Arboretum

Venues

Gnome Villages Offer Whimsical Creativity this Winter

  Mystical Village 2020 from ArtsandRecreationOverlandPark on Vimeo.   Winter Whimsy at the Arboretum Looking for whimsy, playfulness, and a little magic? Join us at the Arboretum to explore the Fairy and Gnome Villages along the sculpture loop! This delightful display was designed by four talented artists and one dedicated volunteer. You may recall visiting … Read More

Slow Down and Reconnect with Nature at the Arboretum

  Slowing Down These are trying times. However, there’s still plenty to be grateful for. Certainly, the pandemic gives us an opportunity to slow down. Having more time to get out and appreciate nature has done wonders for our sanity! Visiting the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a wonderful refresher. Use the opportunity … Read More

Luminary Walk Interview – Irene Parsons

The annual Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a holiday tradition for many families as well as being the largest fundraiser for the Friends of the Arboretum. We couldn’t do it without the dedicated group of volunteers headed up by Irene Parsons. Here are Irene’s thoughts about this great event: … Read More

FOTA by the Numbers

We don’t often talk about the business side of FOTA, so I thought I’d give you a taste of that this month, as your FOTA Advisory Board just finished our 2020 budget and goals. We set an ambitious fundraising goal this year of $500,000, and events are a big part of that. It’s not too … Read More

Reasons to Approve the Arboretum Visitor Center Preliminary Development Plan

Building out the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has been the dream of thousands for over 30 years. In the late 80’s, the Legacy of Greenery Committee and the City’s Governing Body made a commitment to develop a truly signature destination for the people of Overland Park by purchasing 300 acres on 179th Street. (The … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum August 2019 Newsletter

Chair’s Corner Summer’s End at the ArboretumAlas, summer is winding down and the kids are already back at school. But as the temperatures moderate to something more pleasant, now is a perfect time to come out to the Arb! Walk the trails, delight in the gardens still in full bloom, and enjoy these upcoming events … Read More

Summer 2019 Friends of the Arboretum Newsletter

Chair’s Corner Meet the Arboretum’s Hard Working Volunteer Coordinators! Q: How many hours have volunteers worked at the Arboretum in the first 6 months of 2019?A: Approximately 13,125 hours. Q: How many Arboretum volunteers are registered and active?A: About 400, of whom 100 are Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners who work on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Q: Who are the talented people … Read More

2019 Spring Plant Sale

We’re gearing up for the 2019 Spring Plant Sale (May 2-5) and wanted to share the list of plants that will be for sale – it’s an incredible selection! Angelonia ‘Angelface Super White’ Acalypha reptans ‘Pendula’ Heuchera ‘Red Lightning’ Angelonia ‘Angelmist Spreading Bluebird’ Achillea ‘New Vintage Violet’ Buddleja ‘Pink Cascade’  Angelonia ‘Archangel Dark Rose’ Achillea … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum April 2019 Newsletter

Chair’s Corner We Need Your Help to Get to the Finish Line!Excitement is building at the Arboretum as the pieces are falling into place for our new Visitor Center! We’re hopeful that groundbreaking can take place before the end of 2019 with the goal of a fully-functioning building in 2021. As of this writing, we’re … Read More

Why You Should Join Friends of the Arboretum

Who We Are Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA) is one of three “Friends” groups under the umbrella of the nonprofit organization Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP). FOTA is governed by an Advisory Board made up of 19 volunteers as well as representatives from the Arboretum staff and ARFOP. They meet each month … Read More

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