Give Back Campaign: The South Bend Greenway Conservancy
At Botany & Co., we know that plants do so much more than beautify a space—they have the power (dare we say, magic?) to transform how a community feels, functions, and grows. The Botany Shop, The Lot Next Door, and The Field, all contribute to building a neighborhood deeply rooted in the transformative power of plants.
Some areas of South Bend have minimal public green space. The Near West Side Neighborhood—one of South Bend's historic areas, home to sprawling 19th-century estates and cultural treasures—lacks even a single park.
In summer 2023, inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted's revolutionary "greenway" concept, the South Bend Greenway Conservancy formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Born from Near West Side residents' desire for accessible park space and the wish to build upon the area’s unique cultural assets, the idea emerged during community planning meetings as part of the neighborhood development plan, finalized in 2022.
The Conservancy's ambitious vision centers on creating a "String of Pearls"—a walkable linear park and cultural trail connecting existing institutions and green spaces throughout the west side. This innovative approach, inspired by the revolutionary 'greenway' concept, would run from the MLK Dream Center to Kroc Center, linking the Historic City Cemetery, the Notre Dame-owned Hansel Center, the IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center, Pearl Park, The History Museum, and the National Studebaker Museum.
But this isn't just about connecting existing spaces—it's about creating something entirely new through innovative green infrastructure, powered by a deeply collaborative, community-focused approach. The Conservancy operates as, "an ecosystem of neighborhood residents, city departments, public and private landowners collaborating to create a unique amenity and destination."
Its detailed plans include bioswales for stormwater management, permeable concrete pathways, native tree plantings that create comfortable pedestrian environments, and natural wildflower meadows that support pollinators while reducing maintenance needs. With partners such as the University of Notre Dame, the IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center, The History Museum, and various City of South Bend departments, the project seamlessly weaves ecology, history, and community into urban green spaces that are both beautiful and functionally resilient.
For the remainder of August, Botany & Co. is proud to partner with the South Bend Greenway Conservancy for a community Give Back campaign. As a local and independent business rooted in the transformative power of plants, this collaboration feels right at home as it aligns with our mission to empower more people to grow more plants in more places.
Your support will help create essential public green spaces that serve as vital gathering places, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, support hardworking pollinators, and foster community identity and pride. We call these spaces "essential," and any project that simultaneously provides ecological benefits, preserves history, and brings neighbors together is nothing short of essentially magical.
Sowing Seeds of Support - Give-Back Campaign
🛍️ Online Campaign - Now Through August 27: Enter code SBGC_FALL2025 at checkout for any online purchase, and we'll donate a percentage of proceeds to the Conservancy—reflected as a $1 Discount in your cart. This applies to everything we sell online, from plants and planters to stationary, plants, and gifts.
Gift Card Bonus - We’ll also be donating 15% of any online gift card purchase.
🤝 In-Person Giving: Starting when The Lot reopens for Autumn Shopping on August 29–30, you can donate while shopping in person. Our team will ask at checkout if you'd like to opt in to the fundraiser—an easy way to make your plant purchase even more impactful.
Meet Your Community Cultivators: Representatives from the South Bend Greenway Conservancy will be on-site to share their mission and answer questions:
📅 Saturday, August 23 | 10 am–5 pm
📅 Friday, August 29 | 11 am–5 pm
📅 Saturday, August 30 | 10 am–5 pm
We know for a fact that plants can change a space—a marble pathos can brighten any gloomy windowsill, and fresh, locally grown cut flowers can transform someone's entire mood. Together with the South Bend Greenway Conservancy, plants can change a city. This partnership represents more than fundraising—it's about creating meaningful, lasting change that beautifully weaves together our community's rich history with its sustainable future.
Ready to make an impact?
Shop online with code SBGC_FALL2025 before August 27, or visit us to meet the Conservancy team and learn how your purchase helps create the connected green spaces our community deserves.
We're committed to making the South Bend Greenway Conservancy's vision of a "String of Pearls" a gorgeous reality—one plant, one click, one conversation, and one community at a time.
For more information about the Conservancy, you can visit their website or this informational pdf.