This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Botanical Garden at a pivotal moment—its 45th anniversary year. Known as a living museum, the Garden has grown into a statewide leader in plant conservation and environmental education, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while shaping the city’s approach to urban nature and sustainability.

Cory Ames speaks with Katherine Trumble, President and CEO of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, about the Garden’s newly unveiled ten-year master plan and its implications for San Antonio and Texas. Their conversation explores what it means for the Botanical Garden to center “access” in its mission, how conservation efforts are responding to drought, floods, and ecological stress, and why restoring native landscapes matters for future generations.

They discuss:

• How the Garden aims to make nature and education accessible for all residents

• New projects on the horizon, including a statewide seed bank and a major Orchid Pavilion 

• The Garden’s leadership role in restoring Texas ecosystems after recent floods 

• How programming connects San Antonians—from schoolchildren to adults—to the value of native plants 

For more information on the San Antonio Botanical Garden, visit https://www.sabot.org/.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #135. Planting Change in San Antonio through Community Gardens – If you enjoyed learning about the Botanical Garden’s impact on conservation and community, don’t miss this episode where Cory Ames sits down with Gardopia Gardens founder Stephen Lucke to discuss how urban gardening is driving public health, food access, and neighborhood safety in San Antonio. Discover inspiring stories and practical solutions connecting nature, education, and local empowerment.

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