About Us
OUR MISSION
To become a cherished destination for all, where vibrant gardens create transformative experiences that connect people, inspire learning, and deepen appreciation for nature.
OUR VISION
A sanctuary where life and nature harmoniously intertwine, embracing the healing power and beauty of the natural world.
OUR VALUES
Welcoming to All
We provide an inclusive and accessible space where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Stewards of Nature
We honor our responsibility to care for the land, advocating for and preserving the natural world.
Growing Through Connection
We embrace collaboration and partnerships that inspire learning and deepen our connection to nature.
Old barn and cowshed circa 1982.
HISTORY
Founded in 1980, our history actually began five years earlier, in 1975, when “Mac” Marshall (1894-1977) donated 51 acres of land — 36 acres of meadow and about 15 acres of walnut timber — 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
- that city government begin developing the land within a year
At the time, there were just two structures on the property:
- Marshall’s farmhouse
- an old barn with a cowshed
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JENNA HIRTZ
Jenna Hirtz has been the Executive Director of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens since the fall of 2021. Her previous work experience included:
- Audit Associate at Eide Bailly LLP, and
- Budget Financial Analyst with the City of Dubuque.
After earning an Associate's degree in Accounting at Northeast Iowa Community College, she enrolled at the University of Dubuque where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, and Human Resource Management as well as a Master of Business Administration.
- Email: Director@DubuqueArboretum.net
- Phone: 563.556.2100
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAWN BANDY
Chair
TIM LOEFFELHOLZ
Vice-Chair
MARSHA ABBOTT
Treasurer
ANNA ROLING
Secretary
MERLIN GREEN
Board Member
SAHIL KUMAR
Board Member
JEFF MOZENA
Board Member
MERCEDES PFAB
Board Member
JIM SCHUMACHER
Board Member
LAURANA SNYDER
Board Member
JEFF TUPPER
Board Member
STEVE ULSTAD
Board Member
Media Coverage
NEWS OUTLETS
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Waterfalls restored in Dubuque arboretum koi pond with the community's help After more than a year, water is flowing again in the koi pond at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens ...
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Amphitheater, canopy walkway among Dubuque arboretum master plan elements Future generations visiting Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens might be able to take in a performance at a more than 3,500-seat amphitheater or go on an elevated stroll along a canopy walkway. ...
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Carnegie-Stout Public Library kicks off summer reading program More than 150 kids danced, clapped and ate ice cream at Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens as Christian Strutz ...
[Article behind a paywall]
KWWL:
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens raising money to upgrade the koi fish pond The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are seeking funds to upgrade multiple pieces of equipment in their Koi fish pond in the Japanese Gardens.
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Dubuque Arboretum seeks funds to ensure fish survival, pond enhancements Altogether, the arboretum needs to raise $180,000 to cover all the costs and is asking the public for help.
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Ice cream, works of art help draw hundreds to Dubuque Arboretum
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Dubuque Arts Council's Music in the Gardens series to cease
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
'Face behind the mission': Nonprofits connect with donors at Great Give Day event
[Article behind a paywall]
her | a magazine for women:
Back to her roots: Jenna Hirtz combines her business background with a love of nature
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Global weirding garden update: Unseasonably warm spring challenges early plants
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Nancy Van Milligen: Community partnerships provide boost
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Volunteerism in bloom: Local master gardeners plant with a purpose
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Container gardening for diverse skill levels
[Article behind a paywall]
365ink Magazine on Facebook:
The Wanderwood Gardens Immersive Play Experience Breaking Ground in Dubuque in Summer 2023
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Construction to begin soon on children's garden, play area near Dubuque arboretum
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Children's Spring Party draws hundreds to Dubuque Arboretum
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
A life remembered (Jack Frick): Avid Dubuque gardener bloomed where he was planted
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Fish fodder / Japanese Garden's Koi Pond
Fish fodder
Ainsley (left),4, and Chloe Johnson, 6, of Dubuque feed the koi in a pond at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
Photo by: STEPHEN GASSMAN
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
People walk through the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on Aug. 17.
View from above: Aerial arboretum
People walk through the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on August 17, 2022.
A photo series presented by the Telegraph Herald, “View from Above” features a drone photo of an interesting spot in the tri-state area in each Thursday’s TH.
Photo by: DAVE KETTERING
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Family to construct, donate 19-acre children's area to Dubuque arboretum
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
DRA announces $1.5 million in grants to local organizations
Excerpt: 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. “We just keep growing and developing that area,” she said. “We’re just so appreciative of the DRA’s relationship and giving back to us over the years. They’ve been a key organization for us to work with to continue more expensive projects that we may not have been able to undertake ourselves.”
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
View from Above: Japanese Garden and koi pond
An aerial view of the Japanese Garden and koi pond at Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
A photo series presented by the Telegraph Herald, “View from Above” features a drone photo of an interesting spot in the tri-state area in each Thursday’s TH.
Photo by: JESSICA REILLY
[Used with permission.]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Dubuque Arts Council marks 3 decades of Music in Gardens
[Article behind a paywall]
EAGLE 102.3:
A stroll through the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Early Spring
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Dubuque arboretum to showcase new StoryWalk
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Person who makes a difference: Arboretum volunteer heads jack-of-all-trades team
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Sun, warmth take center stage on 1st day of spring in Dubuque
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
DSO's Pursuit of the Podium fundraiser returns
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Donation helps Dubuque arboretum purchase new backhoe
[Article behind a paywall]
TELEGRAPH HERALD:
Dubuque arboretum names new director
[Article behind a paywall]
Logos
DUBUQUE ARBORETUM BRANDING
Various logotype versions that represent our organization.
Photo Gallery
DUBUQUE ARBORETUM IMAGERY
Click on any image for more info + to download. [Photo credit: Deb Lovett.]
Downloads:
The Lagen-Buelow Gazebo
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The Japanese Garden
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The Welcome/Visitor Center
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The Prairie Garden
Usage Restrictions: Downloaded media may only be used when featuring, or used to illustrate an article or feature about, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Usage Restrictions: Downloaded media may only be used when featuring, or used to illustrate an article or feature about, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.