Garden:

Completed renovation and reopening of the Marine Trail
Snowdrop Project and Species Cyclamen Drift Planting completed
Received National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitation Certification for Meerkerk Gardens
Tribute Garden Landscaping completed including drip irrigation Signage and interpretive panels are the final steps for 2025
Hoop Houses were dismantled for storage
Nursery Makeover began with better signage and organization, clearer pricing and more sales space
nstallation of hundreds of feet of drip irrigation continued throughout the year
Installation of Don’s Eagle and Cheri’s memorial bench
Garden Improvement Projects have been identified for donors seeking legacy gifts – the Bench Donation Proposal, Viewing Platform
Through strategic pruning and plant removal, additional parking was created in the Volunteer Parking Lot
The North Tankhouse was repaired with the addition of two secondary posts to replace ones that had rotted out
The Horticulture Committee has outlined a plan for the Hall Garden renovation begun this year and will continue into 2025

Management:

Decision to move forward with a Forest Stewardship Plan rather than a conservation easement
House Construction Contract with Eagle Building, signed in 2/2024. Construction was completed by 1st week of December, 2024

Original contract $539,911.30

Change Order #1 7,957.96 (dry rot-loom room, upper level bathroom floor, furring out conference room for insulation

Change Order #2 2,019.33 Plumbing waste replacement

Change Order #3 11,022.04 additional electrical work

Including new 200-watt panel.

Actuals over Allowances

32,213.77 electrical & concrete ramp

$593,124.40 (9.8% over budget)

Finance

Successful events included the Easter Egg Hunt, Mother’s Day, Bluegrass and Octoberfest. Labor costs were tracked for the first time to give more realistic profit information
Raised admissions to the Gardens to $10 and $15 for events
Received WIGT Grant for $4,400(sales shed roof) and LTAC Grant for $17,700
Developed a balanced budget plan for 2025
Rachel Cook, experienced fundraiser, joined the team as Development Manager in March
Financial reports were revised to create increased transparency.
$32,125 was raised at the annual gala with all funds going to the garden
The Membership goal was exceeded for 2024 with 260 members and an income of $26,875. 9 members from out of state and Canada, 27 from the greater Seattle Area, 18 from other areas of WA state and 174 from Whidbey Island
We closed the year with 1017 State Flower License Plates, our highest to date

Education

· Classes presented this year included The Falcon class, History of the Big Leaf Valley, Bats of Whidbey Island

· Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation trip to the Miller Botanical Garden in September