In 1993 a Master Gardener’s class in Daviess County, Kentucky dreamed of creating a botanical garden. In pursuit of this dream, Dr. and Mrs. William Tyler donated approximately 8.5 acres to the City of Owensboro and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden was born! Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and the many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts listed below, The Garden has become a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. We are truly a unique gem in Western Kentucky thanks to the tireless efforts of these individuals. Thank you for all you do for The Garden and for our community!

Laurna Strehl, Executive Director

Board of Directors 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

​PRESIDENT
Paul E. Puckett, Jr.

VICE PRESIDENTS
Marcia Carpenter - Logistics
Pat Connell - Botanicals
Gary Satterwhite – Long Range Planning
Sara Williams - Finance
 
RECORDING SECRETARY
Dorothy Reid
 
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Sandy Hallman
 
TREASURER
Diane Bowers
 
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Richard “Dick” Temple
 
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER AT LARGE
Dr. William “Bill” Tyler
 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laurna Strehl
 
PAST PRESIDENT
Jeanie B. Heath
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD​
  • Marcia Carpenter
  • David Condon
  • George “Pat” Connell
  • Greg Eans
  • Elizabeth Griffith
  • Jeanie Bosley Heath
  • Joni Heep
  • Morton Holbrook III
  • Dan Kincaid
  • Larry Kirk
  • Todd McFadden
  • Natalie Mountjoy
  • Armando Ortiz
  • Dorothy Reid
  • Barbara Russ
  • John Sheffer
  • Jeanna Siddons
  • Regenia Sims
  • Paul Sobierajski
  • Laurna Strehl
  • Madison Strobel
  • Stan Syra
  • Beena Vora
  • Darrell Wedding
  • Sara Williams
  • Angie Woodward
​
Advisors & Special Volunteers
​
  • ​William M. Kuegel, Board of Directors Emeritus
  • Richard K. Temple, Board of Directors Emeritus
  • Martin Stone, PhD, Horticultural Advisor
  • Baker Arboretum, Horticultural Advisor
  • Eddie Atherton, Technical Advisor
  • Rob Blackham, Technical Advisor
  • Linda Bryant, Community Development
  • Ruth Ann Dearness, Community Development
  • Dr. Annette Meyer Heisdorffer, Community Development
  • Ann Murphy Kincheloe, Program Logistics
  • Joyce P. Nall, Hospitality
  • Gail Niehaus, Hospitality
  • Madeline Oetinger, Volunteer Personnel
  • Dorothy Reid, Volunteer Personnel
  • Jeanna Siddons, Volunteer Personnel
  • Mark W. Starnes, Legal Guidance
  • Susie Tyler, Volunteer Coordinator & Operational Support
  • Drew Watson, Funding Development
  • Darrell Wedding, Funding Development
  • Diane Bowers, Treasurer & Grant Writer
  • Sandy Hallman, Corresponding Secretary
  • Mary Quader, Legal Guidance
  • Gary Satterwhite, Long Range Planning