Folsom Endowment Update | The Huntington

A person stands next to an orange tractor nicknamed Spike. — *Jim Folsom stands next to an orange tractor nicknamed “Spike.”*

When James P. Folsom announced in 2020 that he was retiring after 36 years at The Huntington, he suggested that an appropriate way to commemorate his career would be to establish a fund that would provide a steady stream of support for the replacement of such garden equipment as tractors and carts, used routinely by Botanical staff.

An outpouring of support raised $2 million for the Jim Folsom Legacy Endowment. Annual proceeds from this fund have made possible the purchase of both refurbished and new equipment: a tractor, a dump truck, and five electric carts, utilized for specific garden areas and such property-wide needs as construction projects and garden design.

A red starfish-like succulent sits next to short stalks of cacti. — *Botanical staff member Mark Antunovich in the first utility cart purchased with funds from the Jim Folsom Legacy Endowment.*

Nicole Cavender, the current Telleen/Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens, expressed her appreciation: “I’m so grateful that my predecessor had the foresight to ask that this fund be established. Garden equipment may not be flashy, but it’s vitally important to the daily work of the Botanical staff all through The Huntington’s grounds.”

The Huntington extends its thanks to the more than 500 donors who contributed to Jim Folsom Legacy Endowment.

Learn more about Jim Folsom and his legacy of wonder.