The Framework Plan arose from the significant expansion in acreage and infrastructure when the three gardens and natural lands were combined under the organizational umbrella of the Preserve.

This expansion began with noteworthy gifts from the late David Rockefeller. The first was the donation of Little Long Pond and 1,000 surrounding acres in 2015. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden and other significant gifts came in 2018. The Preserve is now responsible for stewarding and sharing culturally important lands and gardens stretching over three miles from Northeast Harbor in the west to Hunters Cliffs in the east.