Do you have fond memories of family time at The Dawes Arboretum? Did your loved one adore the beauty and peace of nature? The Arboretum’s Legacy Program provides community members and supporters an inspiring and impactful way to honor the memory of loved ones. Through sponsorship of a tree or bench in the family member’s name on our 2000 acre property, families not only have a labeled reminder of the spirit of their loved one, but they help contribute to fulfillment of The Arboretum's mission of trees, nature and history.
Read below about some of The Arboretum’s frequently asked questions about our Legacy Program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was the Legacy Program created?
The legacy Program was created in 1971 and grew steadily until today where the program adds approximately 12 to 15 memorializations and honoraries to our grounds every year.
Why was the Legacy Program created?
The Legacy Program was created so individuals can memorialize and honor their loved ones on our grounds which bring joy and memories to so many in the community. The mission of Dawes has always revolved around trees, nature and history, and The Legacy Program brings together all three by allowing community members to honor the history or their loved one by supporting a tree or a bench for the enjoyment of nature.
What is the process of choosing a tree or bench for my loved one?
When someone has decided they want to honor a loved one with participation in the Legacy Program at The Arboretum, the first step is securing a legacy tree or bench. The individual would reach out to The Arboretum’s Development Department. Our caring and compassionate team will discuss their wishes and, if they decide a tree is how they would like to honor their loved one, the team would facilitate an appointment to visit with our Curator of Living Collections to select the legacy tree. Prior to meeting with arboretum staff, a 10% non-refundable deposit is required.
The Curator of Living Collections will take the individual or family on a tour throughout The Arboretum to discuss the trees best suited to the individual’s desires. Trees are typically chosen as part of the program due to their longevity, but woody long-lived shrubs are also allowed.
In 1972, benches became another option to honor loved ones. Benches are made from either teak wood or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic that looks and feels like real wood and is guaranteed for 15 years. To select the location of a bench, the sponsoring individual would take a tour throughout The Arboretum to discuss the select sites for potential locations with The Curator of Living Collections.
Individuals can also donate to the Tree Planting and Care Fund, a more affordable option that goes toward the purchasing and caring of trees for The Arboretum’s ongoing reforestation efforts.
The names of those honored or memorialized are engraved onto a plaque in our welcome center. We appreciate that your generous contribution not only honors loved ones, but helps us to continue to fulfill our mission.
What happens to my loved one’s memorial if it is damaged or destroyed due to natural forces?
Our team of horticulturists work diligently to protect and support all trees on the grounds. However, trees are living entities that naturally perish over time. Even nature can unexpectedly damage or destroy a tree. Legacy trees are offered with a 10-year guarantee. If a legacy tree falls within 10-years of being sponsored, the person who sponsored the tree will be reached out to at their most recent contact information through mail, phone or email. The Arboretum will offer to re-label another tree with the assistance of the Curator of Living Collections at no cost.
If a legacy tree is destroyed after the 10 years following sponsorship, The Arboretum will reach out to the most recent contact information on file through mail with the option to make another donation to support the selection, documentation and transference of labeling to a different tree. We allow 30 days from the date the letter is sent to respond.
How can I visit my Legacy Tree or Bench?
Sponsors, friends or loved ones are encouraged to visit during regular business hours. To support this, the sponsoring individual will be provided with a one year complimentary membership as part of their sponsorship.
Can I find the tree I labeled online?
Yes. All legacies are added to the Arboretum Explorer plant search website. Tributee names can be searched and the label location viewed on a map of The Arboretum grounds. Legacy trees that no longer exist can also be viewed using the Legacy Tree (Past) search.
If you or someone you know is interested in this program for a loved one please reach out to information@dawesarb.org.