Donate

WAYS TO GIVE

A one-time contribution, or a monthly commitment, will help to:

sustain the efforts that began in 1980
preserve the progress already made
guarantee the Dubuque Arboretum's existence and expansion in the years to come

Thank you for considering a gift to the Arboretum. The Arboretum is a 501(c)3 corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.

REQUEST A CALL OR MEETING

Our Dubuque Arboretum is a fine asset to our community and is deserving of first-rate support. We are all better people with good aesthetics exposure which nice gardens provide. And we benefit a lot from 'learning to do it ourselves.' Our arboretum does an outstanding job for us on both counts."

JOHN BUTLER, Chairperson

The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

It all began with a

thoughtful, generous donation

In 1975, “Mac” Marshall (1894-1977) donated 51 acres of land to the City of Dubuque with three stipulations:

that the land would always be used as a park,
that he could reside in the farmhouse whenever he wanted, and
that city government would begin developing the land within a year.

I thought it was about time someone did something for the ol’ town. So many take so much from Dubuque, but leave so little behind.”

-JACKSON (MAC) MARSHALL

The Dubuque Parks Department initially leased seven acres of Marshall Park to seven Tri-State Garden Club members: Jim Schwarz, Gene Heinemann, Mel Gottschalk, Ambrose Hoeger, Marlyn Bausman, Jack Frick, Frank Hardie. These visionary volunteers started it all: volunteers planted the trees, bushes and plants, and erected fences and arbors.

RECENT DONATIONS AND GRANTS

BRIGGS FAMILY FOUNDATION

WITH APPRECIATION: The Briggs Family Foundation donated this John Deere 410 Backhoe! Our Brown Team (maintenance team) so appreciates this piece of equipment for use in the larger projects at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Thank you, Wayne Briggs (and family), for making this happen!

DRA + SMITH PARTNERSHIP

WITH APPRECIATION: DRA funding + a 25% match from Burnell and Karen Smith provided paving from the zigzag bridge to the moon bridge and up to the Japanese Garden parking lot. Thank you!

$1,000 grant for tourism advertising

DNR | COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT

WITH APPRECIATION: This grant allowed us to replace 17 trees that were lost from the Emerald Ash Borer.

Thank you to the DNR for choosing us for this grant. Also, thank you to the volunteers who planted these trees!

SPAHN & ROSE LUMBER COMPANY

WITH APPRECIATION: Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. gives us make this world a more beautiful place! Thank you!

WALMART GIVING

WITH APPRECIATION: A $500 grant from Walmart Giving will help us as we continue our efforts toward environmental sustainability. The funds will be used for "Drip Irrigation in Our Gardens." Thank you!

DNR | TREES FOR KIDS GRANT

WITH APPRECIATION: This grant allowed us to get 21 trees for our grounds and to share the planting process with kids and their families. Thank you for choosing us for this grant and to the DNR, families, kids, and volunteers who assisted in the tree plantings.

PPP Loan Forgiveness

Cultural Leadership Partner Program Grant

$500 credit for volunteer shirts.

DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION

WITH APPRECIATION: The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens received a $35,000 grant to install new bathrooms at the entrance to the Legacy Tree Trail. Director Jenna Hirtz said the trail has grown more popular in the past year, and adding bathrooms will keep guests more comfortable.

HYVEE AT MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

WITH APPRECIATION: HyVee (on Dodge), our partner, serves food at the Music in the Gardens concerts.

Season 2021. ‘This is the biggest donation ever: $3,375.62! Sales went through the roof this season,' says Sheila Hinman, Catering Manager. Thank you!

DRA GREENHOUSE RENOVATION

WITH APPRECIATION: DRA funding allowed us to hang circulation fans, replace baffle walls (with polycarbonate materials), install thermostat-regulated exhaust fans and louvers, and rewire our largest greenhouse. Thank you!

Arts and Cultural Grants