Mission & Vision for Distant Hill

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant."  Robert Louis Stevenson

The mission of Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail is to make nature and the outdoors accessible to everyone. We strive to inspire and empower children and adults of all abilities to cultivate a deep connection with the natural world through education, observation, and play, while highlighting the importance of nature-based recreation for overall health and wellness.

Our goal is to transform Distant Hill into an accessible destination for environmental, horticultural, health, wellness, and nature-based classes, workshops, and research. We also seek to make the land and its resources available to local educational institutions, educators, students, and the broader community.

We hope that visitors to Distant Hill leave with a deeper understanding of the vital connections between plants, animals, and people, and of how we can use Earth’s resources responsibly to strengthen and sustain those relationships.

We strive to be a model of environmental stewardship, educating and inspiring people of all ages to become thoughtful caretakers of the land. Our goal is for visitors to Distant Hill to leave with a clear understanding of the vital connections among plants, animals, and people—and of how we can use Earth’s resources in ways that strengthen and sustain those connections, making the world a healthier, more vibrant place to live and work.

We are dedicated to deepening our connection with nature by offering accessible trails, vibrant public gardens, and educational programs that promote sustainable landscaping and conservation.