Highlighting the Natural Environments of the High Desert
“Botanical gardens are the classrooms where we learn to appreciate and protect the natural world.”
The High Desert Botanical Garden was conceived as a regional resource providing opportunities for residents and visitors to increase their level of understanding and appreciation for the various ecosystems and plant associations that occur in the high desert ecological province, and to develop a deep sense of connection to the natural environments of central and eastern Oregon.
Eastern Oregon's diverse vegetation—from sagebrush steppe to lush forests—reveals nature's remarkable adaptability to varying climates and landscapes.
By showcasing native and drought-tolerant plants, the High Desert Botanical Garden plays a key role in preserving the natural biodiversity that supports all of human civilization. As urbanization and climate change pose increasing threats to native ecosystems and their co-evolved animal and fungal communities, the garden acts as a sanctuary for plants that may be at risk, while fostering a deeper understanding of the role these species play in maintaining ecological balance. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to learn about the plants native to our region, and how they are well adapted to high desert urban landscapes to the benefit of people and the natural world.
Our history working with the diverse vegetative communities of central and eastern Oregon places us in a unique position to plan, develop, and build a public amenity that showcases the distinct and subtle beauty of our region’s High Desert ecosystems.
Ready to help take the next step?
This is a regional movement to highlight Oregon and the High Desert East of the Cascades! Whether you’re most comfortable contributing time to help achieve our goals, money to help us grow, or energy to gather support and contributions for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we can use you!
We’ve reached a milestone by establishing a formal partnership with Bend Parks and Recreation District to work on site analysis, planning, and design. And we can use your help and support! Click the button below to find out ways you can help make the High Desert Botanical Garden a reality!
The primary goal of the High Desert Horticultural Center is to increase the awareness and appreciation of the incredible diversity of plants in the High Desert west, and to demonstrate how an understanding of the ecology of the region can be used to reduce resource dependency and increase environmental health in our urban ecosystems.
Let’s work together to share the beauty of the natural world.
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