Our Story & Mission

Cultivating connections between people, plants and places. The North Carolina Arboretum is a world-class institution nestled in one of the most botanically diverse natural settings in America.

A Legacy of Conservation

Established in 1986 by the General Assembly as an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System, the Arboretum was founded to serve as a center for education, conservation, and economic development. Our 434-acre campus draws its design inspiration from Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.

Today, the Arboretum serves more than 600,000 visitors annually, offering extensive garden exhibits, miles of forested trails, and comprehensive educational programs for all ages. We stand as a testament to the region’s rich botanical heritage and a beacon for environmental stewardship.

Our Mission in Action

Through world-class horticultural exhibits, comprehensive educational programs, and active conservation efforts, we are dedicated to protecting the biological diversity of the Southern Appalachians while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world among all our visitors.