THE FIRST 20 YEARS
In the late 1990s, five founding members began working on a project to create a greenhouse in Rock Island. After much research, they determined that the right option was a botanical center that would focus on education. Together, they toured gardens, met with architects, and aimed to bring people and plants together in a way that would leave visitors changed, bringing with them a memory of joy, nature, plants and togetherness.
On June 20, 1998, the Quad City Botanical Center opened its doors and welcomed people of all ages into the atrium. As the programming at the Center evolved, so did the patrons. In the early days of the Center, the impact of technology upon children was not widely understood. Today, the Children’s Garden is a place of inter-generational play and learning, providing a fun and immersive learning environment that appeals to everyone who enters the Center.
The Quad City Botanical Center is a jewel on the cultural landscape of the Quad Cities, and a premier destination for lovers of nature and beauty.
On June 20, 1998, the Quad City Botanical Center opened its doors and welcomed people of all ages into the atrium. As the programming at the Center evolved, so did the patrons. In the early days of the Center, the impact of technology upon children was not widely understood. Today, the Children’s Garden is a place of inter-generational play and learning, providing a fun and immersive learning environment that appeals to everyone who enters the Center.
The Quad City Botanical Center is a jewel on the cultural landscape of the Quad Cities, and a premier destination for lovers of nature and beauty.
“Our garden is a living classroom for all ages. To see our community members, teachers, and families come back year after year, couples celebrating their futures together, and members and volunteers coming back year after year – we know that when they leave this place of nature and beauty, they leave changed for the better.”
Ryan Wille
Executive Director
Ryan Wille
Executive Director
