The annual fundraising effort for the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is coming to an end. Every October through December, the non-profit’s Board of Directors focus on raising funds for the upcoming year, calling it their Annual Appeal Season. 

Vice President of the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ Board of Directors and co-chair of Program and Events Ina Heideman says their annual operating expenses easily exceed $80,000. That money goes to seasonal and perennial plants, utilities, water, employees, equipment, and other expenses on the 19.5 acre site.

“At the Botanical Gardens we have all different varieties of trees, including some of the oldest that are still living in the state. We also have beautiful gardens attended by our horticulturist and volunteers. We have a butterfly garden, a pond, many sculptures, and we are establishing a prairie that used to be farm ground.”

Heideman says the nonprofit receives no tax-subsidized support from the City or the State. Anyone wishing to donate can go online to https://newtonarboretum.com/product/donation/ or call 641-791-3021.

The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is at 3030 North 4th Avenue East in northeast Newton. The grounds and gardens are open from sunrise to sunset year round. The Krumm Center, which is the building on the grounds, is currently open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.. It is available to rent for special occasions or events.