History of CCBG Society, Inc.

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Calendar of Events

HISTORY OF THE GARDENS

The Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center now is considered one of the City's five major visitor attractions; and is positioned as Corpus Christi's environmental education and nature tourism destination; and helps make the Coastal Bend and South Texas a more attractive region for business development, tourism/economic growth and quality of life. This heightened of visibility, public awareness and credibility has led to grants and donations allowing rapid exhibit growth, steady increases in visitor counts, increases in seminar/workshop attendance, plus a stronger, larger board of Directors. Since 1996, the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center has received over $860,000 in foundation, corporate and private grants and donations of $1000 and up.

The Corpus Christi Botanical  Society, Inc., formed in 1983, was a grass-roots effort by a small group of horitculturally inclined citizens. Opening in 1987, the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center included a one-acre"cottage" garden, small farmhouse Information Center and a nature trail--through 1995.

In early 1996, the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center officially opened its 180-acre permanent site at 8545 S. Staples, rich with preserved natural wetlands and pristine natural habitat along Oso Creek. Significant by-laws changes occured in 1999. The Botanical Society changed its name to the Botanical and Nature Institute of South Texas, Inc. The membership also voted to increase the number of potential board positions from 15 to 50 to enhance the board's community profile and increase its fundraising capabilities. A high-profile advisory board also was added.

Upon opening the permanent site in 1996, the Children's Garden, picnic/play area, Bird & Butterfly Trail, Palapa Grande on Gator Lake, dirt parking area and compact but intimate Visitors Center was all the greeted visitors. But Fall of 1996 brought dedication of the four-winged lathe-constructed Exhibit House, as well as on of CCBG's cornerstones, the Don Larkin Memorial Orchid Greenhouse. The Orchid House-built with wet wall, heaters, fans rainwater collection system assisted by a reverse osmosis system-now houses nearly 3500 orchids, curated and maintained by the South Texas Orchid Society.

In 1997, the construction of Sensory Garden infrastructure began. An additional 45,000 phased "artscape" project, begun in 1999, is now nearly complete. Also in 1997, the Plumeria Collection was installed surrounding the Exhibit House. Now in excess of 250 plants, the collection is curated and maintained by the Plumeria Society of South Texas.

The large, unique Rose Garden was designed in 1998, built in 1999 and planted in January of 2000. The massive Rose Garden Fountain was added in 2001. The 30 x 40 -foot Rose Garden Pavilion was completed Summer, 2002. The Rose Garden's 300 roses are curated and maintained by the Corpus Christi Rose Society.

In 1999, the Hibiscus Garden opened, followed by a Water Garden. Construction projects in 2000 included widening and resurfacing of the Bird and Butterfly Trail; adding 500 feet to the Wetlands Awareness Boardwalk; and creating an earthen levee in the large wetlands to help maintain water levels.

 

The Arid Garden was built in 2001; and construction began on the Tree Demonstration Garden. Also that year, the interior parking area was converted to a grassed festival site. Paved parking for 22 vehicles was built along the entrance road.

In 2002, construction began on phased, decorative wood security fencing; and a grant for 17 more parking stalls was submitted, along with a grant proposals for more fencing, and equipment facility and an Education Coordinator- a new staff position. Keeping the momentum, CCBG began Hummingbird Garden construction in early 2002. On the drawing board are production greenhouses, Palm Garden, Tropical Garden and Wetlands Interpretive Center.