The N.C. Arboretum remains closed, eyes reopening
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The North Carolina Arboretum remains closed following the widespread impacts of Hurricane Helene. Staff is hard at work assessing and addressing damage to the Arboretum, however, safety and enjoyment of this resource is of top concern, so the Arboretum will remain closed to the public until further notice.
The Arboretum would like to express its gratitude for the support of UNC System President Peter Hans and his executive staff, who have been with us hour by hour through this crisis. Many thanks also go to Emergency Responders, Duke Power, the US Forest Service, and local officials and municipalities. Lastly, we are getting daily support and encouragement from our board, members, donors, and volunteers.
“The North Carolina Arboretum has always been a refuge for our neighbors, and we hope to continue to be that resource for people seeking a place of tranquility and connection to nature,” said Executive Director Drake Fowler. “As we look toward reopening to the public, we do it with a focus on making these visits as spectacular as they have been in the past.”
While there was no structural damage to buildings or the formal gardens, the acres of trails and forest sustained significant impact, with an early estimate of 2,000 trees damaged or fallen. The Arboretum asks that people please not access the campus or trails by walking or biking onto the property, as many of these areas remain extremely hazardous.
Announcements about reopening will be made via the Arboretum’s Facebook and Instagram pages and at ncarboretum.org.
The Arboretum’s 11th annual Winter Lights is still planned for Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Ticket sales, originally scheduled to begin Oct. 1, have been postponed. Updates will be posted at ncwinterlights.com and ncarboertum.org.
