Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has a new name and expansion plans
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Rendering: Courtesy of Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has rebranded as Daniel Stowe Conservancy and announced plans for expansion Wednesday.
Why it matters: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden was known for its 90-acre garden, but leaders want to highlight all that the 380-acre site has to offer, plus plans for expansion.
Zoom in: The gardens are now called the Gardens at Stowe. The site already has a fenced-in, off-leash dog park.
What to expect: Daniel Stowe Conservancy recently added nearly 2 miles of crushed concrete trails, bringing the total to more than 8 miles of trails. Most of the trails are free to access.
- The existing Trailhead Store coffee shop will expand its food and beverage options, including beer and wine.
- Big Leaf Café + Shop, serving meals and selling merchandise, will open in May.
- The Farmhouse Garden Center will also open in May, offering everything from plants, pots and other gardening supplies to gardening books and gifts.
- In June, the Kimbrell Lost Hollow Children's Garden will expand with a new half-mile kids' adventure trail and a three-story accessible wooden playground called Prairie Castle Playground.
- The Conservancy also plans to expand its educational opportunities for kids and adults, from summer camps to workshops. They also envision more outdoor recreation options, with races and a new fishing pier.
What we're watching: These projects are part of Daniel Stowe Conservancy's first phase of expansion. The timeline for future projects is unclear, but plans listed on its website include:
- A restaurant.
- An education center and nature-based preschool.
- An outdoor amphitheater that will seat roughly 1,500 people.
- New wedding venue options.
- A boardwalk and sculpture garden.
- Paddling options on Lake Wylie.
What's next: The Conservancy will host Your Path to Spring April 18-20.
- April 18-19 include guided trail walks along the renovated trails, live music, plus crafts for children.
- April 20 will be an Easter celebration called Spring Trails and Cottontails, with games and crafts, plus bunnies.
- Tickets can be found here.
Stop by: Daniel Stowe Conservancy is at 6500 S. New Hope Road in Belmont.
Take a look at renderings of the Big Leaf Café + Shop.
