PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The Leach Botanical Garden in southeast Portland is at risk of closing if it can’t raise the money it needs to close its $450,000 funding gap.
“Places like this are important for communities,” said Eric Vines, interim executive director at Leach Botanical Garden.
The garden has been open for more than 50 years and in addition to its peaceful, scenic views, it offers a variety of educational and community-oriented programs.
But in 2025, the garden received a notice of a $350,000 reduction in funding from the City of Portland. Now, the garden is facing a $450,000 funding gap and according to Vines, they will have to make significant cuts.
Starting Feb. 22, Vines told FOX 12 that 50% of its staff will be laid off, which includes about 11 people.
“This isn’t their fault,” Vines said. “And so to lay off people who have been doing a really great job is brutal.”
In addition to the layoffs, Vines said the garden will have to reduce 90% of its public programming, as well as reduce its hours of operation. These changes are also expected to begin Feb. 22.
In 2022, Leach Garden Friends, the nonprofit that runs the garden, entered an agreement with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. In a statement, a department spokesperson said preserving access to the garden is a priority, but future funding was not guaranteed.
“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,” said Mark Ross, a spokesperson with Portland Parks and Recreation.
Leach Botanical Garden is one of the only places of its kind in Southeast Portland.
“It provides unique access to nature, environmental education, and community gathering space in an area that has historically received fewer public investments,” Ross said.
Visitors told FOX 12 that having access to the peaceful serenity at the garden is essential.
“There are so many other things that people do nowadays that disconnect them from nature,” said Lee Orton. “And here is an opportunity to get back, right here in the urban area.”
“Considering all the stuff nowadays, I think it’s nice to have a moment where you can detach yourself from everything,” said Toran Milway. “And this is one of the easier ways to do that.”
To keep the garden gates open, Vines said they need to raise at least $50,000 a month for about five months. But the end goal is to close the $450,000 gap entirely, rehire its staff and get back to serving the community full-time.
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