View of Beech Creek Entry Garden, Parking Lot, and Paved Driveway.
The land has some outstanding features including Beech Creek, for which the botanical garden and nature preserve has been named. Beech Creek is a headwater tributary of the Mahoning River that crosses the property.
Click here for a map of the property.
The terrain and vegetation are diverse with approximately 70% of the land being forested. It is home to various animals, insects, birds, and over 150 species of native plants.
The Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve (BCBGNP) property was purchased in March, 2003 with a grant from the Ohio Public Works Clean Ohio Fund and a donation of land value by the owners.
A botanical garden project of this size will have to be developed in phases, and may take many years to bring to fulfillment. Phase One consisted of upgrades and improvements to the property. During 2006 - 2007, improvements to the BCBGNP property consisted of:
- Widening of the access driveway
- Parking lot
- Bridge across Beech Creek
- Completion of the “Fern Ridge” hiking trail
- Purchase and placement of picnic tables and benches
- Installation of tree identification signs
- Temporary restroom
Development of the BCBGNP is guided through the use of a strategic, multi-year plan designed by the Board of Directors. This plan is reviewed and revised each year as site elements are completed or as goals, projects, and funding change.
Phase Two (2008 - 2013) developments completed include:
- Butterfly House
- Sensory Garden
- Parking lot expansion
- Completion of the “Spice Bush” hiking trail
- Landscaping beds and gardens
Current Phase Two projects under way include:
- The Amazing Garden Plant Exploratorium
- Visitor Center renovations
- Wildlife Observation Deck
- Additional Hiking Trails
We hope that visitors will be inspired to JOIN, DONATE, or VOLUNTEER.
Funding the Development
As a nonprofit organization, grant funding, donations and volunteers are the major components to the success of this project.
- The BCBGNP Grant Committee pursues grants that our consistent with our mission, projects and goals.
- We gladly accept monetary donations, “in-kind” donations of materials and labor, and other related botanical, agricultural, or landscape items.
- We highly encourage interested individuals to become members or volunteers and participate in the continued development and enrichment of the property.
- We also accept donations of items that can be used for daily operations (such as small appliances or office equipment for the Visitor Center) or for the general mainenance and upkeep of the property (such as mowers, chipper/shredder, etc.).
Click here for a list of grants and major donations received by the BCBGNP.