The late Helen Douglas-Hart was a local philanthropist with a love of gardens, nature, art, among many other passions. She dreamed of gardens and natural areas for the community to enjoy. She established the Douglas-Hart Foundation and her dream became a reality in 1963 with the development of Friendship Garden. Just a few years later, restoration work began by converting a farm field into a 70-acre preserve of prairie, woodland, and wetlands that we know today as the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. In 2018, the Douglas-Hart Foundation acquired The Whiteside Garden in Charleston, a botanical oasis started by Dr. Wesley Whiteside. The Foundation's mission is "Through the responsible stewardship of Helen Douglas-Hart's gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages."

We hope you consider becoming a member today! You can easily join online or visit the Douglas-Hart Nature Center Visitor Center or The Whiteside Garden Welcome Center during normal business hours. 100% of membership fees supports our educational programs and conservation projects across all three of our properties:

Gazebo at Friendship Garden

Solar Panels at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Lower Terrace at The Whiteside Garden

2022 Membership Benefits
(Individual or Business)

Community Engagement Membership Benefits - Coming Soon! 
(Student, Teachers, Educators, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Leaders, Non-Profits, & Community Organizations)