Who We Are
We are the USF Botanical Gardens! Established in 1969, the USF Botanical Gardens stands as a beacon of natural beauty within the Tampa Bay community's bustling heart.
In its early days, amidst the modest marsh of Lake Behnke and the simple two-lane Fowler Avenue, the garden was a hidden gem. It was a time when native oaks dominated, and pine trees were seldom seen. This quaint sanctuary quickly became a nexus for students, faculty and the local community to immerse themselves in nature's wonders amidst the urban sprawl. Today, the USF Botanical Gardens remains a hub for learning and exploration of the natural world.
With your support, we can elevate the USF Botanical Gardens by enhancing our signage to create an immersive and educational experience for all who visit.
What We Do
We provide a 16-acre wonderland at USF's Botanical Gardens, a thriving hub of nature's beauty. With over 3,000 plant, animal and habitat specimens, it's a living encyclopedia of biodiversity. Beyond its charm, it's a vital university outreach, drawing thousands of visitors for plant festivals and rare finds. But it's not just a sight to behold; it's a center of learning. Ongoing research, from citrus greening to engineering, and diverse classes, from regenerative agriculture to botany, bloom here. Researchers, teachers, students and community members all find rich opportunities to engage.
Join us in a mission as simple as it is essential: raise funds to create new, lasting signage to better serve the USF community and help us recover the Gardens from hurricane damage.
The Impact
We stand at a crucial juncture in our history. The recent hurricane season took a toll on our garden oasis. In addition to a need for clear signange, we are aiming to replace lost plants, repair damage caused by fallen trees and wind and improve the garden experience.
Picture yourself strolling through lush pathways, guided by signs that narrate each plant's story. Delve into the rich history, diverse flora and their ties to Florida's climate, geology, wildlife and culture. With your support, we become an open book, inviting you to explore, learn and connect with the world of plants.
As we invest in the USF Botanical Gardens, it becomes more than just a green space. It's a place for growth, for neighbors to bond, for learning and for nurturing a sense of belonging.
USF Faculty and Staff: You can give online through this site, or complete this payroll deduction form (enter fund #421080, Botanical Garden Operating Fund) and email it to fscampaign@usf.edu.
Appreciation
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of your generous contributions to the USF Botanical Gardens. Your unwavering support fuels our mission and strengthens our commitment to nurturing this green haven in the heart of the Tampa Bay area. Together, we are cultivating a brighter, more sustainable future within our garden.
Spread the Word!
We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of the page.
Need help with your post? Try this message:
Make an impact and help the USF Botanical Gardens recover from hurricane damage. A gift of any size makes a difference: usf.to/gwgarden. Thank you for your support! #GoBulls
Latest Updates
Choose a giving level
$25
Sprout Level
Your $25 gift helps us begin the journey towards clearer garden paths.
$50
Bloom Level
Your $50 gift contributes to informative signage for our visitors.
$100
Sapling Level
With a $100 gift, you can help us guide more visitors with vibrant and clear signs.
$250
Flora Level
Your $250 gift helps us create educational markers throughout the garden.
$500
Hero
Your $500 gift expands our capacity for storytelling through signs.
$1,000
Garden Guardian
With $1,000 or more, you help champion comprehensive signage to transform the visitor experience.
$
Choose an amount
Gifts of any size make an impact! Enter your custom gift amount.