Visionary Founders Create Tranquil Botanical & Sculpture Oasis for All

Picture a whimsical, sprawling green space along the tranquil Peace River with exciting discoveries around every corner. Stunning butterflies flutter in the sunshine at The Butterfly House, while a sculpture of “Yellow Andy” (Warhol) by Sarasota-based artist and sculptor Jack Dowd stands tall. This is just a glimpse of what is to come, as the real story of this special place and its impact lies deeper. 

Roger and Linda Tetrault, founders of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Peace River Gardens), started with a blank canvas -- 27 acres of uplands and wetlands on the Peace River. Roger saw this beautiful but wild land and had the remarkable vision to create a world-class botanical garden and art gallery, while preserving the natural environment. Roger and Linda formed the Tetrault Family Foundation through Gulf Coast Community Foundation to generously fund and develop this unique nonprofit in perpetuity. Sadly, Roger passed away suddenly in January 2020 and did not see his vision completed, but his legacy is captured in every leaf, flower, and sculpture of Peace River Gardens. 

Peace River Gardens is an exceptional nonprofit primarily serving Charlotte and Lee counties whose mission is to provide a natural setting along the Peace River showcasing sculptures and spectacular botanicals to inspire creativity throughout the community. Their grounds provide a positive impact on our region’s mental health, as visitors can discover and explore both the natural and artistic beauty of the campus. The flowing Peace River Preserve is a 450-acre wildlife site made of scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, xeric and mesic hammocks, scattered depressional marshes, and mangrove swamp. Fresh water from the Peace River watershed is essential to the health of Charlotte Harbor which is the second largest estuary in Florida. 

Every year, Peace River Gardens presents a wide array of enriching educational programs and exhibitions for children and families that dive into the intersection of art, nature, and culture. All the elementary schools in a 25-mile radius to Peace River Gardens are designated Title One, and the Gardens have developed thriving partnerships with each school district to provide access to nature and cultural enrichment for students who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this programming. 

The Gould Family Trust Foundation at Gulf Coast awarded a $20,000 grant to Peace River Gardens to provide field trips to the “ZimSculpt Exhibition: Exceptional Stone Sculptures from Zimbabwe” which includes an outdoor sculpture gallery, art installations, an indoor sculpture showcase, and an immersive sculpture garden. The grant will enable 2,000 students to experience rich, cultural programming free of charge.

The Gardens have a dynamic lineup of events that include Yoga in the Gardens, Origami in the Gardens, and Stay and Play Saturdays for families. Families from all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience nature and art firsthand to their own delight. They can walk to the Peace River to experience its magic, or get lost in The Butterfly House filled with caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies in flight. You can even learn how to cultivate your own butterfly with insights from their experts. The possibilities are endless.

Beyond conserving land and providing cultural enrichment, the Gardens also serve as a community hub in times of celebration and in times of disaster. This dedicated nonprofit was there to help others after hurricanes recently affected our area. In partnership with World Central Kitchen, Peace River Gardens and their volunteers served nearly 6,000 hot, nutritious meals after the hurricanes passed, a true reflection of their community spirit.

Innovative donors like Roger and Linda Tetrault open a world of possibilities for individuals and families in Charlotte County and beyond. With thousands of students experiencing cultural programming up close, and opportunities for all to enjoy the treasured oasis, the Tetraults have certainly made a lasting impact on our world.