Member FAQs

Yes. Your Arboretum Society membership is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Under Internal Revenue Service guidelines, the estimated value of membership benefits is not substantial; therefore, the full amount of your payment qualifies as a deductible contribution.

The North Carolina Arboretum Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the Arboretum’s mission to cultivate connections between people and plants. The Arboretum raises funds through membership programs, Community Partnerships,  special donations, memorials and tributes, endowment funds and more. Individual, corporate, and foundation gifts all play a vital role in sustaining and advancing the Arboretum’s mission and goals.

Yes, in addition to free daytime parking all year long, members receive a 10% discount on all merchandise in The Connections Gallery gift shop in the Baker Visitor Center (artist consignment items are not included) and at the Bent Creek Bistro.

Members receive a 10% discount on Youth Programs and Adult Education classes. You will need to be logged into your account online to activate the discount.

Members receive a 10% discount at participating Asheville area garden and nursery retailers as part of their membership benefits.

To receive your discounts, present a valid membership card when you make your purchase. Discounts are valid for member purchase only; this benefit is not extended to guests of the member. Please see the Levels & Benefits page for a complete listing of member benefits.

Generally, yes. The North Carolina Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program, which includes more than 300 gardens and arboreta across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit their website for the most up-to-date listings. Also, please note that reciprocal privileges are for the member(s) named on the card only; at most gardens, you will be required to show your Arboretum membership card and a photo ID.

Yes. Arboretum members have reciprocal privileges at the N.C. Zoo, located in Asheboro, N.C. Please note: reciprocal privileges are for the member(s) named on the card only, and you may be required to show photo ID, along with your Arboretum membership card. Please note: The Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center does not have a reciprocal privilege with the Arboretum.

You may purchase your membership:

• In person at the Baker Visitors Center or the Education Center, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily

• By calling Member Services at 828-665-2492, ext. 321 or 322.

• By mailing in a filled out membership form and check payable to The North Carolina Arboretum Society to:

Member Services, The North Carolina Arboretum Society, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, N.C. 28806

• You will receive a receipt e-mail confirmation of your membership purchase if you joined or renewed online.

• You may use your receipt as proof of membership to receive your temporary card(s) on your next visit, and you may use your temporary card(s) until your permanent membership card(s) arrive by mail, usually within 10-14 days.

• You will begin receiving the Arboretum’s bi-monthly e-news, Arboretum Insider, issued during the first and third week of each month. The e-news contains timely information about events, classes, exhibits and other happenings at the Arboretum.

• Two months prior to the expiration of your membership, you will receive a notice from the Arboretum telling you it’s time to renew.

• When you renew, we will update your membership for 12 months beyond your current expiration date.

• From time to time you may receive special mailings from us regarding other opportunities to support the Arboretum and participate in Arboretum events.

Your membership provides free daytime parking to the Arboretum. Please check the Arboretum’s website for information on current operating hours, as they change seasonally and for some special events and weather emergencies.

Your membership card should arrive 10-14 days from the time of your purchase. Please note that we are no longer issuing cards for children or grandchildren; please call the membership office for exceptions (e.g., a special needs child that visits with a caregiver, 16-18-year-olds with a driver’s license).

Yes! Just bring your photo ID, receipt, or confirmation email if you purchased your membership online, and the Arboretum will issue you a temporary membership card.  If you have already received a temporary membership card, you can continue to use that card until you receive your permanent card in the mail. You will receive your permanent card within 10-14 days.

No. Memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card. Supporting photo ID may be required for entrance.

No. Memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person(s) whose name(s) appear on the card(s).

Yes! Just stop by the Gatehouse with your photo ID so that your membership can be verified. If you’ve misplaced your card permanently, you can order a new card from Member Services. Once replaced, the misplaced membership card will be deactivated.

You can login to your account online to make any contact detail and name changes. You can also contact Member Services at membership@ncarboretum.org or by  phone at 828-665-2492 ext. 321 or 322, or visit us at the kiosk inside the Baker Visitor Center.

Yes! The Arboretum encourages online renewals as it saves the Arboretum time, money, paper and stamps, and it also means faster processing. You can renew or upgrade your membership at any time by visiting the link below. When you login to your account, it will automatically be connected with your identity in our system. When you renew online, whether it’s a month early or the final day of your membership, your current expiration date will be extended for an additional year. You will receive your new membership cards within 10-14 days.

Renew Your Membership

Members are able to bring additional guests in their standard vehicle for no additional cost. A member must be in the vehicle with a current membership card for entry.