Holden Forests & Gardens

Holden Forests & Gardens is proud to present The Nature of Healing, an inspiring new art experience at the Cleveland Botanical Garden that is co-curated with Deep Roots Experience. This thoughtful exhibition, which opens this Saturday, April 5, focuses on grief and mental health and utilizing green spaces as healing spaces in the community. Cleveland, historically challenged by some of the highest crime rates in the nation and recently identified as the most stressed city in the country, presents a fertile ground for artistic inquiry. The work poses the question to creatives of “What is the relationship between flowers, botany, nature, and the grief of loss?” This show’s exploration seeks to unravel the complex interplay between natural elements and the emotional landscapes shaped by trauma and mourning. The inspiration behind the work is to dig even further to explore what it means to utilize art and natural spaces as tools to support mental health and healthy communities. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Garden, The Nature of Healing invites visitors to reflect on themes of trauma, grief, and renewal through a blend of visual and installation art. The exhibition encourages us to view green spaces as essential places for restoration and community well-being. Why visit? - Discover how nature and art can support emotional healing - Experience the garden in full spring bloom - Participate in mental health-focused programs and events in collaboration with Deep Roots Gallery Garden Hours: Tues–Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sun: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Let nature speak to your soul. Join us for this moving celebration of resilience, reflection, and the healing power of the natural world. #TheNatureOfHealing #HoldenFG #ClevelandBotanicalGarden #ArtAndNature #MentalHealthAwareness #DeepRootsExperience #NortheastOhioArtists #GreenSpacesHeal

Meet Our Experts: A New HF&G LinkedIn Series! We’re excited to kick off our new LinkedIn series "Meet Our Experts,"—spotlighting the passionate, talented individuals behind the beauty and innovation at Holden Forests & Gardens. First up: Stefanie Verish Horticulturist, Cleveland Botanical Garden | Horticulture Department With over three years at HF&G and more than two decades of experience in naturalist and landscaping roles, Stefanie brings a unique blend of artistry and horticultural science to our gardens. Her academic background— a bachelor's degree in art with minors in botany and zoology—has shaped her creative and thoughtful approach to garden design and plant care. At HF&G, Stefanie oversees the Rose Garden, White Oak Walk, and Themed Gardens—spaces that thrive under her careful attention and vision. She’s especially proud of leading the Rose Garden renovation and is currently reimagining the Themed Gardens with renewed inspiration. In the off-season, her creativity shines in the design and maintenance of our indoor shows. Stefanie finds joy in the collaboration and support of her team and brings resilience to challenges like irrigation and project funding. Outside of horticulture, Stefanie is also a self-published fantasy fiction author and a talented nature-inspired artist—proof that her creativity extends far beyond the garden beds. Stefanie’s journey is a testament to how passion, adaptability, and artistry can come together to create extraordinary spaces. Stay tuned as we continue to introduce more of the amazing experts behind Holden Forests & Gardens! #MeetTheExperts #HoldenFG #Horticulture #TeamTuesday #GardenDesign #WomenInHorticulture #BotanicalGardens #ClevelandBotanicalGarden #NatureAndArt

Holden Forests & Gardens was proud to stand alongside The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Forestry Association, and other key organizations in advocating for crucial funding to protect Ohio’s forests and state parks. This funding, which has already received the governor’s approval but must still pass through various committees, will ensure that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) can continue its essential work in preserving and sustaining the state’s forests, parks, and natural areas. Last week, Dr. Beck Swab, PhD, Director of Conservation & Community Forestry at Holden Forests & Gardens, testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on behalf of ODNR to advocate for its full funding in the 2026–2027 state budget. In their testimony, Dr. Swab emphasized the critical role ODNR plays in protecting Ohio’s forests and natural resources, stating: “It is vital that support for ODNR remain strong at the state level, to protect Ohio’s forests, which are inextricably tied to the well-being of all communities in Ohio. I ask the Natural Resources Committee to invest in the future of our natural resources in Ohio by funding ODNR, and especially the state forest fund. The Division of Forestry has a proven track record of its ability to protect our forests and the resources they provide to benefit all Ohioans and ensure our clean air, water, recreation, and economic opportunities in perpetuity.” At Holden, our vision is that all communities are transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive. Protecting and maintaining Ohio’s forests is critical to achieving this goal, as these landscapes provide clean air, water filtration, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. By securing this funding, we are investing in the health of our natural ecosystems, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from Ohio’s forests. We are grateful to be part of this collective effort to prioritize conservation and sustainable forestry in Ohio. Now, more than ever, it is essential to support the policies and resources that will keep our forests thriving. #ForestConservation #Sustainability #PublicLands #TreeStewardship #OhioForests #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #HoldenForestsAndGardens  Image: Dr. Swab testifying before the Ohio House Natural Resources Committee

Holden Forests & Gardens is at the forefront of Rhododendron research, developing hybrids that are as resilient as they are beautiful! Our pioneering breeding program—featured in Garden Center magazine—focuses on creating Rhododendron varieties that can thrive in a changing climate while resisting root rot disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This research wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Connor Ryan and Dr. Juliana Medeiros, whose work continues to bridge the gap between horticulture and climate science. We are proud to introduce Holden’s® Fuchsia, Holden’s® Peach, Holden’s® Pink, Holden’s® Pink Flare, and Holden’s® Red—hardy Zone 5 hybrids now available through Briggs Nursery. Read the full article to learn more about our groundbreaking efforts! If you're a grower, gardener, or landscaper, ask about these stunning hybrids at your local nursery. #Rhododendron #ClimateResilientGardening #HorticultureInnovation #HoldenForestsAndGardens #GardenCenterMagazine https://lnkd.in/gRNhvmTb

Calling all arborists, landscape professionals, and pollinator advocates! We’re excited to share a unique continuing education opportunity at Holden Arboretum—Trees for Bees. This program explores the critical connection between trees and pollinators, offering a hands-on learning experience in one of Ohio’s most stunning natural settings. ISA CEUs: 2.0 (Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, BCMA Science) Location: Holden Arboretum Details & Registration: https://lnkd.in/gS7yP2Tr With approval from the Ohio Chapter of the ISA, we’re looking forward to reaching a broader audience of professionals who are passionate about trees, urban forestry, and biodiversity. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or connect with like-minded professionals, this is a fantastic opportunity. Know someone who should attend? Tag them in the comments! #Arboriculture #TreesForBees #UrbanForestry #Pollinators #CEUs #ProfessionalDevelopment #HoldenArboretum

For more than six decades, Holden Forests & Gardens has been at the forefront of bird conservation in Ohio through The Nestbox Program—one of the longest-running and most impactful initiatives of its kind. Since the 1960s, this program has played a key role in reversing severe declines in Eastern Bluebirds and other native species, and 2024 was another milestone year. Led by Mike Watson, Holden's conservation biologist, along with the dedication of 40 volunteers, we monitored 228 nesting structures and banded 871 nestlings—contributing valuable data to NestWatch, a global database tracking nesting bird populations.   2024 Nesting Program Results: -395 Eastern Bluebirds fledged (Total since 1965: 14,445) -325 Tree Swallows fledged (Total since 1965: 11,939) -97 Purple Martins fledged (Total since 1965: 580) -55 House Wrens fledged (Total since 1965: 3,209) -0 Black-capped Chickadees fledged (Total since 1965: 258) -Total native birds fledged in 2024: 872 (Overall total since 1965: 30,431)   Why This Matters Between 1960 and 2000, local conservation efforts—including Holden’s—helped the Eastern Bluebird population recover dramatically. But recent data from eBird suggests renewed declines in some regions, reinforcing the need for continued conservation and community involvement.   Protecting birds protects ecosystems. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work!   #Conservation #Birds #NestboxProgram #EasternBluebird #Wildlife #HoldenForestsGardens   Image: Male Hooded Warbler at the Holden Arboretum

Exciting News for Northeast Ohio’s Forests! I am thrilled to share that The Holden Arboretum’s Stebbins Gulch and Bole Woods have been officially approved for inclusion in the Old-Growth Forest Network! This designation highlights these remarkable forests as ecologically significant and ensures their protection for future generations. The Old-Growth Forest Network is a national organization dedicated to preserving and recognizing the remaining old-growth forests in the U.S. Their mission is to connect people with these rare, important ecosystems, promote conservation, and ensure that at least one forest in every county capable of supporting old growth is protected in perpetuity. By adding Stebbins Gulch and Bole Woods to this esteemed network, Holden Forests & Gardens is reinforcing its commitment to forest conservation, biodiversity, and ecological education. Stebbins Gulch, part of the Arboretum's land held in long term conservation, stands as a crown jewel of Northeast Ohio and showcases a resilient natural forest. Bole Woods, located within the public trails of Holden Arboretum, allows visitors to step into a mature, old-growth forest and immediately sense its profound difference from younger woodlands. Both forests provide numerous ecosystem benefits including cleaning our air and water and making northeast Ohio a better place to live. This recognition is a testament to the incredible stewardship of all who work to protect these forests. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports conservation and environmental stewardship. This is a win for Ohio’s forests, biodiversity, and future generations! #OldGrowthForest #Conservation #StebbinsGulch #BoleWoods #HoldenArboretum #SustainableFuture #ForestPreservation #OGFN

Fall in Love with Orchids at the Cleveland Botanical Garden!   Our beloved annual orchid show is back! This year, Orchids: Love in Bloom begins on Friday, February 14, through Sunday, March 30. Experience the mesmerizing beauty of over 3,000 orchids, from exotic blooms to familiar favorites.   This year’s show features heart-shaped arrangements, vibrant hues, and enchanting spots like the tunnel of love in the Costa Rica glasshouse. Plus, enjoy inspiring local art by Kimberly Lavery and Gunter Schwegler.   Join us for special classes and events like orchid care workshops, expert-led tours, and family-friendly activities—there’s something for everyone!   Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in color, creativity, and connection. Tickets are on sale now at https://lnkd.in/gSEf6NTZ   #Orchids #LoveInBloom #ClevelandBotanicalGarden #HoldenForestsAndGardens #ClevelandEvents #Workshops #SpecialEvents

Unveiling the Mysteries Beneath: A New Chapter for Little Mountain Caves At Holden Forests & Gardens, we’re excited to share some thrilling news from the depths of Little Mountain! Recently, the Ohio Cave Survey (OCS) conducted a detailed exploration of the Little Mountain area, uncovering hidden wonders and documenting significant findings. OCS Vice President Curt Harler, along with a team of dedicated naturalists and enthusiasts, has been on a mission to locate lost caves in Geauga County. What started as a search for historic caves like King’s Cave has led to the discovery of numerous previously undocumented caves. This effort has not only enriched our understanding of the local Sharon Conglomerate geology but has also strengthened collaborations with organizations like the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In one of the most exciting moments, a 180-foot-long feature believed to be King’s Cave was finally located and documented after decades of mystery. A side passage revealed an additional 30 feet, earning it the title of a "true cave." Along the way, the team also uncovered Crile’s Cave and a host of others, complete with hibernating moths, historic connections, and geological intrigue. This work highlights the value of community partnerships, local expertise, and curiosity-driven exploration. Naturalists, park board members, and volunteers have played an essential role in this journey, demonstrating the power of teamwork in uncovering the natural world’s secrets. Interested in joining the adventure? The Ohio Cave Survey is always looking for volunteers to help locate and document caves across the state. Whether you're passionate about history, geology, or exploration, there’s a place for you on the team. Let’s celebrate the spirit of discovery and protect these hidden treasures for future generations to study and enjoy! #Exploration #Conservation #Geology #OhioCaves #CommunityCollaboration

Today, on the International Day of Education, Holden Forests & Gardens celebrates the power of learning to create a sustainable future. We are dedicated to fostering a love of nature, science, and conservation through impactful educational programs. Here are some of our key initiatives: 1. STEM-Based Learning: Hands-on science programs engage students in exploring ecosystems and the science of trees, making STEM accessible and exciting. 2. Holden Scholars Initiative: We support underrepresented students pursuing environmental science and horticulture careers with scholarships and mentorship. 3. Community Outreach: Workshops, lectures, and family programs connect communities with nature and teach vital skills like gardening and pollinator preservation. 4. Early Childhood Education: Our Sprouts and Saplings programs nurture a love of the outdoors in preschool-aged children through play and exploration. 5. Educator Training: We provide teachers with resources and workshops to bring environmental education into classrooms. Education is the bridge to a brighter, greener future. Thank you for supporting our efforts to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and positive change. Together, we can grow a healthier planet.