Leach Botanical Garden cuts staff, programs after $350K city funding shortfall

Published 2:25 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Portland’s Leach Botanical Garden is facing an uncertain future after a significant drop in city funding forced the nonprofit that runs it to slash staff, programs and hours.

Leach Garden Friends, the independent nonprofit that has operated the southeast Portland garden for more than 40 years, said the loss of $350,000 in city support in 2025 means it must immediately reduce staff by 50% and scale back public programs by 90%, according to a Tuesday press release. This will remove 11 staff members and reduce hours for the remaining staff effective Sunday, Feb. 22.

Interim Executive Director Eric Vines said in a statement, “The board and staff worked hard at the end of last year to increase individual donations, additional visitation, and new memberships, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap caused by the loss of $350K in city funding. At this point, our checking account is nearly empty, and we’re forced to make painful decisions simply to stay open.”

The garden is owned by Portland Parks & Recreation and opened in 1983, with a wealth of volunteers, donors, members and staff members who expanded its botanical collections, protected its historical features and built years of programming. Founded to honor botanist Lilla Leach, the garden has been a hub for education, cultural events, and plant conservation since it opened.

Portland Parks & Recreation issued the following statement in response:

“Leach Botanical Garden is an important community asset for East Portland and all of Portland. It provides unique access to nature, environmental education, and community gathering space in an area that has historically received fewer public investments. Preserving public access to the Garden is a priority for the City, and its value to surrounding communities is not in question.

In 2022, the City, PP&R, and Leach Garden Friends (LGF) entered into a Site License Agreement that reflected a shared goal of establishing a sustainable, long-term operating model for Leach Botanical Garden. Under this framework, LGF assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations and was authorized to generate and retain earned revenue, while the City provided defined, time-limited transition support approved by Council. The Agreement was designed to gradually shift the Garden toward financial independence and away from ongoing City operating passthroughs, consistent with Council direction and the structure of the license.

We are committed to working collaboratively with City Council and Leach Garden Friends to explore viable, policy-aligned solutions that preserve the Garden and its benefits for the community, consistent with Council direction and available resources.”

Starting later this month on Thursday, Feb. 26, the garden will be open only Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and horticulture work will be limited to essential maintenance.

Leach Garden Friends aims to raise $50,000 per month over the next five months to stay open through June 30, while advocating for restoration of $450,000 in annual operational funding for the next fiscal year.

“Leach Botanical Garden remains committed to providing an outstanding experience for our community,” Board President Bob Hyland said in a statement. “This historic treasure continues to serve as a vital green space for Portland residents, particularly our underserved neighbors who rely on accessible public gardens. The financial reality is we can’t keep offering the same level of service and programming with 27% less income.”

Despite reductions in staff and services the garden will continue to honor all memberships, scheduled weddings, and partner events, as well as continue commitments to the Back 5 Community Habitat Enhancement Project and its partners.

Last year, over 36,000 people visited Leach Botanical Garden, experiencing a rare green refuge on Portland’s eastside. The garden provides free and low-cost opportunities to connect with nature, learn about conservation and enjoy cultural programs, serving as an oasis in a part of the city where public green space is scarce.

How the community can help

Donate now to keep the garden open.
Become a monthly donor to support the garden into the future.
Visit the garden this month and bring your community.
Share this information on social media.

Learn more at leachgarden.org.