Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve provides opportunities to bring children, families, and the community together for interaction with nature. We are a place that helps to improve mental health and physical well-being.  A place that educates and inspires people to be good stewards of the environment. 

​

Beech Creek Gardens is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our organization began in 1999 as a grass roots effort by a small group of individuals.  Our founders had a passion for educating, especially our youth. They desired to teach people - about the important connection between plants and people. They had a vision to create a beautiful place that would help to improve one’s mental and physical well-being. To teach about plants, the environment, the importance of preserving green space and to inspire a love for nature therefore improving stewardship of our world.

​

Our founders believe that creative, hands-on, engaging exhibits play a key role in the quality of learning. Therefore, we strive to use these criteria with every event, program and exhibit we create.

 

Our Mission

​

We believe that quality of life and the health of the environment are interdependent and that an understanding of nature improves the lives of individuals. We provide educational opportunities and interactive experiences that inspire people to be good stewards of their communities and the world.

Location

​

Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve consists of 181-acres in Stark County's Washington Township, just west of the city of Alliance, in the heart of northeastern Ohio.
 

Brief Timeline

1999:     Founders began discussions with like-minded community members.
                1st Board of Trustees developed.

2003:     Purchased 164 acres.
                Drafted the first strategic plan.

2005:     1st Education grant received.

2006:     Opened to the public with one hiking trail and a small parking lot.

2008:     Opened seasonal butterfly house.

2010:     Opened the Amazing Garden Plant Science Center
                Began teaching 2,000 students a year coming on school field trips.

2012:     Opened Visitor Center.
                Moved offices on-site
                Founders officially hired as Directors.

2013:     Purchased an adjacent 11.5 acres.

2016:     Completed REALL Development phase which included public restrooms, storage, additional          parking, and a Caterpillar Nursery.

2017:     Implemented a general admission.
                Opened new gardens.

2018:     Opened 2-acre Natureplace playground

2019:     Purchased an adjacent 6.4 acres.
 

We are focused and committed to:

* Improving quality of life, including physical and mental well-being.
* Teaching environmental science to K-12 students and adults.
* Preserving green space now and for future generations.
* Promoting outdoor nature play for children.
* Inspiring preservation of our future.