End of Year Thank You
How & Why your support matters!
In this newsletter - learn about our current and future programs, projects, and plans.
At Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, we believe every seed, seedling, or tree we plant is a step toward a healthier and more sustainable planet and a more vibrant local community. In the face of climate change and the choices we make today are more critical than ever. Volunteerism and individual donations are what keeps us going. Particularly now, as we do not know what the future holds for environmental organizations, your support is particularly meaningful.
We are a tiny team, and we work really hard. And when I say really hard, we mean it. There is a huge amount of work throughout the year and even though the gardens may be closed, we are still at work.
And to make that work possible, we need funding. We make some money from visitor admissions and grants, but we rely on you to give us the support we need to keep going.
Hortus has always been a place of growth and renewal, but it’s more than just a collection of gardens. From preserving native plants that are rare and endangered to educating the public about sustainability, we’re working to create a greener future while fostering deeper connections within our community.
This year, your support is more vital than ever. Here’s how your contribution will help:
Protecting Native Flora: Your donation helps us expand our native plant collection, which supports biodiversity, creates habitats for a wide diversity of insects, bugs, and wildlife, and fosters resilience against changing weather patterns and a warming climate.
Educational Programs: With your support, we can provide hands-on workshops, school programs, and community events that empower people of all ages to connect with nature and be environmental stewards.
Beginner Tree ID class with Levi O’Brien Sustainable Practices: Your support enables us to implement and model sustainable gardening practices, from composting to planting for biodiversity, focusing on woody taxa.
Community Gardening Initiatives: By partnering with local organizations, schools and volunteers, we’re creating spaces where everyone can reconnect with nature and each other.
Supporting Pollinators: Our various gardens are designed to provide essential habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators crucial to local ecosystems.
Celebrating Local Arts & Culture: Through special events and curated gardens, we honor the arts and the cultural history of our region, inspiring creativity, pride and a sense of place.
2024 "Art in the Garden" featured artist Alison McNulty working and talking about her sculpture "Hudson Valley Ghost Column 9". Made from local sheep wool & bricks. With your help, we can continue to grow Hortus as a place of growth and action. This year, we’re raising funds to expand our climate-resilient garden’s plant inventory and our reforestry project, repopulating the Northwoods with native trees, and shade for understory native shrubs and perennials to thrive.
Every gift brings us closer to our vision of a sustainable future for our community and beyond.
The Northwoods - "Regenerate NY" project; posts for deer fencing; wildflowers; natural beauty.
Will you join us in this vital work? Together, we can make a difference—plant by plant, project by project, action by action.
Your generosity will directly support programs and initiatives that address climate change and strengthen our community through the power of plants and people.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we’re not just growing a garden—we’re growing a place for future generations to flourish and thrive.
Click here to donate today or send your gift to:
Hortus Arboretum
76 Mill road
Stone Ridge, NY 12484
With deep gratitude,
Allyson Levy & Scott Serrano
co-Executive Directors
Hortus Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Winter Literacy Artist Residency application process is open through January 3rd, 2025 to all writers. This Winter Residency opportunity is from February 18th - 25th. For more information and to apply click here. Juror is 2024 Winter Writer Resident - Kristen Holt-Browning
Come hear us speak at the Virginia Association for Biological Farming this January 12th from 2:00-3:30pm.
Have an event you want us to speak at? This is me last year at the PASA conference in Lancaster, PA.
See you in the gardens!