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Conserving plants.
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From research and conservation to education and community programs-your generosity helps protect alpine plants and the planet.
Betty Ford Alpine GardensBetty Ford Alpine GardensBetty Ford Alpine Gardens
Founded in 1985 by a group of dedicated Vail Valley residents and members of the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has become a world-renowned botanical garden. Its living collections of alpine plants and gardens are internationally acclaimed and represent alpine ecosystems around the globe. Combined with its research and advocacy work, conservation programs, and workshops and events, this garden is a critical resource for advocacy and leadership in protecting alpine plant species.
The gardens were named in honor of former first lady Betty Ford in 1988, a prominent visitor, friend of the Gardens, and resident of Vail at the time. Since then, under the leadership and direction of a highly skilled and experienced team of staff and volunteers, the Gardens have steadily grown to become the leading authority on alpine plants and their ecosystems in North America.
Located in the heart of Vail, Colorado, in the shadow of the Gore Range of the Rocky Mountains, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a jewel of a botanical garden with a total size of 5 acres: 4 acres of cultivated land and 1 acre of riparian woodland. Its living plant collections contain over 3,000 plant species, including many rare and endangered alpine plant species.
The garden’s Education Center displays seasonal and permanent exhibits, including a year-round “cool” greenhouse containing unique plant varieties native to the alpine and high desert climate. The garden focuses on educating the public on the interdependence of the entire alpine ecosystem, with displays showing the connection between native plants and animals, pollinators, insects and climate conditions, and their effect on maintaining a healthy natural world.
Children’s programs are offered most days of the week as well as an annual butterfly launch for over 500 Eagle County third graders. We are one of the first public gardens to offer horticulture therapy classes to those seeking the restorative powers of connecting with nature. Docent-led tours give visitors in-depth insight into the world of alpine plants.
The Gardens has a strong commitment to plant conservation & and, in partnership with other organizations such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Botanic Gardens Conservation International & the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, works to study and conserve Colorado’s rare flora.
Currently, volunteers & and docents support a seven-member staff with, and volunteers contributing more than 2,000 hours annually. Staff and volunteers maintain the Gardens, giving educational tours, running the gift shop and supporting workshops, seminars, and educational events.
With over 200,000 visitors annually, the Gardens is one of the favorite attractions in the small resort town of Vail. The Gardens features vibrant displays of alpine and mountain plants collected from around the world that thrive at the high altitude of 8,200’, making it the highest botanical garden in the world. Visitors can enjoy walking the meandering paths, beautifully crafted water features like waterfalls and reflecting pools, and sitting quietly in the cool shade of native alpine trees.
Since 1986, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has been the leading advocate in North America for protecting alpine plants and the alpine ecosystem, through its living plant collections, and education programs that invite visitors and guests to better understand high alpine spaces.
At its heart, is a simple purpose: to preserve something of exceptional beauty in an environment that almost defies its existence, and to celebrate the magic of the Alpine.
To protect the alpine environment through education, conservation and living plant collections.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the leading global advocate for alpine environments.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community member are valued, respected and appreciated. The Gardens will constantly re-examine our professional values, modify our existing practices and remove all barriers to being diverse and inclusive.
Gardens are places that are inspired by nature, intrinsically they are open to all and build no barriers. We celebrate this inclusivity and welcome all people without exception. In addition we recognize the needs of our local community and partner with other organizations to introduce our underserved populations to the joy of nature.
We follow these guiding principles in all that we do:
Our Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for strengthening our impact through conservation, education, living plant collections, and community engagement.
Our Sustainability Handbook help us create an organizational culture of sustainability and stewardship while fulfilling the criteria of the Actively Green business certification program.
Share in our accomplishments and future goals by reviewing our Annual Report, marking a year of exceptional growth, renewal, and forward momentum for Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Founded in 1985 by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation & and named in 1988 in honor of former first lady Betty Ford, the Gardens is located in Ford Park next to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater–named in honor of her husband, the 38th president of the United States. The Gardens is a fitting tribute to this remarkable former first lady.
Led by renowned Executive Director, Nicola Ripley in combination with an experienced staff and board of directors, the Gardens has grown consistently under her leadership since 2011. Nicola now leads, in conjunction with other world botanical garden directors, the strategic planning for the Global Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation, and is recognized on the world stage as one of the leaders of alpine plant conservancy.
From research and conservation to education and community programs-your generosity helps protect alpine plants and the planet.
