May is National Preservation Month, and here at Elk Rock Garden, we’re marking the occasion with some exciting news, and a renewed call to action.
Last year, we launched our first-ever mid-year appeal, asking you to invest in the future of our beloved historic garden. Your response exceeded all expectations! This May, we’re proud to continue that tradition, and even prouder to share what your generosity has made possible over the past twelve months.
A YEAR OF MEANINGFUL PROGRESS
Since our Preservation Fund launched in September 2025, we’ve accomplished more than we could have hoped:
Outside, we built a new metal support structure for our largest wisteria vines, repaired three large sections of historic stone retaining wall along our upper parking lot and cliffwalk, and rebuilt a deteriorating set of stone steps leading out to portion of our property known as The Point.
We also constructed two small wooden ramps connecting our brick pathways to our patio, making the lectures, workshops and and other programming we hold in our chapel wheelchair and walker accessible for the first time.
Inside the manor house, we completed a full restoration of the entire second floor (and a portion of the third floor) including lead and asbestos abatement, plaster repair, new wiring and plumbing, fresh paint, new carpeting, remodeled bathrooms, restored wooden windows, and updated heating, cooling and lighting.
This work has allowed us to move new tenants into our building (welcome Willamette Riverkeeper!), an important step toward the garden’s long-term financial sustainability.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
Elk Rock Garden has been free and open to the public since 1959. Since we don’t charge admission, everything we do to restore, maintain, and improve this garden depends on the support of our community.
The progress we’ve made this year is a testament to what’s possible when people who love this place come together. But there is still much work to do, and the longer critical repairs and improvements are delayed, the more costly they become.
Remaining projects include:
- Roof Repair
- Exterior Trim Paint
- Kitchen Improvements
- Chapel Upgrades
- Wood Floor Refinishing
- Visitor Center Repairs
- Footbridge Rebuild
- Patio Repairs
- Pavement and Brick Path Repairs
- New Exterior Benches
- Safety Railings
- Public Restrooms
HOW YOU CAN HELP
This Preservation Month, we’re asking you to be part of our next chapter. A tax-deductible gift to the Elk Rock Garden Preservation Fund goes directly toward protecting and restoring this irreplaceable piece of Oregon’s heritage, so that it remains a living, thriving place for generations to come.
We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donations here.
Thank you in advance for your continued love and support of Elk Rock Garden.