We Support the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
8909 W. 179th St. Overland Park, KS 66013
913.685.3604
About Us
Friends of the Arboretum – known as FOTA – exists to foster, promote and develop the aesthetic, educational, recreational, cultural, environmental, and scientific aspects of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
FOTA is part of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Friends of the Arboretum is a vibrant organization comprised of people who enjoy being outdoors, appreciate the beauty of the Arboretum, love visiting the gardens and hiking the trails, and want to support this outstanding community amenity.
Become a Member of FOTA
Your membership in FOTA supports programs and capital improvements and produces many special events that draw visitors to the Arboretum. Benefits include: Free admission to the arboretum during normal operating hours (does not include special events), Spring Plant Sale preview night, FOTA Annual Social Event, Monthly e-Newsletter, other FOTA events as announced, and participation in the Reciprocal Admissions Program sponsored by the American Horticulture Society involving more than 300 gardens and arboretums.
You will receive a QR code that will serve as your digital membership card. Please present this code at the entrance each time you visit for admission.
PURCHASE MEMBERSHIP OR GIFT MEMBERSHIP
FOTA Advisory Board
Chair: Todd Denmark
Secretary: Sonya Wright
Treasurer: Janet Forrest
Members at large: Matt Burleigh, Brandon Geistdoerfer-Munger, Georgia Erickson, Teresa Halbersma, Pat Griggs, Libby Irving, Nancy Jernberg, Mary Jones, Dan Morgan, Deborah Nelson, Irene Parsons, Maggie Rudzik, Terry Happer Scheier, and Paul Tamisiea.
Projects Funded by FOTA
Generous donors, membership dues and FOTA fundraising events have funded the following capital improvements:
• Ailie’s Glade
• Betsy and Gordon Ross Herb Garden
• Byrd’s Grove
• Cohen Iris Garden
• Environmental Education Visitors Center
• Erickson Water Garden
• Greenhouses I and II
• Haake Celebration Terrace and Pergola
• Joshua’s Story
• LongHouse Visitor Center
• Marder Woodland Garden
• Margie’s Serenity Point
• Monet Garden
• The Retreat
• Rotary Children’s Garden
• Sculpture Acquisitions
• Stous Promenade
• The Train Garden
• Welcome Garden and Entrance Gate