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Memorials/Tributes

The North Carolina Arboretum Society is grateful for those who wish to make gifts in honor or in memory of a friend, family member or loved one. It is our privilege to provide a place of celebration or remembrance for someone special to you.

The Society acknowledges each contribution and provides a letter of notification to a specified family member/tribute contact or the individual in whose name the tribute has been established. Contributions to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Tribute Gifts In Honor or In Memory of a Loved One, Friend, or Colleague

Your gift to our Tribute Program supports a wide variety of Arboretum programs, projects and activities, including gardens, trails, exhibits, education programs, and conservation. While these gifts do not have a physical presence at the Arboretum, the spirit of the gift is felt across the gardens and trails for years to come.

Tribute gifts can be made online, by phone, or by mail.

  • Online: Make a gift online by credit card here — select the “Honor/Memorial” designation and fill in the information fields.
  • Phone: Call 828-665-2494 during business hours to make a gift by credit card.
  • By Mail: Checks addressed to The North Carolina Arboretum Society, Attn: Tribute Program, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806-9315. Please include a note on the check or with the gift noting who the donation is in memory/honor of when possible.

Tribute Benches

For donation levels starting at $5,000 (per bench), the Tribute Program offers opportunities for the designation of benches chosen by our staff for their beauty and durability, with a commemorative label in honor or in memory of your friend, family member or loved one.

The Arboretum has a limited number of existing benches available for naming. Interior benches are available inside the lobbies of the Baker Visitor Center and the Education Center buildings. Two exterior trail benches are available outside of the Production Greenhouse with close access to trails. As the gardens continue to grow we hope to have more opportunities available in the future.

Additional Tribute and Naming Opportunities

Select tribute and naming opportunities have been identified as additional ways to meaningfully impact the Arboretum’s mission. These options range from $5,000 to $25,000 and greater, depending on the naming opportunity, project or program. Our staff is available to work with you to explore these and welcome the opportunity to share more information.

Echoes of the Forest Artist-Designed Named Tribute Opportunities

A collaboration between The North Carolina Arboretum, Echoes of the Forest, and local artists to turn tree remnants salvaged from Hurricane Helene into beautiful, functional, and reflective works of art. Three Echoes will be placed at the Arboretum and are available as unique named honor or memorial tribute opportunities. These gifts will be matched by another generous Arboretum donor to double the impact of your support. For more information regarding these unique tribute opportunities, contact development@ncarboretum.org.

Learn more or make a tribute gift today.

For more information about honoring or remembering a special person, please contact Valerie Wiseman, Donor Relations Manager, at 828.665.2492 ext. 300 or vwiseman@ncarboretum.org.

Make a Tribute Gift Today

Established Tributes

Listings of designated tributes are available at the Baker Visitor Center and Education Center visitor information desks during normal building hours. If you need additional information to locate a tribute on-site, please contact the Tribute Program Manager before your visit for assistance.

Policy on Cremated Ashes

Scattering of cremated ashes, in a symbolic gesture using no more than a pinch of ashes, is permitted upon prior agreement with the Tribute Program Manager. Unless part of a designated memorial, the Arboretum requests that these ashes be scattered in the forested areas away from the cultivated gardens.