Founder's Day

To honor the legacy built by the Arboretum's founding director, George Briggs, and recognize his decades of dedication and vision, The North Carolina Arboretum is cordially inviting friends and neighbors, members and donors, and our cherished guests to celebrate alongside us for a first-ever Founder’s Day at the Arboretum!

For more than 37 years, George has guided the legacy of The North Carolina Arboretum from its storied beginnings as a “bank trailer in the woods,” to the 434 acres of sculpted gardens and trails that today represent the state’s place for connection between people, plants and places. Did you know that the Arboretum’s education programs now reach all 100 counties in North Carolina? Help us celebrate our statewide Arboretum by coming out on July 23 for Founder’s Day!

RSVP encouraged, not required. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more about the Arboretum and the Founder’s Celebration events please visit ncarboretum.org/founder-celebrations.

Become a Member of the Arboretum

Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society support the Arboretum’s mission to creatively connect people, plants and places. Become a member today and enjoy year-long perks at one of the most botanically diverse natural settings in America. To join today, please visit ncarboretum.org/donate/membership.

Be a Part of the Arboretum’s Present

To give to the Arboretum’s ONE Fund, which directly supports the highest and greatest needs of the organization, please visit ncarboretum.org/donate-now.

Be a Part of the Arboretum’s Future

In tandem with the Founder’s Celebration events, the Arboretum is honored to announce the new George and Sara Briggs Family Endowment for Art, Landscape & Inspiration. This fund will create positive and lasting impressions for visitors of all ages by supporting elements characteristic of The North Carolina Arboretum and its unique setting within the Southern Appalachian region. To support the endowment please visit ncarboretum.org/briggs-endowment.

For questions about Founder’s Day or supporting the Arboretum please contact or 828-665-2492 or [email protected].

Image credit: Due to its location within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, the Arboretum has enjoyed a long and supportive relationship with the U. S. Forest Service. This sign planting adjacent to the Arboretum entrance during the early 1990's announced a mission expansion beyond traditional research to greater demonstration and interpretation of forestry best practices.

Host or Publisher The North Carolina Arboretum