About Us
Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA) exists to foster, promote and develop the aesthetic, educational, recreational, cultural, environmental, and scientific aspects of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (OPABG) so as to realize its long term full potential.
FOTA’s mission is to preserve, enhance and promote the OPABG. A membership organization, FOTA operates under the auspices of the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
 Membership in FOTA includes numerous benefits including plant sale "member-only" preview, plant/event/merchandise discounts, invitation to the annual membership event and a subscription to FOTA’s quarterly newsletter.
In addition to membership dues, FOTA is supported by individual and corporate donations along with income generated from its special events/projects and educational programming. ARFOP assists in the development of the OPABG’s Master Plan through its capital fundraising efforts.
FOTA relies on volunteers to plan and facilitate its special events and educational programs. Over 250 volunteers are currently involved in FOTA programs including special events assistance for the Spring Plant Sale, Arts for Kids in the Arboretum and the Holiday Luminary Walk. (Calendar)
Numerous other volunteer opportunities exist including service on FOTA committees such as photography, marketing, IT and weddings.
Executive Committee
Members at large:
Larry Engelkemier, Georgia Erickson, Karen Haake,
Stacey Gilman, Margaret Maher-Williams, Russell Simmons, Lenora Wuattoux-Ray, Andrew Smith
The Vision
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens exists for the advancement of environmental education, recreation, and the appreciation of nature. It provides both a cultural center and a nature preserve for everyone in the community. The OPABG will continue to develop and evolve on its 300-acre site. Overland Park is investing in the future quality of life of its citizens by acquiring, preserving, and enhancing land for the conservation of natural resources, environmental education and botanical gardens. Our Future Plans
Our 300 ecologically diverse acres currently house 30 acres of gardens and turf, 70 acres of prairie and 200 acres of wooded natural area. The new Master Plan which was approved in 2006 has design for an additional 22 acres of gardens, including four conservatories and a new visitors’ center. If you would like to help us grow please see Join & Support.
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