Centennial Campaign

1926

The 13-acre (5-hectare) Blaksley Botanic Garden was founded as an extension of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History with the intention to be a research and educational institution. Even in these early years, the Garden focused on native plants to showcase their beauty and suitability for private gardens, encouraging the use of drought-tolerant plants to conserve California’s water supply. Early sections of the Garden included the Meadow, the Meadow Oaks, the Desert Community, the Arroyo, and the Island Trail.

1930s

The Garden expanded with a new Information Kiosk built and designed by architect Lockwood de Forest Jr., as well as fresh trails and sections, including the Forest Section, Redwood Section, and Canyon Trail. In 1939, the Garden separated from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and became an independent nonprofit organization carrying the new name Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

1940s

With the purchase of property from the Santa Barbara Mission, which included the historic Mission Dam, built in 1806, the Garden expanded the visitor experience. It also gained national recognition as a center for native plant display and education, despite challenges during World War II. In 1941, the Blaksley Library was built to provide greater information and more resources for the conservation and horticultural use of native plants, and by the end of the decade, it had expanded to 50 acres (20 hectares).

1950s

Dr. Katherine K. Muller began as director, ushering in an era of impact, centered on community outreach, education, plant breeding, and horticultural and botanical research. Key garden sections were also further developed, enhancing biodiversity representation.

1960s

Under Dr. Katherine K. Muller’s guidance, educational programs expanded to include walks, classes, and trips. Sadly, in 1964, over 1,500 plants were burned in the Coyote Fire. However, the Garden endured and hosted the first symposium on the biology of the Channel Islands the following year.

1970s

By this time, the Garden had expanded to 65 acres (26 hectares). It constructed its first fire-safe herbarium in what is now the Katherine K. Muller Education Building and a propagation unit which featured a glass house, lath house, and nursery area. Under the direction of Dara E. Emery, the Garden’s first horticulturist and plant breeder, the Garden Growers volunteer group began propagating native plants and later began selling native plants to the public. With the retirement of Dr. Muller, Dr. Ralph Philbrick stepped into the Garden’s director role.

1980s

Horticultural expertise expanded with the opening of a special horticultural facility for plant breeding experiments. In 1981, the Meadow also began its transformation into a native grassland habitat. Closing out the decade, Dara E. Emery published “Seed Propagation of Native California Plants”in 1988, a book still revered by experts and beginners alike.

1990s

The Garden’s commitment to conservation grew with the establishment of its rare plant seed bank. It also became one of a handful of public gardens in the U.S. to be honored with accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

2000s

Upon reaching today’s 78 acres (31.5 hectares), the County of Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission granted landmark status to 23 aces (9 hectares), which included the Mission Dam and Aqueduct, Redwood Steps, Information Kiosk, Caretaker’s Cottage, Blaksley Library, and Campbell Bridge.

2010s

Following the Jesusita Fire in 2009, which burned 80% of the Garden, major infrastructure improvements were needed. Work included the opening of the Pritzlaff Conservation Center in 2016, enhancing research and community engagement capabilities. With this, the Garden’s conservation and research efforts expanded to include genetic analysis and ecological restoration.

2020s

Serving as a vital community resource during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Garden underwent a brand refresh welcoming in its next chapter of growth. Aiming to inspire the next generation of stewards, youth and family programs expanded significantly with the opening of the Backcountry Section in 2022. At 4.5 acres (nearly 2 hectares), this reinvested space became the hub for Summer Camp, which now serves more than 300 youth annually.

2026

The Garden will celebrate 100 years of native plant conservation, education, and ecological stewardship, marking a century of growth and impact on California’s natural heritage. But the work won’t stop here. We welcome everyone to be a part of this story and join us in growing native plants for the health and well-being of our community and the planet, for generations to come.

2026

The Garden was named a 2026 Nonprofit of the Year by CalNonprofits and District 21 Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón.

This recognition reflects the work of a community, from staff and volunteers to members and supporters who believe in the power of native plants.