Monroe Botanical Garden Project advances with 501(c)(3) status and community recruitment effort

Photo supplied Rotary Botanical Gardens is one of 56 parks in Janesville. The gardens have more than 24 different garden styles, including a Japanese garden and bridge, and 4,000 varieties of plants on 20 acres. Events are scheduled throughout the year, including a holiday light show, a major fundraiser for the gardens. The 2016 show had almost 27,000 visitors and featured more than 250 million lights, 2,500 luminaries, 100 decorated trees and 500 dangling icicle lights.

MONROE — What began as a community vision is now a permanent reality for Green County. Project organizers are proud to announce the formal filing of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the Monroe Botanical Garden, a major milestone that transforms the grassroots effort into a lasting public institution.

The garden is designed to be a modern sanctuary that honors Monroe’s unique heritage through horticulture, local history, and community gathering. Following a successful public listening session in January 2026, the project has rapidly moved into its next phase of organizational growth.

“Our goal is to create a space that reflects our roots while providing sanctuary for residents and visitors alike,” Melissa Burch, President of Monroe Botanical Gardens. “With our nonprofit framework now in place, we are ready to recruit leaders who will help us break ground on this vision.”

An inaugural Board of Directors has been seated to lead the charge, featuring a diverse team of local experts including President Melissa Burch, Vice President Cathy Hauck, Secretary Jenny Lembach, and Treasurer Mitch Tordoff. The board is supported by directors overseeing horticulture, marketing, volunteer recruitment, and education, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the garden’s development.

With the leadership foundation set, the organization is now opening applications for five specialized committees: Community Outreach and Volunteers, Project Planning and Design, Policy, Finance, and Fundraising. These committees will be the driving force behind the site’s long-term design and financial sustainability.

“Whether you are a master gardener, a local business leader, or simply a passionate neighbor, there is a place for you in this project,” says Vice President Cathy Hauck.

Interested parties and prospective donors are encouraged to apply for committee roles or learn more by emailing melissaburch@bountyfulfarms.com Additional updates can be found by following the Monroe Botanical Garden Project on Facebook and Instagram or exploring the website www.moroebotanicalgarden.org.

About Monroe Botanical Garden Project

The Monroe Botanical Garden is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to creating a public botanical garden and community gathering space in Monroe. The organization focuses on horticulture, education, sustainability, and celebrating the cultural heritage of Green County. The Monroe Botanical Garden was founded in 2025 when a vision was pitched to a group of Green County Leaders by Melissa Burch and Cathy Hauck. This vision was in response to a need to better utilize a vacant space in the community while adding green spaces that can be accessed right here in Monroe. This would increase destination sites in Monroe especially being within walking distance of the Historic square and soon to be re-opened Eugene Hotel.