Auburn completes purchase of Soos Creek Botanical Garden
Published 11:00 am Friday, May 22, 2026
The City of Auburn reports that it has completed a conservation-focused purchase of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center property, a step designed to permanently protect the land from future development while keeping the garden open and accessible to the public.
The property was not listed for sale on the open market, and the transaction does not reflect a change in the financial health or mission of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation. Instead, the purchase fulfills the longtime vision of founders Morris Skagen and his late partner, Jim Daly, to ensure the garden remains protected and available for public benefit for generations to come.
“From the very beginning of the garden nearly 60 years ago, it was always our plan that one day it would become a permanent gift to the community,” Skagen said. “As this once-rural area has grown and changed, it brings us even greater satisfaction to know that current and future generations will continue to enjoy this special place, filled with mature trees, peaceful natural spaces and beautiful plants.”
Located on Lea Hill at 29308 132nd Ave. SE, the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center has long served Auburn and the surrounding region as a place to walk, learn, reflect and connect with nature. The garden will remain open to the public, with the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation continuing to operate and maintain the gardens, plant collections, buildings, grounds and public programming.
The Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation will continue operating and maintaining the garden, including its grounds, plant collections, buildings and public programming. Foundation fundraising for ongoing operations will also continue. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the foundation will also continue fundraising and accepting donations to support ongoing and long-term maintenance and operations. The foundation was originally formed in 2009 for the preservation and enhancement of exceptional gardens for the benefit of the public. The foundation, along with Skagen and Daly, improved, maintained and operated the property for public benefit, and this purchase by the City of Auburn will allow the foundation to continue that legacy.
The garden pairs mature plantings and designed garden spaces with the history of the Soos Creek Plateau. Its public garden areas include native woodland, a ravine garden, cedar grove, vegetable garden, heritage flower garden, pond, aviary, and other spaces designed for learning and reflection.
The area also hosts many public and free events, such as free horticultural classes, musical experiences and more. A full list of events is available on the garden’s website below.
The Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center remains open to the public and will continue to be operated by the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation, with the underlying ownership held by the City of Auburn. The purchase amount is $2,630,000 – $1,830,000 is payable at closing, with the remaining $800,000 generously donated by the founders as an equity gift.
