November 28, 2025

Our 2025 Story

Here we share some highlights of the year and reflect on what we have accomplished together. Make a gift to support our work.

WE REACHED A $2 MILLION ENDOWMENT MILESTONE

Meeting our initial $2 million milestone has enabled us to take a modest annual draw devoted entirely to the ongoing care of the Merwins’ home and palm garden. We are now working toward a new goal of $3 million by William’s 100th birthday in 2027.

THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER ACQUIRED W.S. MERWIN’S REMAINING PAPERS

After many years spent gathering extensive archives found in the Merwins’ house—including letters, photographs, unpublished manuscripts, journals, and more—these papers found a home at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, where they will serve as a primary resource for research and scholarship.

WE WELCOMED RESIDENTS

Poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama joined us in July.

Writer and visual artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths joined us in November.

WE HOSTED GREEN ROOM PROGRAMS FOR AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

We presented the work of former resident Ada Limón, as well as residents Pádraig Ó Tuama and Rachel Eliza Griffiths to wide-reaching audiences on Maui, Oʻahu, and virtually to international audiences through our Green Room series.

Ada Limón at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, January 2025.

WE WELCOMED VISITORS TO THE GARDEN

Twice a month, we welcomed visitors to the garden through our Open Garden Days program, in addition to hosting educational groups, community organizations, and individuals.

During our Open Garden Days we collect responses from visitors. Here is a look at some of the things participants had to say:

I leave this experience becoming a part of this land and feeling recharged and inspired.

Life, passion, and social impact. The small quiet things are the ones with a lasting impact. Thank you for having the opportunity to share a life’s passion with us.

Small, intentional acts can make a difference for the future—they are a means to living as an activist. Changes can happen in a short period of time!

What a delight and much needed deep palm forest breath to walk through the living story of W.S. Merwin’s home. The thoughtfulness and care is so felt in the place and the people who care for it. It is truly an inspiration.

WE CONNECTED STUDENTS & TEACHERS TO OUR WORK

This year, we launched our Educator Ambassador Program, inviting a group of teachers from schools across Maui to connect their students with The Conservancy over a year through visits, tickets to Green Room programs, teaching resources, and more.

We also welcomed individuals and groups of students as visitors and volunteers, connecting them with the Merwins’ literary and ecological legacy.

A group of students visiting the garden through Global Routes.

OUR VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTED OUR WORK IN THE GARDEN & HOME

Volunteers are an integral part of our organization. This year, our volunteers helped weed paths, build footholds along trails, and catalog the Merwins’ extensive library. We are so grateful for this invaluable support.

Volunteers building footholds along one of the garden paths.

A volunteer working with staff to catalog books in the Merwins’ library.

WE EXPANDED OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS

We deepened our fundraising efforts through individual donations and grants.

We also launched our Centenary Circle—a fundraising effort to ensure that the expression of William and Paula Merwin’s vision continues to grow, evolve, and thrive under our collective care. Through a three-year major gift commitment in 2025, 2026, and 2027, Centenary Circle members invest in the future of The Merwin Conservancy and its programs.

WE LOOKED AHEAD

We planned for new garden experiences and storytelling initiatives that will connect even more of our community—near and far—to the Conservancy, we worked toward expanding our staff and volunteer corps, and developed plans for celebrating William’s 100th birthday in 2027 through a range of programs.