Queens Botanical Garden Gifted Its Largest Private Donation In History

QUEENS — A foundation gifted Queens Botanical Garden its largest private donation in the landscape’s history on Tuesday.

The Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Foundation donated $8 million to the botanical garden, one of the largest gifts received by a cultural institution in Queens.

“Those of us who know the Garden understand that it is a critical resource for the community,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director of Queens Botanical Garden. “A gift of this magnitude not only recognizes all that the Garden offers; it also validates the direction it is taking to expand its capacity, programming, and role as a leading cultural institution in New York City.”

The money will fund a series of environmental education programs and other activities.

The garden’s education center is expected to reach over 40,000 students and visitors per year, an increase of 10,000 visitors.

Joan and Norman Bluestone, the founders of the foundation, would frequent Queens Botanical Garden until their deaths in 2020 and 2011, respectively. Joan was a donor to the garden and served on its board of directors.