History of the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania's Botanic Garden

In 1998, after a four-year search and assessments of approximately 100 parcels of land as potential sites for the Botanic Garden, the Horticultural Society of Western Pennsylvania (HSWP) signed a 99-year renewable lease with the Allegheny County Board of Commissioners for 400 acres of land in Settler’s Cabin Park. Praised as “the essence of Western Pennsylvania” by noted botanic garden designer Geoffrey Rausch, the leased land has since grown to 452 acres in order to accommodate parking and infrastructure needs.

In 2000, HSWP received a $100,000 matching grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a master planning process for the site of the future botanic garden. The DCNR support had a catalytic effect on HSWP fundraising efforts. Rather than simply matching the Commonwealth’s investment dollar-for-dollar, HSWP leveraged it to raise an additional $700,000 in direct contributions from private and corporate foundations, individuals and civic groups to greatly enhance the quality and depth of the Master Plan.

Now complete, the Master Plan provides a refined mission statement, values and goals for the Botanic Garden; a thorough assessment of environmental and design issues associated with the site; recommendations for creating successful educational programming, maximizing regional economic impact and ensuring financial sustainability; and preliminary plans, maps, charts and probable costs for Phase One of the Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania.

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