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

Beegie Caviness

VP of Development

 

Martha Lerario

Ex-Officio

Faye A. Knauss

Leah King Metzger

Claire Mullen

Vice President

Casey Benander

Jennifer Fincher

Worth Smith

Bob Fox

Treasurer

Whitaker Grannis

Holly Pendergraft

Terri Thomas

Mandy Brown

Secretary

Stacye Blount

Bill Pollitt

Jason Weathington

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 X 10

Devin DeKraker

Director of Finance X 23

Anne Schaefer

Finance Assistant

Development

Shannon Bell

Director of Philanthropy X 20

Meg Suraci

Development, Grants & Membership Manager X 22

Brenda Jernigan

Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator X46

Education

Barbara Goldentyer

Environmental Education Manager X 43

Valerie DeLeon

Environmental Specialist X 27

Wendy Marshburn

Environmental Specialist X 42

Mary Camacho

Environmental Specialist X 27

Horticulture

Adam Premo

Director of Horticulture X 40

Chad Shelby

Horticulture Education Coordinator

Jessica Cross

Horticulture Technician

Antonio Ramirez

Horticulture Technician

Marlena Chieffo

Horticulture Technician

James Hollenbeck

Horticulture Technician

Stephanie Wells

Horticulture Technician

Events

Sheila Hanrick

Director of Events &
Marketing X 21

Taylor Jergensen

Event Coordinator X 39

Jessica Barnes

Events Manager X 29

Brian Tyler

Event Coordinator X 31

Katherine Tran

Event Coordinator X 30

Brittany Lewis

Event Coordinator X45

Visitors Services

(Gift Shop X36; Entry Desk X26)

Michelle Irvine

Operations Manager X 33

Rose Marie Matthews-Knight

Visitor Services

Cheyenne Mathes

Visitor Services

John Roye

Maintenance Technician

Amber Brandt

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.

Search website

Subscribe