What is the Lake Champlain Botanical Garden (LCBG)?

The LCBG is a non-profit organization seeking an approximately 100-acre site in the Westport area of Essex County, NY. Our goal is to create a world-class destination for nature, serving as a living model for biodiversity and watershed stewardship within the historic Lake Champlain Basin. We envision roughly 25 acres of meticulously curated themed gardens, with the remaining acreage providing a natural buffer.

What exactly is a botanical garden?

A botanical garden is a "living plant museum": a collection of curated native and non-native, non-invasive plants, shrubs, and trees. These plants are displayed in beautifully landscaped, themed gardens, connected by accessible walking paths designed for all ages. Beyond enjoyment, the plants are collected, cataloged, labeled, and monitored for scientific purposes.

Why a botanical garden?

Botanical gardens create an opportunity for residents and visitors to rejuvenate by immersing themselves in natural beauty. The LCBG will fill a unique niche in the region, offering an accessible, cultural destination that complements the wilder Adirondack landscapes.

Imagine yourself taking a gentle stroll among fragrant blooming plants; finding a quiet spot to linger and absorb the sounds of flowing water, insects, and birds; or seeing stunning views artistically framed by trees or garden sculpture. These activities are known to reduce stress and increase joy and well-being.

A botanical garden is also a place to learn about gardening and our ecosystem, participate in a multitude of workshops, and socialize! The LCBG will become a community hub of activity for those seeking a way to connect with others in a natural setting.

How long will it be until we open after land is identified?

Establishing a world-class botanical garden is a ten-year project that will become a "forever" asset for the community.

We anticipate that once the site has been identified, permitting and master planning will take 1–2 years, followed by 2 years of infrastructure development and another 5–7 years of garden and building design. The site and Master Plan will determine whether the garden can open in phases before the entire site is complete.

Our deliberate planning process ensures the LCBG balances environmental preservation and improvement with economic growth.

Is this just a summer destination?

No. Modern botanical gardens are designed for all seasons. We envision a year-round calendar of activities, including seasonal botanical workshops, art exhibits, maple sugaring, fall apple picking, and bird migration walks, ensuring community engagement even in the quieter months.

Why the Westport area?

Ideal Micro-Climate: The area benefits from a unique moderating micro-climate, perfect for a North Country botanical garden.

Central Accessibility: Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks attract many visitors each year. As a gateway to Lake Placid and the High Peaks, Westport is easily accessible via I-87 (The Northway), a car ferry from Vermont, the New York-Montreal Amtrak train (at the historic Westport station), and regional airports in Burlington, VT, Plattsburgh, NY, Albany, NY, and Montreal, QC.

How will you handle wastewater without harming Lake Champlain?

The design of the gardens and buildings will incorporate state-of-the-art systems to reduce water consumption and manage wastewater. Examples include grey water reuse, installation of green roofs, and water-permeable parking areas.

How will you create the sustainability of your land?

While protecting established habitats and water sources remains a "do no harm" goal, we are committed to going a step further: actively improving the biodiversity of the site. This living model approach is central to the LCBG’s commitment to conservation and stewardship. We will partner with other environmental organizations in the region to incorporate their knowledge into our design and practices and learn from botanical gardens around the world that are models of sustainability and climate resilience.

How does the garden benefit our local economy?

The LCBG will be a reliable anchor for local commerce. It will generate a steady, predictable stream of visitors, providing a robust customer base for local restaurants, shops, and lodging. Furthermore, it represents a multi-million-dollar investment that contributes to the overall economic vibrancy of the region.

Will there be jobs for locals?

Yes. The LCBG will create employment opportunities during both the building and operational phases:

• Construction: Operators, foresters, and builders.
• Operations: Full-time and part-time professional positions (horticulturists, groundskeepers, educators, administration, maintenance).
• Seasonal: Internships for college and high school students in horticulture, landscape design, and education.
• Community: We will rely on a robust volunteer program for roles like docents.

These roles will bring fresh energy and talent to the Westport and Essex County community.

Will there be an entry cost for local residents?

While most world-class botanical gardens charge an entrance fee to support conservation and maintenance, the LCBG is committed to being a community-first institution. We will be exploring special pricing, "resident days," local membership passes, and volunteer programs to ensure the Garden remains a welcoming "backyard" for those who live here.

Will this increase my property taxes?

Although a non-profit organization, the LCBG is committed to being a "value-add" neighbor. We currently (2026–2027) pay property tax on the small parcel owned in Westport. Once the garden opens, that status may change, but sales tax revenues generated from our gift shop and cafe, and from associated visitor expenditures outside the garden, will contribute significantly to the Essex County business environment, positively impacting the community.

How will this impact the quiet character of our area?

Our vision promotes low-impact growth. By 2045, when the garden is fully established, we aim for a visitation level that supports local businesses without overwhelming local infrastructure. Botanical gardens focus on "slow tourism"—attracting visitors who value serenity, nature, and horticultural beauty.

How will the garden manage its impact on nearby neighbors?

Regardless of the total property size, the current plan is to develop roughly 25 acres for garden features and buildings. The remaining acreage will serve as a significant natural buffer, providing privacy and sound absorption for neighbors while ensuring an immersive experience for visitors. Our goal is to be a sanctuary for the community and maintain a respectful presence in the neighborhood.

Will there be an event space like a wedding venue?

While many botanical gardens incorporate wedding venues into their business models, LCBG is sensitive to the noise disruption that hosting weddings may produce for neighbors. As a result, we are not planning on providing a wedding venue, but are considering incorporating an event space with more limited sound impacts. Once the property has been identified, we will address acoustics with associated parking and noise management strategies to protect the core visitor experience and neighboring properties.

What about traffic and parking?

Thoughtful design is central to the LCBG project. Because a botanical garden is a seasonal, daytime destination with few timed events, visitors naturally arrive and depart in a staggered fashion. Our master plan will prioritize unobtrusive parking located to minimize visibility. The entryway will be designed for APA compliance and to ensure traffic flow respects our neighbors and local roads.

Will it be accessible for seniors and strollers?

We aim to make all gardens accessible using ADA-compliant pathway materials and grading, allowing everyone to experience the garden's beauty without a rugged hike. Once the final location is secured, landscape architects will determine what will be geographically and financially possible.

Will there be tour buses?

Most botanical gardens welcome tour buses to increase accessibility for visitors. However, we are focused on balancing this need with the potential impact of noise and traffic. Once the LCBG site is secured, we will evaluate the potential impact of tour buses to determine the appropriate allowance or limitations.