Did you know Red Butte Garden started as a humble plant research project? In 1930 Dr Walter P Cottam a co-founder of the Nature Conservancy began using University of Utah land to study plants. For over 30 years he tirelessly assessed their adaptability to the region. This wasn’t just any collection. It laid the foundation for what we see today the magnificent Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.
Red Butte Garden isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a living testament to Dr Cottam’s dedication. His work earned formal recognition in 1961 when the Utah State Legislature declared the university’s landscape the State Arboretum. The legislation mandated that the arboretum would foster public appreciation of plants both local and global.
The Arboretum’s expansion led to the hiring of Richard Hildreth. He was a full-time director. His task was to interpret the collections and create educational programs. This was a pivotal moment for the garden’s future. It paved the way for the creation of display gardens and permanent educational facilities.
Imagine the scene in 1983. Ezekiel R Dumke Jr and Richard Hildreth spearheaded the effort. They successfully secured 100 acres at Red Butte Canyon for a regional botanical garden. This was a huge leap forward. The organization was renamed Red Butte Garden & Arboretum reflecting its expanded scope. The location offered the perfect opportunity to showcase horticultural collections and the rich natural area. This also broadened the garden’s mission to include conservation and environmental education.
The garden officially opened to the public in 1985. But it didn’t stop there. In 1994 the Walter P Cottam Visitor Center opened thanks to the George S and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. This is just one example of the community’s support. Donations funded numerous additions over the years. These include the Courtyard Garden Fragrance Garden Medicinal Garden and many others.
Today Red Butte Garden boasts 21 acres of display gardens. It has over five miles of hiking trails. It attracts 200000 annual visitors over 10000 members and 300 active volunteers. Red Butte Garden continues to grow and thrive. It’s a testament to Dr Cottam’s vision and the ongoing support of the community. It’s more than just a garden. It’s a place where nature art and education converge. It’s a place you’ll want to explore and return to time and time again.