About Cape Fear
Botanical Garden

Cape Fear Botanical Garden spans 80 acres between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, just minutes from downtown Fayetteville. The Garden offers a peaceful retreat with diverse landscapes, rich history, and opportunities for learning, events, and special gatherings.

Explore, Learn & Connect with Nature

Cape Fear Botanical Garden has been a cherished destination for both locals and area visitor to the Sandhills of North Carolina since 1989. As a haven for discovery and connection, the Garden inspires exploration, energizes learning, and provides opportunities to connect with nature for visitors of all ages.

Where History, Plants & Wonder Come to Life

The Garden is a vibrant blend of curated gardens, natural landscapes, and immersive spaces, reflecting the beauty of North Carolina. Home to one of the area’s largest collections of Camellias and Daylilies, the Garden also features a Children’s Garden for hands-on exploration and a Heritage Garden showcasing historic agricultural structures.

The serene Cypress Pond, teeming with fish, turtles, and waterfowl, offers a peaceful retreat, while expansive natural areas provide endless opportunities to wander, discover.

Events, Education & Community

Our world-class Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex serves as a hub for both private and community events, from weddings and military ceremonies to business gatherings and educational workshops. Throughout the year, the Garden also hosts seasonal celebrations and engaging public programs, offering unique opportunities for connection, learning, and shared experiences in a beautiful setting.

Our Mission

The mission of Cape Fear Botanical Garden is to transform people’s relationships with plants and the natural world.

Our Vision

To create and sustain a national-caliber institution with gardens and programs of exceptional quality, making Cape Fear Botanical Garden the premier destination in the region for connecting with nature and expanding horizons through educational and cultural programs.
Meet Our Leaders

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated individuals who share a passion for nature, education, and the community. They work tirelessly to guide the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the Garden. From committee service to volunteer labor to advocacy and public outreach, every director gives many hours of selfless volunteer service each year.

Bowman Smith

President

Holly Pendergraft

At-Large Officer

Whitaker Grannis

Leah Metzger

Jason Weathington

Bill Pollitt

Vice President

Casey Benander

Walter Holt Jr.

Stephanie Prewitt

Jennifer Fincher

Treasurer

Mandy Brown

Faye A. Knauss​

Worth Smith

Stacye Blount

Secretary

Bob Fox

Susie McFadyen

Terri Thomas

Staff

Our team of skilled professionals ensures the Garden remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring space for all visitors. From horticultural experts to event coordinators, each staff member contributes to fulfilling our mission and vision.

Phone: (910) 486-0221
Email: info@capefearbg.org

Administration

Chris Hoffman

Chief Executive Officer x10

Sheila Hanrick

Director of Communications & Programming x21

Devin DeKraker

Director of Finance & Human Resources x23

Angela O'Coyne

Finance Assistant

Development

Shannon Bell

Director of Philanthropy
910-527-9200

Meg Suraci

Development, Grants & Membership Manager x22

Brenda Jernigan

Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator x46

Education

Nick Stamates

Environmental Education Manager x24

Wendy Marshburn

Environmental Education Specialist x42

Adeline Kelley

Environmental Education Specialist x27

Cristina Martinez

Environmental Education Specialist x43

Horticulture & Facilities

Vincent Garzo

Director of Horticulture

 

Chad Shelby

Horticulture Operations Manager

Jessica Westlake

Horticulture Technician

 

JJ Watson

Horticulture Technician

 

Luther Smith

Maintenance Technician

Antonio Ramirez

Horticulture Technician

 

Heather Robertson

Horticulture Technician

 

Dakota Mathes

Maintenance Technician

Stephanie Wells

Horticulture Technician

Michelle Irvine

Facilities Operations Manager x33

Events

Jessica Barnes

Director of Events & Experiences x29

Megan Panetti

Private Events Manager x30

Lauryn Shaver

Events Coordinator x39

Madison Benoit

Events Coordinator x31

Daniela Piela

Events Assistant x45

Visitors Services

(Gift Shop X36; Entry Desk X26)

Cheyenne Mathes

Visitor Services Manager x35

Rose Marie Matthews-Knight

Visitor Services

Christina Limbert

Visitor Services

Julia Roman

Visitor Services

Laura Hoffman

Visitor Services

Your Garden Awaits

Step into Cape Fear Botanical Garden and discover a place to connect, explore, and celebrate nature in every season.

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