Founded in 2015, Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy is a 501c(3) non-profit organization (ZBGC) dedicated to restoring this gem of a botanical garden on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. The Conservancy has supported the City’s efforts to improve the landscape and experience of the ZBG. Upcoming planned efforts include supporting Phase 2 of the vision plan for this treasured city amenity as well as initializing a capital campaign.
The Conservancy is also partnering with the City increasingly on a variety of programming and is taking the lead in the development of hands-on STEM field trips for K-12 school groups. This includes underwriting costs for transportation and field trip fees for students from Title 1 schools in Austin.
All partners view the Garden as a place for building community, not just for viewing plants. ZBG welcomes more than 125,000 visitors a year and hosts 26 active garden clubs from the Austin Area Garden Council.
All of the existing partners at the ZBG are passionately committed to crafting a vision in a way that protects and promotes the ZBG for generations to come. In the future, the Conservancy aims to increasingly transfer operational activities for ZBG to their staff and volunteers and has already begun to transition parts of the operations, such as gate operations. As these transitions occur, it is paramount that the ZBGC, AAGC, and the City of Austin converge around a shared vision. If each stakeholder asserts their strengths and institutional knowledge, they can ensure fundraising keeps up with this shared vision and greater plans to come.
Holly Hawk | Executive Director
Holly joined the organization in October 2022 as the Development Director and after consistently proving herself to be a driving force behind our growth and transformation, was promoted to Executive Director in July 2023. Holly comes to the Zilker Botanical Garden with a background in conservation biology and years of experience in science education as her foundation. She has served in several leadership roles in non-profits throughout Austin and is passionate about growing the garden alongside her hometown of Austin.
Lauren Vecchio | Senior Community Engagement Officer
As the Senior Community Engagement Officer, Lauren is excited to develop valuable programming for visitors that will spark inspiration for appreciating the botanical world. Lauren has a contagious enthusiasm for public events and over 15 years of experience in community outreach. Originally from New Mexico the Land of Enchantment, Lauren moved to Central Texas to pursue a degree in education. After graduating from Texas State, she discovered that her true passion was bringing the community together. Don’t be surprised if you find her with boots on the ground as a volunteer outside of the office. Parks are her natural habitat!
Heather De La Garza | Operations Manager
As Operations Manager, Heather oversees and implements SOPs, training, contracts, and calendar planning between all partners. Heather has been developing her career in Operations Management for 20 years, within varying business structures. Her work values have focused on project collaborations, staff advocacy, and creative problem-solving. She hails from San Antonio, Texas, but moved to Austin over 20 years ago.
Monica Sivilli | Marketing & Communications Manager
publicrelations@zbgconservancy.org
As Marketing & Communications Manager, Monica is the driving force behind our website, social media channels, and media communications. With a decade of expertise in event planning, branding, and social media management, Monica brings a wealth of knowledge to elevate the Garden’s presence within the community and beyond. Originally from the sunshine state of Florida, she has proudly called Austin home for the past five years. With her passion for connecting people and spreading the beauty of nature, Monica is always exploring new avenues to share the Garden with the masses.
Jeff Pavlat | Curator
As Curator, Jeff is responsible for the development of the Garden’s living collections. This includes the cataloging and labeling of plants as well as caring for and expanding greenhouse collections. Jeff has been working in horticulture for 18 years and is an expert on succulent flora. He is the VP of Education for the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society and serves as the Immediate Past President of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. In 2015, he helped found the Conservancy and was Interim Executive Director from 2018 to 2020. Prior to working with plants, he received a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas with an emphasis on graphic design, photography, and printmaking. Originally from near Houston, Jeff has called Austin home since 1988.
Janie Trevino | Education Coordinator
As Education Coordinator, Janie plays a key role in fostering horticultural and environmental education. Janie organizes school field trips, collaborates with the garden’s docents, and oversees the development and implementation of educational workshops, ensuring that visitors of all ages have access to engaging, nature-based learning opportunities. Originally from Fort Worth Texas, Janie has lived in Austin for five years and enjoys visiting new parks, kayaking around Lady Bird Lake and growing her plant collection. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Janie brings a strong foundation in education and a passion for nature.
The Executive Board
Board Members
- Wilda Campbell
- Sally Dickson
- Margaret Galton
- Cassie Gowan
- Stephanie Hunter
- Jennifer Poteat
- Rachel Raise
- Robert Ramos
- Stephanie Saulmon
- Amy Vorhees
Emeritus Board Members
- Frank Cooksey
- Evan Taniguchi
- Mary Ann Neely
- Collette Pierce
- Ed Parken