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Botanical Garden of the Ozarks reports balanced budget and new donations, outlines 2026 priorities
Summary
BGO executive director Ashley Hornlow told the Parks board the garden passed a balanced 2026 budget, received a $220,000 gift from the Koch family for greenhouse and facility upgrades and secured a $30,000 Arconic Foundation grant for school visits, while prioritizing maintenance of the Firefly (butterfly) House in 2026.
Ashley Hornlow, executive director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, presented the garden’s 2025 annual report to the advisory board, saying the organization adopted a balanced budget for 2026 and has strengthened internal leadership through several promotions. Hornlow highlighted recent and planned capital improvements, noting a $10,000 donation used to repair irrigation this summer and a $220,000 gift from the Koch family earmarked for a second greenhouse, updated signage and refurbished entry doors at the Tobeyer Horticulture and Events Center.
Hornlow said philanthropic support helped launch or accelerate projects such as gatehouse refurbishment and a planned public-art installation, and noted the garden exceeded revenue expectations for the Autumn Gala and grew facility rentals. She said BGO’s first Arconic Foundation grant ($30,000) is targeted to keep school visits accessible for Title I-eligible students and that the garden serves more than 6,000 students annually through educational programming.
Board members asked about parking and trail users, and about the garden’s butterfly house (Firefly House). Hornlow said the butterfly house — originally built for a 10-year lifespan and now in its thirteenth year — will be a maintenance priority once larger siding projects are completed and that funding has been set aside for those repairs in 2026. Hornlow also said the garden plans an economic-impact study in partnership with the Fayetteville Chamber to quantify tourism and community benefits.
Hornlow’s presentation emphasized continued partnership with city representatives and staff; no formal board action followed the presentation at this meeting.
