Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Vision Statement:

We are moving toward a future where the lives of people of all ages are enriched by living plants of all kinds, and they are committed to sustaining the wonders of Earth's natural systems to ensure diverse plant life for future generations.

Mission Statement:

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum dedicated to advancing appreciation for and knowledge of plant life and its connection to people and cultures through its documented living plant collection, historic conservatory, education, research and exhibits.

About Us:

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization and a living museum dedicated to advancing appreciation for and knowledge of plant life and its connection to people and cultures through its documented living plant collection, historic conservatory, education, research and exhibits.

Designed by Lord & Burnham, premier designers of Victorian glass houses, this Victorian conservatory opened in 1900. The unique tri-domed glass, wood and steel design was based upon the famous Crystal Palace in Kew Gardens Palm House in England. The Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures from around the world. Today, the Botanical Gardens is one of only two remaining Lord & Burnham conservatories incorporated into a Fredrick Law Olmsted designed park. South Park was planned to be an arboretum with trees planted together as botanical families. When you drive, hike or jog the South Park Ring Road, you will enjoy all the Olmsted vistas including a small lake at the center and surrounding meadow.

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc. and Erie County have a longstanding working relationship. On August 16, 2004, The Society and Erie County formed a public/private partnership. While Erie County continues to play an important role in the future of The Gardens, formation of this new partnership gave The Society 100% responsibility for the day-to-day management and operations of The Gardens. The Society is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation dedicated to restoring, reviving and remaking The Gardens to its fullest potential!

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures. Although there are some plants native to our temperate region, most are native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Made up of three glass domes and nine greenhouses, this breathtaking conservatory is situated on 11.4 acres at the entrance to Buffalo's historic South Park.