Skip to content

Community Impact

“Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ mission is to improve quality of life and connect the community through nature. We strive to make our gardens a place where everyone can come together and share the beauty of the natural world. It is our promise to continue to create an experience that is safe and welcoming for everyone.”

-Bruce Harkey, President & CEO

To learn more about the Conservatory’s positive impact on our community, please see our most recent Annual Report.

Advocacy for Pollinator Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory is committed to supporting efforts that promote sustainability, native landscapes, and healthy habitats for pollinators. Recently, Jenny Pope, Director of Community Outreach and Education, shared a public testimony at a Columbus City Council meeting in favor of proposed updates to the city’s weed code, aimed at protecting and encouraging pollinator-friendly gardens.

These changes would allow residents more flexibility to grow native plants that support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators without being penalized for exceeding height restrictions traditionally applied to weeds.

Jenny’s testimony highlighted the importance of rethinking what we label as "weeds" and recognizing the ecological value of native plantings. You can watch her full remarks here, and read more about the issue in NBC4’s coverage and The Columbus Dispatch.


 

Integral To The Community

IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE
Green space has a profound impact on health A plethora of research shows that access to nature improves physical and mental health, reduces violence, increases tolerance and encourages creativity and curiosity among children. More than 350,000 individuals visit the Conservatory each year and reap the benefit of access to nature.
SUPPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
$17,474,000 contributed to Columbus economy via tourism Nearly 314,000 visitors came to the Conservatory in 2022. More than a third of those visitors were from outside of Franklin County. It’s estimated by Experience Columbus that each of those visitors will spend $167 while in Columbus, contributing over $17 million to the Columbus economy.
ENSURES ACCESS AND INCLUSION FOR ALL
More than 50,00 people served through community engagement offerings annually The Conservatory is committed to being a space where all are welcome–regardless of financial status, over 14% of visitors participate in Access Programs. Through these community programs, including free and reduced admission for low-income families and underserved communities, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to connecting the community through nature.

Extending The Benefits Of Public Gardens

BUILDS HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES THROUGH GARDENING
The Growing to Green program has helped grow a greener future since 2000 Each year, the Conservatory provides 75+ consultations, along with Garden Grants, resources and supplies, to strengthen and sustain community gardens all over the city. Growing to Green also provides free education and on-site support for 47 community gardeners right in our own backyard in the Conservatory's Community Garden Campus. GIVES BACK TO ERADICATE COMMUNITY HUNGER
Providing thousands of pounds of produce to local food banks The Conservatory’s Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus donates hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to area food pantries annually, while the Growing to Green community gardens collectively provide approximately 60,000 pounds of produce to local food banks annually.

Neighbors are invited to share in the bounty of the growing season by visiting the Free Little Farmstand in the Community Garden Campus. This take-what-you-need pantry box improves access to fresh garden produce for our direct neighbors! PROVIDES NUTRITIOUS OPTIONS FOR FOOD DESERTS
The Conservatory’s Farmers Market provides thousands of residents with fresh produce on Columbus’ East side The Conservatory’s Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from June to September, providing families in near East side neighborhoods with access to fresh, local foods. The Market accepts EBT and participates in Produce Perks, providing EBT users with matching funds to spend on fresh produce.

Expanding Access To The Conservatory

IMPROVING ACCESS TO CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Museums for All Along with six other major cultural institutions in Columbus, the Conservatory participates in Museums for All, a national partnership of more than 500 cultural institutions that reduce barriers to access in visiting museums. The Conservatory offers $3 General Admission and Special Engagement admission to income-qualified people, increasing accessibility year-round.
Add description PROVIDES RESPITE FOR SICK KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Offering the health benefits of nature The Conservatory partners with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House to provide free admission for patients and their families.
HOST FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Entertainment and education for thousands of Central Ohioans Free family events, like Pollinator Palooza and ProMusica Concerts, are designed to delight and educate visitors of all ages. Thousands of community members enjoy these every year.

Sowing Seeds Through Education

SUPPORTING EARLY EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS
Head Start Discovery Conservatory educators developed a curriculum for low-income children and their families that exposes them to STEAM concepts at 10 Head Start sites around Columbus. KEEPING KIDS ON TRACK WITH LEARNING
FPC STEM Classroom & FPC STEM Afterschool In partnership with Columbus City Schools, the Conservatory facilitates four weeks of in-classroom nature-based STEM programming for students in grades K-4, as well as K-12 students with disabilities, within CCS Summer Experience classrooms. LOWERING FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO EDUCATION & FUN
Scholarships for Field Trips and Summer Camps Every year, hundreds of young learners can visit the Conservatory during a field trip or participate in summer fun during Summer Camp thanks to need-based scholarships and subsidies.

Give today

Choose how you would like to give