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 and why now?

Establishing a world-class botanical garden is a ten-year project that will become a "forever" asset for the community. Our deliberate planning process ensures the LCBG balances environmental preservation and improvement with economic growth. It fills a unique niche in the region, offering an accessible, year-round cultural destination that complements the wilder Adirondack landscapes.

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 Westport?

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

Central Accessibility: 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.

Will this increase my property taxes?

As a non-profit, the LCBG will not pay property taxes. However, we are committed to being a "Value-Add" neighbor. Revenue generated from LCBG sales tax, employee and visitor expenditures will contribute significantly to the Essex County business environment and sales tax revenues, positively impacting the community.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Adirondack 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.

Will there be an event space like a wedding venue?

Many botanical gardens incorporate wedding or photographic venues as a vital part of their business model. Successfully integrating this requires proactive planning. Once the LCBG’s physical footprint is determined, draft designs will include an event space with associated parking and noise management strategies to protect the core visitor experience and neighboring properties.