Nestled within the vibrant heart of San Antonio lies a haven of greenery and tranquility: the San Antonio Botanical Garden. At the helm is Katherine Trumble, who assumed the role of Interim President and CEO in November 2023. With a career deeply intertwined with the arts and culture, Katherine brings a nuanced approach to her leadership, focusing on fostering growth and sustainability while staying true to the Garden's mission of enriching lives through plants and nature.
As the former Director of Development, Katherine's transition to Interim President and CEO is a natural evolution of her dedication to the Garden. Her tenure is marked by a profound commitment to funding, recognizing its pivotal role in sustaining the Garden's operations and expanding its reach within the community. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, Katherine ensures that the Garden remains a thriving hub of botanical wonder for generations to come.
For Katherine, the true magic of the Botanical Garden lies in the transformative experiences it offers, particularly for young visitors encountering the wonders of nature for the first time. She delights in watching children roam freely amidst the Garden's lush landscapes, their laughter echoing through the air as they explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. These moments of joy and discovery are a testament to the Garden's enduring impact on the community.
Since its opening in 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has blossomed into a sprawling oasis spanning 38 acres of curated landscapes and captivating exhibits. Originally established as a city entity, the Garden underwent a significant transformation in 2019, transitioning into a privately operated non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the unique biodiversity of South Texas.
Central to the Garden's mission is its commitment to education and conservation—an effort that permeates every aspect of its operations. From showcasing rare and endangered plants to offering educational resources on water conservation and native foliage, the Garden serves as a beacon of environmental stewardship, inspiring visitors of all ages to become champions of conservation. Additionally, the Garden's website serves as a comprehensive resource for visitors seeking to deepen their understanding. From practical guides on WaterSaver Landscaping, which emphasize sustainable gardening practices while conserving water, to educating the community on the native foliage of Texas, including the Hill Country, East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas Plains, their online resources underscore its commitment to preserving local ecosystems. Furthermore, initiatives like the Monarch Waystation highlight the Garden's efforts to support monarch butterfly reproduction and continued migration. With these resources readily available online and hours of operation that near 365 days a year, the Garden is accessible to all.
The Garden flourishes as a dynamic hub of activity, offering an array of programming designed to engage and inspire visitors year-round. With activities such as seasonal events like enchanting holiday exhibitions, concerts, cooking and wellness classes, family workshops, walking and hiking tours, children’s story time, summer camp, and much more, there is always something new to discover within the Garden’s landscape. Additionally, with new exhibitions rotating through the Garden each season, it’s guaranteed visitors will always leave with a new experience.
One of the most anticipated exhibitions on the near horizon is the world premiere of Huntopia Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies—a whimsical display crafted by acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem. Representing the inaugural garden exhibition by Slonem, Huntopia promises to transport visitors into a realm of whimsy and wonder. As guests step into the Garden, they will be greeted by larger-than-life bunnies, birds, and butterflies—iconic motifs that have inspired Slonem's art for decades. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the garden, these giant sculptures will captivate the senses, their shimmering forms crafted from tens of thousands of hand-cut and hand-applied pieces of glass. With its dazzling array of mediums and captivating imagery, Huntopia is sure to enchant audiences of all ages, inviting them to experience the magic of art and nature together. This extraordinary exhibition will be at the Garden's from May 3rd through November 3rd, offering visitors time to immerse themselves!
To the San Antonio community, the Botanical Garden is more than just a place of natural beauty—it's a cherished sanctuary where families come together to connect, explore, and celebrate the wonders of the natural world. Looking ahead, Katherine envisions the Garden evolving into a world-class destination, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its ever-expanding collections and educational offerings.
The Botanical Garden is a beloved gathering place where families come together to celebrate life's milestones and create memories. From birthdays to weddings, the Garden plays host to a myriad of life events. Moreover, the Garden's appeal is generational, spanning across families and fostering a sense of continuity as grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more, share cherished traditions with their loved ones. Beyond its role as a venue for celebrations, the Botanical Garden enriches lives through its profound connection to plants and nature. Whether through educational programs, immersive exhibits, or simply moments of quiet contemplation amidst its lush landscapes, the Garden serves as a source of inspiration and renewal for all who visit. In essence, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a testament to the enduring bond between community, nature, and the human spirit.
In order for the public to experiences the beauty of the Garden, Katherine and her team are tasked with working through any obstacles the Garden may face. Weather is a large, and completely unavoidable, challenge. Events such as harsh freezes, extreme heat, and many times drought, require the help from the entire team at the Garden. Katherine does everything with a team mentality in mind, meaning there is no problem too great. Each obstacle is approached with focus and determination, and solutions are often executed with the support of over 500 volunteers.
Looking towards the future, the San Antonio Botanical Garden envisions a period of continued growth and expansion guided by a comprehensive Master Plan that will shape its trajectory for the next decade and beyond. Central to this vision is the aspiration to elevate the Garden into a premier destination—a place that not only attracts visitors from near and far, but also captivates them with its world-class collections, meticulously curated gardens, and unwavering commitment to education and conservation. With a focus on enhancing its offerings and cultivating a reputation for excellence, the Garden aims to become a beacon of botanical beauty and environmental stewardship on a global scale. As the Garden embarks on this transformative journey, there are myriad opportunities for individuals to get involved and become active participants in its continued success. Whether through a visit to explore its enchanting landscapes, becoming a member to support its mission, participating in the diverse programming, volunteering time and expertise, or simply embracing its mission, the San Antonio Botanical Garden invites everyone to be a part of its thriving community—a garden for all people to enjoy, learn, and cherish for generations to come!