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From the 1940s through the early ‘80s, the Lasdon family established a collection of plantings and this estate with its beautiful views and manicured gardens was the ideal site for an arboretum. Since that time the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, along with Friends groups and corporate sponsors has invested much resources and effort into developing the arboretum by improving infrastructure, adding tree collections, upgrading utilities and creating programs. Attendance has grown to over 35,000 visitors annually and the arboretum maintains connections to major arboretums throughout the nation. Tree research programs include dogwood, hemlock, lilac and American chestnut. Summer concerts, garden programs, botanical art instruction, plant sales and other public events make Lasdon Park & Arboretum the horticultural focal point in Westchester County. The time has come to further improve the arboretum and create new botanical opportunities for the public and truly make the arboretum a year round attraction. Unlike most of the major public arboretums in the country, Lasdon Park & Arboretum does not have a large public greenhouse, commonly referred to as a Glass House or Conservatory. Such a building will allow us to host year round botanical displays, events and programs. Not only will it be an aesthetic asset but this conservatory will allow us to exchange collections and research with other botanical institutions, educate visitors in horticulture and environmental issues, and for the first time in Westchester County, provide a place within the County where school children can experience an educational botanical program inside a beautiful glass house. It will ultimately pay for itself by generating revenue from shows and social engagements such as weddings, private affairs and gatherings. We wish to raise 2 million dollars to build a Conservatory approximately 45 feet wide and 60 feet long, with a side entrance vestibule. It will be sited above the Lasdon Memorial Garden, just to the west of the main driveway. It will be seen from the parking lot and make a beautiful backdrop to the center fountain within the memorial garden. The structure is designed by Rough Brothers based in Ohio. They are a renowned firm specializing in greenhouses and conservatories nationwide. The building we hope to construct will be similar to the Stan Hywet Conservatory in Akron, Ohio. We also wish to construct, for the first time anywhere, a glass house conservatory that is powered by green energy including solar, wind and geothermal resources. Our desire is to design a Conservatory that, while containing some permanent botanical displays, will continuously change with the seasons. In addition, it will host numerous programs and displays such as rain forest plants, carnivorous plants, orchids, Holiday plants, ferns, medicinal plants and “how to” programs on plant care. Additionally, we will make the Conservatory available to our participating Garden clubs and Friends groups to host additional flower shows and exhibits. The plan is to have a very active Conservatory combining aesthetics, horticulture and education for all ages. School children will now have a great opportunity to visit the Conservatory and learn about our botanical world. We hope that by establishing a progressive, interactive horticultural program at the Conservatory, we will continue to make connections and develop relationships with other Arboretums throughout the world. In addition to the Conservatory, our plan is to include additional restrooms and a small activity building for storage and public programs. The grounds surrounding the Conservatory will be designed to include water features and a large outdoor patio to display plants and have the ability to support outdoor events, fundraisers, weddings and receptions. In addition to raising the funds for the project, we wish to establish an endowment to fund a full time professional horticulturalist to manage day to day operations within the Conservatory. This professional will also have the funding to develop programs and purchase plants. We wish to build and operate the Conservatory without significant tax dollars. Our hope is to raise the funds for this project from corporate and business sponsors, grants, fund raiser events and grass root donations. It is a challenge but an exciting time at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. We ask that you come by and view our Conservatory display in the Shop at Lasdon and take a brochure. Consider participating in any way you can. Naming opportunities will be available to large sponsors. We will be happy to offer a full presentation on the project to any group or organization. We can be reached at (914) 864-7268 if you wish to help us. |
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