Frequently Asked Questions
The Project Basics
What is the Lake Champlain Botanical Garden (LCBG)?
The LCBG is a non-profit organization currently in search of approximately a 100-acre location in the Westport area of Essex County, NY. Our goal is to create a world-class destination for the enjoyment of nature and a living model of watershed and biodiversity stewardship and conservation in our historical Lake Champlain Basin home. We envision roughly 25 acres to be meticulously curated themed gardens, with the balance acreage providing a buffer for surrounding areas.
What exactly is a botanical garden?
A botanical garden is a collection of curated plants, shrubs and trees featured in a series of separate gardens connected by gentle walking paths. Botanical gardens are often referred to as ‘living plant museums’, featuring both native and non-native, non-invasive plants. Each individual garden is beautifully landscaped to appeal to all the senses and is often designed for accessibility so school children, families and elders can easily enjoy the natural environment. The plants are collected, cataloged, labeled and monitored for different scientific purposes.
Why a botanical garden and why now?
Building and growing a world-class botanical garden is a ten year project and a "forever" asset for the larger community. A well thought out, unrushed planning process ensures that the Lake Champlain Botanical Garden is built to balance environmental preservation and improvement with economic growth. It fills a unique niche in our region, offering an accessible, year-round cultural destination that complements our wilder Adirondack landscapes.
Is this just a summer destination?
No! Modern botanical gardens are designed for all seasons. We envision a calendar that includes a multitude of opportunities for the community to enjoy nature throughout the year, from seasonal botanical workshops and art exhibits to maple sugaring, fall apple picking, bird migration walks, and activities that bring warmth to the community during the quieter months of the year.
Why Westport?
Many areas located between the shores of Lake Champlain and the foothills of the Adirondacks in upstate New York, including Westport, benefit from a unique moderating micro-climate, ideal for a North Country botanical garden. Additionally, as an entry point to Lake Placid and the High Peaks, there is central travel accessibility by car via the Northway (Route 87) and a car ferry from Vermont, a New York-Montreal Amtrak train stopping at the historic Westport train station, and the Burlington, Vt, Plattsburgh and Albany, NY as well as Montreal, QC airports.
Environment & Sustainability
How will you handle wastewater without harming Lake Champlain?
The gardens and buildings will be designed with state-of-the-art systems that reduce water consumption and manage wastewater. Some examples include reuse of grey water, installation of green roofs, and water permeable parking areas.
How will you create the sustainability of your land?
‘Do no harm’ ecologically is a clear goal, protecting and conserving established habitats and water sources. However, going a step beyond conservation and actually improve the biodiversity of the future LCBG home is an important aspect of our Vision. This living model approach actively drives LCBG’s commitment to conservation and stewardship.
Community & Economic Impact
Will this increase my property taxes?
Although as a non-profit, the LCBG will not pay property taxes, we still aim to be a "Value-Add" neighbor. Sales tax from LCBG receipts, plus employee and visitor spending will all contribute significantly to the Essex County business environment and sales tax revenues, positively impacting our greater community.
What about traffic and parking?
The parking lots will be located to minimize visibility whenever possible. The entryway will be designed to be compliant with APA requirements and ensure traffic does not interfere with local road flow.
Will there be jobs for locals?
Yes! During the years when the LCBG is being built, equipment operators, foresters and builders will be needed. Once the garden is open, there will be full-time and part-time professional positions for horticulturists, groundskeepers, building maintenance, programming educators and administration. There will also be seasonal positions for college and high school student interns studying horticulture, landscape design and education. And, as most botanical gardens, LCBG will depend on many volunteers for docents, and recruiting will be an important effort. All 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 act as a reliable anchor for local commerce. It will bring a steady, predictable stream of visitors to our region, providing a robust customer base for restaurants, shops, and lodging. Beyond tourism, it represents a multi-million-dollar investment in the region, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the area.
Will there be an entry cost for local residents?
While most world-class botanical gardens require an entrance fee to support conservation and maintenance, we are committed to being a community-first institution. This includes exploring special pricing, "resident days," local membership passes, and volunteer programs to ensure that the LCBG remains a welcoming "backyard" for those who live here.
How will this impact the quiet character of our area?
The vision is one of low-impact growth. By the time the garden is fully established 20 years from now in 2045, a level of visitation that supports local businesses without overwhelming our infrastructure is the desired goal. Botanical Gardens focus on "slow tourism"—attracting visitors who value serenity, nature, and the ease of access to learn about nature, our precious water resources and the geological history of the area.
How will the garden manage its impact on nearby neighbors?
Whatever the final size of the total property, the current plan is to develop roughly 25 acres for garden features and buildings. The remaining acreage will serve as a natural buffer providing privacy and sound absorption for neighbors and creating an immersive experience for visitors. The goal is to be a sanctuary for the community, ensuring the garden remains a respectful presence in the neighborhood.
Access & Use
Will it be accessible for seniors and strollers?
The hope is to make all the gardens accessible with ADA compliant pathway materials and grading, allowing everyone to experience Adirondack beauty without a rugged hike. Once the location is identified, landscape architects and designers will be able to determine what will be possible geographically and financially.
Will there be tour buses?
Most botanical gardens welcome tour buses as a service to potential visitors who might otherwise not travel on their own. It will be important to balance the need for this ease of accessibility with the impact of the noise and traffic that tour buses can bring. Once it is understood where the LCBG will be located, it will be easier to evaluate the potential impact of tour buses and to determine whether to allow or limit their access.
Will there be an event space like a wedding venue?
Many botanical gardens offer wedding or photographic venues as an important component of their business model. However, successfully integrating an event space requires proactive planning. Once the LCBG’s physical footprint is determined, draft designs will include an event space with associated parking lots and noise management strategies to protect the core visitor experience and neighboring property owners.