

Spanning 385 acres of gardens, landscapes, and retreats, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a living museum with deep roots. Using art to connect people to nature, the Garden creates must-see and must-do experiences for visitors.

This summer’s exhibition, Patterned by Nature, brings together art and nature in an impressive and large-scale way. “We find art enhances the people-plant connection,” says Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.

But its beauty extends throughout greater Chicago and beyond. “The Garden helps build healthier communities through urban agriculture, offers lifelong learning opportunities, leads pioneering plant conservation research, and showcases the beauty of horticulture,” says VanderBurg.

With three programs stemming from its mission, the Garden inspires the community to connect through the power of plants. One such program, Windy City Harvest, addresses food insecurity and creates career pathways on Chicago’s West and South sides through urban agriculture.

“By focusing on growing food, improving health, and creating job opportunities, we’re helping build strong, vibrant neighborhoods that thrive,” says Carmen Vergara, Vice President, Community Partnerships.

Windy City Harvest operates 10 urban farms across Chicago, growing and distributing over 200,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. Through programs like VeggieRx, over 3,000 individuals receive free produce boxes. In addition, the Farm on Ogden in North Lawndale combines farming, a produce market, nutrition education, and workforce development all in one space.

Another program leads cutting-edge plant science through the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, which works across ecosystems and continents to save rare species and restore landscapes.

“Our work at Negaunee Institute focuses on preventing extinctions, supporting resilient landscapes, and training the next generation of plant conservation leaders,” explains Kay Havens, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science.

The Institute’s Plants of Concern program tracks over 280 rare species at nearly 340 sites in the Midwest, while partnerships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank amplify native seed production and the safeguarding of seeds.

“By working together, we can grow more seed from more species, helping restore diverse, healthy habitats that can better adapt to our changing climate,” says Havens.

The Regenstein School is another impactful program, offering immersive learning experiences for all ages and experience levels. Its curriculum covers art, design, photography, wellness, and more, inviting people to connect with nature in meaningful, hands-on ways.

“The School offers workshops, programs, and events on everything from the life cycle of plants to painting and photography, butterflies to bonsai, and wilderness survival to yoga workouts in one of the largest blended indoor-outdoor learning environments in Chicagoland,” says Eileen Prendergast, Senior Director, Education.

With field trips reaching 30,000 students annually, certificate programs, and professional development for 300 teachers each year, the Garden is nurturing lifelong learning.

From growing food to conserving plants and inspiring learners of all ages, the Chicago Botanic Garden is growing a better world. “The Garden invites all to join in our mission to grow more than plants as a member, donor, or visitor,” says VanderBurg.

Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, 847-835-6801, chicagobotanic.org, @chicagobotanic.