About Fairchild                                                                                                           

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is truly a unique place. Here you can walk garden paths surrounded by the wonders and beauty of nature, talk to experts in horticulture, conservation and science, view impressive art, see butterflies and birds at every turn and take classes on everything from photography to grafting.

Who We Are

Fairchild is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. We are one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

As we work around the world, Fairchild’s level of dedication to native plant conservation in South Florida remains unparalleled. We also house the National Palm Collection as recognized by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and have the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads. This year we will reach over 50,000 students with our Challenge, Explorer and Discovery programs, and more than 3,000 adults will participate in our continuing education courses.

Our festivals such as the International Mango Festival and the International Chocolate Festival are more than just spectacular events; they also have an education component with local and global experts giving lectures, talks and classes. Fairchild is also a cultural leader in the community. Our garden showcases tremendous art exhibitions and concerts each year.

Our History

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden gets its name from one of the most famous plant explorers in history, David Fairchild (1869-1954). Fairchild was known for traveling the world in search of useful plants, but he was also an educator and a renowned scientist. At the age of 22, he created the Section of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction of the United States Department of Agriculture, and for the next 37 years, he traveled the world in search of plants of potential use to the American people. Fairchild visited every continent in the world (except Antarctica) and brought back hundreds of important plants, including mangos, alfalfa, nectarines, dates, cotton, bamboos and the flowering cherry trees that grace Washington D.C.

Dr. Fairchild retired to Miami in 1935 and joined a group of passionate plant collectors and growers, including retired banker Col. Robert H. Montgomery, environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, County Commissioner Charles Crandon and landscape architect William Lyman Phillips. This core group worked tirelessly to bring the idea of a one of a kind botanic garden to life, and in 1938, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden opened its 83 acres to the public for the first time.

Our Future

The future of Fairchild is very exciting. We are embarking on a major capital development program that will bring conservation, our history and education to the forefront. You can also look forward to many new programs and events including a citizen science initiative, a home garden program, several new events and more.

Our Mission

Our mission is to save tropical plant diversity by exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants; fundamental to this task is inspiring a greater knowledge and love for plants and gardening so that all can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the tropical world.

Support

Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is supported by contributions from members and friends, and in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, and with the support of The City of Coral Gables.