About the Garden
Rooted in Nature Conservation
The mission of Sonoma Botanical Garden is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants, and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
Since its founding in 1987 by Jane Davenport Jansen, Sonoma Botanical Garden has been dedicated to celebrating and conserving the plant diversity of temperate East Asia. In 2021, this vision grew to encompass another biodiversity hotspot: the California floristic province. At first glance, the Garden is meandering pathways, seasonal features, and hidden picnic spots, but a closer look reveals there is so much more. Every plant is accounted for with unique identifiers (accession numbers), species name, and source information.
Seasonal changes of specific species are recorded, and data is added to a national community science effort that tracks the impacts of climate change.
Rare and endangered plants grown from wild-collected seed are carefully cultivated so their offspring can be sent to other botanic gardens increasing not only the genetic diversity in cultivated populations but as a safety measure against loss from fire or other natural disaster.
Cuttings and samples are sent to plant researchers around the world for analysis and study, enhancing our understanding of how to save these unique plants and minimize unintended consequences from humans such as introduction of invasive species.
Last, but not least, the Garden is a protected habitat for a variety of local wildlife. This corridor connects with the wildland interface along the Garden’s fence line to combat local habitat fragmentation and further ecosystem alterations.
The result – a unique, tranquil, immersive experience of conservation in action.
The Garden Bridge
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Staff
Board of Trustees
Solidarity Statement
Embracing Biodiversity and Human Diversity
In reverence of the rich tapestry of life on this planet, and in acknowledgement of the indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for millennia, we, the Sonoma Botanical Garden community, stand together in unwavering solidarity.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that Sonoma Botanical Garden, in Glen Ellen, California is situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Wappo peoples, past, present, and future. We recognize the enduring relationship that these indigenous communities have maintained with this land for countless generations. We honor their resilience, wisdom, and cultural contributions, past and present, and commit ourselves to ongoing respect, collaboration, and learning from their heritage.
Solidarity Statement
At Sonoma Botanical Garden, we embrace a profound respect for the biodiversity of our planet, understanding that every species, from the tiniest microorganism to the towering redwoods, is a vital thread in the intricate web of life. Just as each plant, animal, and microbe plays a unique role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems, so too does every human being bring their own unique experiences, knowledge, and perspective to our shared human tapestry.
We recognize that the conservation of biodiversity is not just a scientific endeavor; it is a moral imperative. It is a commitment to honoring the inherent value of all living beings and understanding that the diversity of life, both natural and cultural, enriches our world in immeasurable ways
As stewards of this magnificent garden, we pledge to:
- Celebrate Diversity: We celebrate the diversity of life by maintaining a wide variety of plant species from around the world and by cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.
- Learn & Share: We commit to continuous learning about the plants, animals, and ecosystems in our care, as well as the cultural traditions and knowledge of the indigenous peoples of this land. We will share this knowledge with our community to foster greater understanding and appreciation.
- Collaborate: We will actively seek partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to biodiversity and cultural diversity, working together to protect and preserve our natural and cultural heritage.
- Advocate: We will advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and respect for human diversity, recognizing that these principles are intrinsically linked.
- Inspire & Connect: Through our garden, programs, and events, we hope to inspire a deep connection between people and the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and love for the Earth and all its inhabitants.
In solidarity, we commit ourselves to the vital work of respecting, preserving, and celebrating the biodiversity of life on our planet and the diverse human family that shares it. Together, we can nurture a world where every species, including our own, thrives in harmony with the Earth.