Concept rendering. Final design subject to change.
Sowing Seeds for the Future
After decades of vision and planning, the Yampa River Botanic Park’s dream of having a Propagation Greenhouse is now becoming a reality. This transformative project enables the Botanic Park to cultivate plants native to Northwest Colorado that are not available in commercial nurseries, strengthening the Botanic Park’s role as a leader in high-elevation gardening, regional plant conservation, and hands-on education.
What is a Propagation Greenhouse?
The Propagation Greenhouse is a specialized, climate-controlled facility designed for starting plants from seed and cuttings. By carefully managing light, temperature, and humidity, it creates an ideal environment for young plants to establish before being introduced into the gardens.
This facility will allow the Botanic Park to:
- Propagate native and regionally significant plants
- Grow species not available in the commercial trade
- Expand and strengthen our living collections
- Collaborate with other botanical gardens and seed banks
In short, it allows us to grow the plants you cannot buy and share them with our community.
Why This Project Matters
Many plants native to Northwest Colorado are not available in the commercial trade, leaving them underrepresented in gardens and vulnerable in the wild. As threats like wildfire, drought, and disease continue to impact natural landscapes, entire plant populations can be lost. The Propagation Greenhouse provides a way to protect and propagate these species, ensuring they are not only preserved, but can be reintroduced and experienced for generations to come.
Through this work, the Botanic Park will preserve and showcase native, climate-adapted species while advancing regional plant conservation efforts. It will serve as a model for what thrives in high-elevation environments and inspire more sustainable approaches to gardening.
A Living Classroom
In addition, the Propagation Greenhouse will serve as a dynamic educational space for local schools, summer camps, homeschool programs, and community workshops.
By bringing people of all ages closer to the science and joy of growing plants, this project will help inspire the next generation of gardeners, scientists, and stewards of the natural world.
Innovative, Sustainable Design
Designed in partnership with Mountain Architecture and Design Group and Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, the Propagation Greenhouse will reflect the character of the Trillium House while incorporating advanced greenhouse technology.
A key feature is the climate battery system, which uses the earth’s natural thermal mass to regulate temperature and humidity. By circulating air through underground pipes, the system stores and redistributes solar energy, allowing for:
- More consistent growing conditions
- Reduced reliance on traditional heating systems
- Lower long-term energy costs
- Year-round propagation capabilities
This innovative approach supports both environmental stewardship and operational sustainability.
Project Status and Opportunities
- Projected Groundbreaking: August 17, 2026
- Project Budget: $505,250
- Raised to Date: $235,000
With your support, we can bring this vision to life.
Donor recognition opportunities will be integrated into the Propagation Greenhouse. Gifts of $250 or more may qualify for a Colorado state income tax credit.
If you would like to support this project, please email Executive Director
Jennifer MacNeil at yampariverbotanicpark@gmail.com to learn more.