Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens proposes an expansion

Project AWAKE wants the city’s help in acquiring additional land next to Agnes Patterson Memorial Park in order to expand the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which board members say could create a compelling, one-of-a-kind destination for the town and elevate the site to new heights.

To better convince the city of their proposal, the board of directors for Project AWAKE gave a presentation on Aug. 21 detailing the amenities they wish to add to the arboretum and how they intend to pay for it through sponsorships, fundraising opportunities and potential endowments.

Lana Wohlers, president of the Project AWAKE Board of Directors, said the proposal includes a public use conservatory/greenhouse/green roof pavilion, more areas for natural prairie grasses, a parking lot with solar-powered canopies and an integrated sculpture that tells the story of “rewilding” of the farmland.

Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ mission is to cultivate community and to inspire growing, exhibiting and educating with a focus on sustainable ecological horticulture. Wohlers said the botanical gardens are rare for small, rural towns like Newton, noting they tend to be supported by large metropolitan centers.

Acquiring the 11-acre parcel — located directly north of the arboretum — would most certainly protect the gardens from pesticide and herbicide drift, but it also gives the volunteer board and its staff an opportunity to create. Wohlers asked council members several times to picture the scope of the final project.

“Imagine how the completed arboretum expansion plan might look, smell, sound as you walk through the paths,” Wohlers urged to council members.

Conceptual layouts of the proposal show a walking trail surrounding the parking stall with 150 or more spaces, the main building and prairie garden. Apart from the maintenance building sequestered in the northeast corner of the property along East 31st Street North, the land would be completely open to the public.

The vision is to not only expand the botanical collections but also demonstrate environmental stewardship and enhance the visitor experience through increased parking, longer walkways, seasonal attractions and other amenities that would be more accessible and provide greater educational opportunities.

Supporting Project AWAKE’s vision requires infrastructure. Wohlers pointed out the need for service roads, restrooms and access to water, electricity and internet lines. The maintenance building also provides infrastructure and would be closed off to store equipment, compost and other items for staff use.

In order for this project to come to life, the organization has developed an action plan. At the top of the list is acquiring the land through the city. Although the project would be completed in phases, the prairie could be seeded in the meantime starting May 2024. Wohlers warned it will look ugly the first two years.

“But after that, that’s going to be grasses, wildflowers and beautiful. Attract those butterflies and hummingbirds,” Wohlers said, noting the organization would have to hire a landscape architect and continue partnering with the city’s community services department. “…We have a grow forward initiative.”

And a plan to make Newton services more accessible and desirable and beneficial to the community.

“Just imagine the draw this could be,” Wohlers said.