The Vallarta Botanical Gardens started in 2004 with a vision of building Mexico's greatest botanical garden in the enchanted tropical highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The twenty acres that are now the Gardens were ranch property, nearly half of which was overgrazed cattle pasture, the other half old growth tropical deciduous forest.

The first phase of construction was the Hacienda de Oro Visitor Center and Restaurant, the centerpiece structure of the Gardens. Next came the nurseries for plant propagation, trails throughout the property, a statuary making facility, and of course many plants.

Over 6000 Blue Agaves (Agave tequilana) adorn our "Blue Agave Hills" while this area is being re-forested with native tropical hardwood trees. Over 1000 native tabebuia, mountain pine and mahogany trees have been planted in this former cattle grazing area, deforested over 30 years ago. Native oak species are being grown from acorns to establish our Mexican Oak Collection. Considering that Mexico is the world leader in oak diversity with over 160 different species, this is sure to become a prized feature of the Garden.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens started a US based 501(c)(3) not for profit "Friends of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C." to allow us to accept tax deductible donations from individuals and foundations.

Grants and generous donations have allowed us to improve our grounds and plant collections. One of the latest expansions that has added to the delight of our visitors is the Holstein Vanilla and Orchid Conservatory with a rotating array of exquisite orchids and other stunning flowering plants.

Please learn about our current projects and funding opportunities and become part of the creative force that showcases Mexico's abundant biodiversity to its residents and the world.

The success of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens have allowed us to give back to our community in a variety of ways. We provide free admission to the Gardens to over 1,000 visiting school children each year. We have collaborated with grassroots natural resource conservation and indigenous knowledge proponents including the Maya Nut Institute and the Center For Traditional Medicine. We have participated in tropical plant research with the American Orchid Society and Sam Houston State University.

Our conservation initiatives have been recognized by SEMARNAT (Secretaria de medio ambiente y recursos naturals), Mexico's Agency of Environment and Natural Resources, which has registered our Garden as an UMA (Unidad de Manejo Para La Conservacion De Vida Silvestre), an official Wildlife Conservation Management Unit.

Which membership is right for me?

Individual Membership – $50 (USD) per year
• Full membership privileges for one individual
• Unlimited free admission to the Gardens
• Free admission to special exhibits
• You will receive our internet newsletter "The Leaflet"
• Invitation to members-only events including "Noches de las Luminarias" membership appreciation night (Our high season members-only party)
• "Members Only" Parking (as available)
• 10% discounts on restaurant, gift shop, and our exclusive line of statuary (private parties excluded)
• Children under 12 – free with member

Regular Membership – $100 (USD) per year
• Full membership privileges for two individuals
• Unlimited free admission to the Gardens
• One guest admitted free if accompanied by one of the two members
• Free admission to special exhibits
• You will receive our internet newsletter "The Leaflet"
• Invitation to members-only events including "Noches de las Luminarias" membership appreciation night (Our high season members-only party)
• "Members Only" Parking (as available)
• 10% discounts on restaurant, gift shop, and our exclusive line of statuary (private parties excluded)
• Children under 12 – free with member

Senior Membership (Age 65 and over) – $80 (USD) per year
• All of the privileges of Regular Membership for one year for two individuals, age 65 years or older

Family Membership – $180 (USD) per year
• All privileges of the regular membership for four people for one year
• PLUS - two extra one-day guest passes

Sustaining Membership – $330 (USD) per year
• Same as Regular Membership plus two extra one-day guest passes
• A native tree planted at the garden in your name – part of the reforestation project

Corporate Membership – $550 (USD) per year
• Same benefits as the Regular Membership
• PLUS – A free ad in our Internet newsletter, "The Leaflet"
• PLUS – Your logo as a corporate sponsor at the Welcome Center

Villa Membership – $550 (USD) per year
• Your Villa's name on our Sponsor Board at the front gate
• Unlimited free gate admission for your villa's guests
• 10% discount on restaurant, gift shop and nursery purchases
• "Member-only parking" at the Hacienda de Oro

Student Membership – $20 (USD) per year
• Unlimited admission for one year to visit and study at the Gardens

Volunteers receive free membership to the Gardens including:

• Unlimited Garden entry
• Free classes, workshops, and events
• Discounts in the restaurant, store, & nursery
• Receive one free guest pass for every 20 hours of scheduled garden service.
• Put your energy and creativity into the important mission of the Gardens.
• Enrich your life with stimulating projects and learning opportunities.
• Get to know the Garden staff and other volunteers by collaborating and learning with them.
• Meet and share your knowledge with local plant enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
• Celebrate the joys of volunteering at our volunteer appreciation potluck.

How to become a garden volunteer:

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to begin their involvement here by attending a volunteer training session. Advanced registration is requested.

After their initial training, volunteer trainees will be mentored by a senior volunteer until they can be checked off on the following:

• Knowing the Garden’s mission & contributing toward it
• Knowing and following the garden’s policies
• Guiding the standard 1:00 pm garden tour
• Treating others at the garden with kindness & respect

Once the volunteer coordinator has checked off a volunteer trainee, they will be issued their volunteer membership, valid until the end of that calendar year and conditional upon their continued service.

I just want to volunteer:

For those who are not interested in an extended volunteer commitment but would still like to lend a hand for a day (or a few), please check our for occasional group volunteer activities including planting or highway cleanup.
    
Another option is to request to shadow another volunteer. You may make your request with our volunteer coordinator by emailing info@vbgardens.org with your availability and the type of work you would like to do.

What do garden volunteers do?

Garden Volunteers take on a variety of different duties and projects at the Garden:

• Horticulture: Propagating plants in the nurseries, planting, weeding & preparing cuttings
• Education: Guiding tours, teaching classes or workshops at the Gardens or local schools
• Conservation: Assisting in reforestation and environmental protection
• Representing the Garden at the Old Town Farmer’s Market and other external venues
• Promoting the Gardens, its projects, & events onsite or with local businesses and organizations
• Landscaping, trail work, and construction
• Administrative work including membership services and record keeping.

Some valuable volunteer work can be done from the comfort of your own home:

• Writing: Volunteers may always submit articles, pictures, or poems to our newsletter "The Leaflet." Volunteers practiced in writing grant applications can assist us in that capacity.
• Translating: We always have a pile of documents to translate, many of which are directly linked to public education and serving our visitors.

Many more opportunities are possible. Put your skills and talents to work here by finding or dreaming up projects that take merit your abilities – or learn new skills by trying something different. Learn the needs of the Garden and communicate how you can help out the most, while making your experience here your reward.

Volunteers who wish to contribute generously to the Gardens from their personal finances, family trusts, or commit to fundraising for the Gardens in the local or international communities may consider applying for consideration on our Board of Directors. Board Membership is a serious commitment. An often repeated quote within non-profits is, "Of work, wealth, and wisdom a board member should contribute at least two." Volunteers who are interested in joining our board should have a personal conversation with the Garden's curator or executive director.

To volunteer, email info@vbgardens.org.

Make a donation using one of the following methods:

• PayPal from our website
• Credit Cards
• Check (via regular mail)

To pay by check:

Please make checks payable to "Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C."
To avoid the possibility of theft, please do not send cash through the mail.

Mailing Address in Mexico:

Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C.
Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio #2180 Local 7 y 8
Zona Hotelera Norte Suite 148
Puerto Vallarta Jalisco Mexico. C.P. 48333

Mailing Address in US:

Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C.
2163 Lima Loop
PMB 130-148
Laredo, TX. 78045-6420

For deductible donations please send check to:

759 North Campus Way
Davis, CA 95616

A letter of receipt will be sent to those wishing a tax deduction for the I.R.S.

Project Funding:

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are always seeking sponsors to help further our important mission.

Some people help by sending unrestricted donations toward our general fund. This helps us cover costs from purchasing plants, to paying our utilities, and meeting payroll for our dedicated staff. Others like to pick a specific project to fund.

Click for more Project Funding information on our website.

Become a Patron:

Your general donation is a vital component of the operating budget for Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Donations are directed where the need is greatest, i.e. compensating for economic downturns and low season operation funds.

• The Orchid Conservatory Construction to display The National Collection of Mexican Orchids. This conservatory will house the most complete collection of native orchids on display in Mexico.

• The Interpretive Trail System – expansion through the Guacamaya Valley Forest Preserve. This will greatly enhance the visitor experience by allowing access to yet undeveloped areas of the Garden.

• Outreach Program Expansion – of educational, cultural heritage and environmental outreach programs.

• Endowment Fund – Leave a gift in your will or provide for the Gardens in your trust. Your legacy can guarantee the sustainability of this national treasure for years to come.

Commemorative Donations:

Puerto Vallarta has earned its place in the hearts of a variety of extraordinary people from around the world. When we lose someone who has a connection to this special community, we look for a peaceful setting where we can honor their life and memory. The serenity and beauty of our natural sanctuary is a perfect place to remember the special people of our lives. Many of Vallarta's distinguished luminaries have already been memorialized at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Their friends and family find a trip to the Garden provides a setting for reflection and celebration of the cycles of life.

Click for more Commemorative Donation information on our website.