Friends of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The members of our Friends board are our biggest promoters. As Garden ambassadors Friends contribute time, talent, experience and financial resources to help us flourish.
The Friends started as the Garden’s original 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1969. They raised money and offered programming while the Garden was managed by the City of Des Moines (1979-2003) and Des Moines Water Works (2004-2012).
In 2011, the 501(c)(3) charter was transferred to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and a governing board was formed as the nonprofit launched a capital campaign. Friends now exist as a leadership council that provides support to the Botanical Garden through outreach efforts such as member recruitment and program support.
Jill Stevenson
Chairwoman
Sean Carver
Vice Chairman
Ruth Hamilton
Secretary
Megan Will
Immediate Past Chairwoman
Jacquie Brewer
Kathy Bernreuter
Kayla Brown
Jennifer Chittenden
Adam Lackey
Craig Lien
Amy Mills
Mary B. Oothout
Mary Riche
Diana Ronk
Margaret Schultz
Dennis Zaabel
Applications to join Friends are available in the spring; please check back for more details.