History, Founders, and Volunteers

World Nature Conservation Day falls on July 28 every year, marking the anniversary of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, where world leaders first came together to prioritize protecting our planet's natural resources. Nearly 50 years later, that mission is just as urgent, and just as personal, right here in Janesville. At Rotary Botanical Gardens, conservation isn't just a once-a-year conversation. It's the work we do every single day. F

Since October 2024, visitors to Rotary Botanical Gardens have been able to enjoy a striking metal sculpture created by local artist Jason Harvey and dedicated by the Bower City Garden Club of Janesville. The piece depicts a fern grotto, complete with some of the small creatures you might find tucked among the ferns, like centipedes and grasshoppers. Now, we're excited to share some updates that make the area even more special. We've added an accessible path leading right up t

Rotary Botanical Gardens History Founders and Volunteers: Dolores Dilley Rotary Botanical Gardens history has always been shaped by people who were willing to jump in before there was much to see. One of those people is Dolores Dilley a behind the scenes force whose steady work helped carry the Gardens from an idea to a thriving community treasure. Delores Dilley Dolores first heard about the idea for a public garden while working at Parker Pen. Her supervisor knew Dr. Robert