Sharing the Love of the Garden, Now and in the Future

Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded over a hundred years ago with a commitment to connect its surrounding communities with the natural world through education and inclusive programming. This once-radical principle remains a guiding force in the 21st century. An important component of BBG’s recently completed Campaign for the Next Century was the expansion of education initiatives in the Garden and the community, with greening efforts that reach every corner of Brooklyn.

These vibrant new programs ensure that even the most casual visitor is delivered an ever-changing, inspiring series of opportunities to engage with nature in meaningful ways.

One of the most important investments BBG is making is in the training of its devoted and hardworking volunteer force. Garden Guides play an essential role in engaging visitors of all ages and abilities through dialogue-based techniques that inspire inquiry and deeper exploration.

Planned gifts are a vital source of support and help make these and many other BBG programs and initiatives possible. As a Garden Guide and a planned giving donor, Katherine Patton understands the impact of this type of gift and has made a commitment to BBG in her estate plan.

“Inspired by my mother’s love of plants, I felt that becoming a Garden Guide would be a wonderful legacy,” says Katherine. “I love being a Garden Guide and sharing my passion for plants and trees with the public, and I hope that I spark an interest in gardening—especially with children.”

“Through my planned gift I can continue both my mother’s and my legacy, keeping Brooklyn’s crown jewel shining for generations to come”, she adds. Planned gifts of all types build a safety net of annual and long-term support that allows the Garden to keep all its programs and activities strong and properly funded. Among such gifts are tax-saving strategies and income-producing assets that can go far in supporting BBG.