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The Future

The Future

Garden Revitalization & New Land Development

Garden Revitalization

As the gardens grow the NABG has a duty to prioritize care of the existing grounds. After 30 years, much of the Arboretum needs a facelift. Our first major project began in 2023: The First Impression Project. The goal is to improve curb appeal, define our separation from Agnes Patterson Park and the City, improve branding, and provide visitor information at a logical entry point to the grounds.

Phase 1 – Fall 2023
Provide separate entry points for the •NABG Welcome Center/Business Office and the •Daniel J. and Ann L. Krumm Event Center.

Funded by: the Jasper Community Foundation, the Krumm Family Foundation, in memory of Doug & Adeline Fruetel, Karen Clark, in memory of Dru Milligan, Fran & Richard Henderson, Fred & Judy Chabot, Lana Wohlers, Ina Heidemann, and numerous community members.

Phase 2 – Winter 2024/Spring 2025
Landscape the new Welcome Center/Business Office, add signage to identify the separate entrances, and install wayfinding and information signs at a logical entry point to the Arboretum.

Secured funds from: the Jasper Community Foundation, Black Hills Energy, and the Geisler-Penquite Foundation. The NABG is still seeking community donors to assist with completion of Phase 2.

Phase 3 – Fall 2025/Spring 2026
Redesign the entry bed facing the frontage road and install a new, large sign identifying the Newton Arboretum parking lot entrance.

New Land Development – Prairie

Our Board of Directors began talking with Newton city officials in 2022, then started a full-fledged land acquisition campaign in 2023. The available land was part of the Agnes Patterson parcel owned by the city of Newton. Pesticide and herbicide drift had become constant issues that compromised our mission.

On March 18, 2024 the NABG finally acquired the cropland abutting the northern border of the gardens after a unanimous vote by the city council! What an amazing opportunity! As soon as we took possession, the NABG collaborated with Jasper County Soil & Water Conservation and seeded prairie on April 9, 2024. The prairie will take 3-5 years to reach maturity and is the perfect way to hold the land as we continue to refine our Vision.

Part of our acquisition campaign was to put together a Vision Plan. You can view our full presentation below.

DONATE TODAY!!
Help us develop the gardens.
There are many LEGACY opportunities available.

Other Projects

There are several other major projects under consideration. Each project is in its infancy, but community interest will help further them along. There are NAMING OPPORTUNITIES available for future garden enhancements!!!

  • 4 Season Conservatory
  • The Geisler-Penquite Horticultural Center to house tools, equipment, a large workspace for projects, much needed storage, offices and a full-size greenhouse. If the Arboretum is gonna grow, the garden team needs a workspace. YOU can help make it a reality!
  • Terraced Courtyard Gardens to replace the existing retaining wall beds and reimagine the entire front of the Arboretum
  • Re-lining and re-designing the Swanger Riparian Stream water feature.

Please CONTACT us with inquiries regarding Legacy Sponsorship of Garden Revitalization and Land Development.

The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens celebrates nature by focusing on horticulture, community, and growth.