Wing Haven Foundation, Incorporated

Wing Haven Foundation, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It oversees the management and preservation of Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary, a natural oasis dedicated to inspiration, reflection, and study of its three public gardens. The foundation's mission is to cultivate sanctuary in nature, promote environmental stewardship, and preserve the legacy of Southern horticulture.

Overview

Wing Haven comprises three distinct gardens:

• Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary: This garden is known for its rich Southern horticulture and serves as a habitat for birds and wildlife. It features a diverse array of plants, including a national champion Vitex tree, which was rooted from a cutting by Elizabeth Clarkson.

• Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden: This garden is the former residence and "living laboratory" of world-renowned garden writer Elizabeth Lawrence. It was established in 1948 and is celebrated for its well-designed and dynamic garden, showcasing a wide variety of plants suitable for the Middle South.

• Student Environmental Education and Discovery (SEED) Wildlife & Children’s Garden: This garden provides hands-on exploratory learning experiences and serves as a natural habitat for local wildlife.

Programs and Events

Wing Haven offers over 40 programs and special events annually, catering to visitors of all ages. These include educational workshops, garden tours, plant sales, and community engagement activities designed to inspire passion for the natural world.

Funding and Operations

The Wing Haven Foundation relies on private donations, memberships, annual plant sales, education programs, garden tours, building rentals, and grants for its operational funding. The organization maintains its grounds using sustainable practices, such as composting leaves collected from surrounding neighborhoods.

Volunteer Engagement

Wing Haven engages a significant number of volunteers, with 254 reported contributors who assist in the upkeep and activities of the gardens. Volunteer opportunities include hosting, gardening, and participating in educational programs.

Legacy and Impact

Wing Haven welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and educational experiences. The gardens also serve at-risk children through programs like PEEPs and Nest Explorers. The Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, further solidifying the organization's role in preserving horticultural heritage and promoting environmental education.

[1] https://winghavengardens.org/about [2] https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/wing-haven [3] https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/vincent/garden_profiles/wing_haven.pdf [4] https://charlottecultureguide.com/organization/109981/wing-haven [5] https://www.publicgardens.org/the-wing-haven-foundation-celebrates-75-years-of-the-elizabeth-lawrence-house-garden/