Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s mission is to maintain a living museum for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all people. Founded in 1989, the 501c3 not-for-profit organization has since maintained, operated and developed the 155-acre property located at 2715 S. Main Street in Rockford, Illinois in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. The property was originally established as Rockford Nurseries in the 1920s, and was operated as a nursery until 1985, when the land was donated to the Forest Preserves with the stipulation that it be maintained in perpetuity as an arboretum and botanic garden.
Today, Klehm serves over 30,000 visitors annually and offers a wide variety of programs, workshops and seminars on gardening, nature, horticulture and other topics throughout the year. Klehm hosts specific programs for youth, offering opportunities to explore, learn and grow their knowledge of plants, gardens, trees and the environment. In addition, the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden offers unique opportunities for children and families to engage in natural play. Tours and programs are regularly offered to support not only life-long learning for adult visitors, but education for visitors of all ages regarding the benefits and unique nature of the trees and plants found throughout the grounds and gardens.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden holds several community programs and events each year, including an Arbor Day Celebration, our long-running Garden Fair, our annual Woodsong Summer Concert Series, and fall-favorite Eerie Autumn Lights. These programs present multiple educational offerings and invite the public to visit and enjoy and experience ornamental horticulture and nature firsthand throughout our grounds and gardens.