1951-1958: Members of the Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association incorporated as the Botanical Garden Association of Denver. Denver City Council designated 100 acres in the southeast corner of City Park. Lilacs, crabapple, iris, evergreens and roses were planted.
1957: We jointly developed an alpine nature trail on Mount Goliath with the U.S. Forest Service, now called the M. Walter Pesman Trail. Visitors can also enjoy the Dos Chappell Nature Center and the highest cultivated garden in the U.S.
1959: Due to vandalism at City Park, the Gardens moved to our current location on York Street. Waring House was donated to us by Ruth Porter Waring and housed the herbarium, Helen Fowler Library, gift shop and staff offices.
1963-1966: The Boettcher Tropical Conservatory is rendered and constructed.
1973: We acquire 700 acres south of Denver in agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to be developed as Chatfield Arboretum. Restoration efforts began to preserve the old schoolhouse, the ranch and the riparian habitat.
1989: Chatfield Farms opened to the public and the first Pumpkin Festival was held.
2010: The Mordecai Children’s Garden opens between York and Josephine.
2017: We begin managing the educational programming at Plains Conservation Center in partnership with the City of Aurora.
2019-2021: The York Street master development plan was completed, under the leadership of Brian Vogt, with the opening of the Freyer-Newman Center.
2024-2025: Phase One of Chatfield Farms’ master development plan is completed with the construction of a new Welcome Center, Market Square, new gardens and unseen improvements, such as water and wifi.
