At Daniel Stowe Conservancy, our mission to inspire a love of nature and its beauty through unforgettable outdoor experiences is made possible through the unwavering support of our generous donors. Each gift, large or small, plays a vital role in sustaining our gardens, enhancing educational programs and protecting the our 380 acres for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families and organizations whose commitment and generosity breathe life into our vision.
Today, we’re highlighting a donor who has supported us for over twenty years: Barbara Yarbrough. Barbara, a longtime member and supporter, generously sponsored the Woodwind Room on the Adventure Trail. Barbara has been part of our Garden family since 2004, contributing as a member, donor and volunteer. Her dedication and support continue to help shape the Conservancy in beautiful ways; just like her room. We asked Barbara some questions about the inspiration behind her donation and why giving to Stowe is so important to her:
The Kimbrell Lost Hollow Children's Garden
What inspired you to support the Adventure Trail project?
“From the time of its inception, I supported the idea of a children’s garden and worked on a committee during the design phase with Gary Smith, after which I saw the initial stages of the children’s garden come to fruition. I also wanted to financially support and honor my children with one of the benches where parents can sit and watch their children enjoy the features of the Kimbrell Children’s Garden. Duke Kimbrell was a friend who happily lived to see the opening of the garden. I so appreciate the generosity of the Kimbrell family in providing a fun place for children and families. I love seeing the project continue to grow.”
Do you have a favorite part of the Garden or a special memory here?
“I love almost everything about the Kimbrell Children’s Garden and the versatility in activities it provides for creative play. When my daughter and I visit for any reason, we always try to stroll down to the Children’s Garden and sit a spell on “our bench”.
What do you hope people—especially children—experience when they visit the Woodwind Room?
“When given the opportunity to support the expansion of the Adventure Trail, I immediately wanted to help. I’m not a musician but music has always been a part of my life, so without any notion of what the Woodwind Room would be, I wanted to sponsor it. Although the area was not yet finished, my daughter and I went exploring after the Hats in the Garden party and found the exciting Woodwind Room. I think children will love the idea of making music with components made from nature. Music in any form is a universal language – it connects people and enhances cognitive abilities – it can express emotions of joy, sadness or excitement. Music brings people together. With bamboo chimes, a wooden xylophone, drums and more, perhaps we will see a children’s orchestra in the woods.”
Barbara's bench in Lost Hollow
We’re so grateful to Barbara for helping us create unforgettable outdoor experiences for all ages!
About the Adventure Trail
Our Adventure Trail opened in Spring 2025 to provide kids with a natural playscape to let their imaginations run wild. It is a half-mile completely shaded trail through the woods beyond Lost Hollow that includes five outdoor “rooms” that encourage creativity, storytelling and play in nature (with benches for mom and dad, of course). Let’s explore each room together!
Ramble Rocks Room
The Ramble Rocks Room is your first stop for adventure. This dynamic space is filled with rocks and boulders of various shapes and sizes that kids can climb and jump on. There’s also a sand pit perfect for digging and constructing creative sand sculptures.
The Creekside Room
This is the perfect room for these hot summer days. Kick off your shoes and splash around in this brand new water feature, complete with flowing streams!
The Habitat Room
The Habitat Room brings animal dens and nests to life in full-size! Climb on a spider web, explore a fox den and relax in a bird’s nest.
The Woodwind Room
As Barbara explained above, the Woodwind Room is a place to make music! Drums, a xylophone and life size chimes made from wood give kids the instruments to bring songs and rhythms to life…and a center stage and seating give them the space to perform! A huge thank you again goes out to Barbara for sponsoring this room.
The Secret Room
Finally, wander off the beaten path and you’ll find The Secret Room. We’ll leave it up to you to find it, but keep an eye out for the dragon!
Ramble Rocks Room
Creekside Room
Habitat Room
Want to sponsor a room, support the Adventure Trail or leave your legacy at Stowe in another way? Reach out to our Development Director Brittney Speaks at bspeaks@danielstoweconservancy to learn more!
