**Steamboat Springs, Colorado-September 27, 2026-**After years of planning, the Yampa River Botanic Park broke ground this week on a new Propagation Greenhouse that will provide a dedicated space to grow, conserve and study plants native and regionally significant to Northwest Colorado.
“This greenhouse gives us an opportunity to grow plants that are difficult or impossible to find commercially while expanding what we can teach our community about plants and growing in our region,” said Jennifer MacNeil, executive director of the Yampa River Botanic Park. “It will be an important resource for the Botanic Park and for plant conservation in Northwest Colorado.”
At $505,000, the project will create a climate-controlled facility for starting plants from seed and cuttings. With dedicated propagation space, the Botanic Park will be able to grow native and regionally significant species that are not readily available through commercial nurseries, expanding its living collections and contributing to regional plant conservation.
Beyond propagation, the space will provide opportunities to study which plants can thrive in Northwest Colorado’s high-elevation environment. As regional landscapes face pressures from wildfire, drought and disease, growing plants adapted to local conditions can support conservation efforts and provide information about resilient species.
For local schools, summer camps, homeschool programs and community workshops, the greenhouse will serve as a living classroom. Hands-on learning opportunities will focus on plant propagation, regional species and the growing conditions that shape what can thrive in Northwest Colorado.
Designed to complement the character of the Botanic Park’s Trillium House, the new structure also incorporates energy-efficient technology. A climate battery, or Ground Air Heat Transfer (GAHT) system, will use the earth’s thermal mass to help regulate temperature and humidity, providing consistent growing conditions while reducing reliance on traditional heating.
Funding for construction and the greenhouse’s ongoing needs comes from individual donors, foundations, businesses and grants, with donations still being accepted. To date, $296,000 has been raised, with an additional $50,000 pledged by the Botanic Park’s Board of Directors. Funding includes support from Yampa Valley Electric Association’s Operation Round Up and the Routt County Climate Action Collaborative for the climate battery system. The overall campaign financial goal includes anticipated future staffing and maintenance needs.
Soda Mountain Construction and Design is the general contractor. Mountain Architecture and Design Group is the architect, with additional design support from Landmark Engineering and Ceres Greenhouse Solutions. Steamboat Springs Excavating began construction Thursday, Sept. 24, and Central Electric is serving as the electrical subcontractor.
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Contact
Email Jennifer MacNeil, Executive Director, or call 970-846-5172
Email Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, or call 970-871-7031