The North Carolina Arboretum suspends all programs and events through April

Updated March 16 with a press release from the Arboretum:

We appreciate your ongoing support as the situation of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve. Over the past week, The North Carolina Arboretum has significantly increased its cleaning schedule, made several operational changes to provide additional protection for staff, volunteers and guests, cancelled mass gatherings and events, and is continuing to monitor conditions to maintain the well-being of our campus.

In adherence to the guidelines set forth by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper over the weekend and to protect the safety of our guests and staff, the Arboretum is suspending all programming and events through April, including classes, guided trail walks and youth programming.

If you have registered for a class or program, you may request a refund or donate your fees by filling out a refund request form. As we will be greatly impacted financially by these cancellations and do not receive state funding for our education programs, please consider donating your registration fee to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

The Arboretum will continue to serve our community as a place of escape and rejuvenation during this difficult situation. We will remain open under our normal schedule; however, our gift shop will be temporarily closed. As we try to provide a place of support for others, we hope that you will consider supporting us as well. This can be done by:

• Visiting us often and telling others that are looking for a safe, outdoor location.
• Contributing to The North Carolina Arboretum Society’s Annual Fund.
• Signing up your child for ecoEXPLORE to participate in self-guided outdoor activities and exploration.
• Practicing good hygiene methods while visiting the Arboretum – washing your hands often; staying at home when you are sick; picking up your trash on the trails and in the gardens.
• We are working diligently to serve our members, students and guests. Please be patient as we process refunds. Many of our staff are now working remotely, so returned phone calls and emails may be delayed.

Please continue to check the Arboretum’s COVID-19 webpage for further updates on policies and cancellations. Thank you for your support, understanding and flexibility as the Arboretum continues to deliver our mission in a safe, healthy environment.

Updated March 13 with a press release from the Arboretum:

Arboretum COVID-19 update by Daniel Walton on Scribd

Message from The North Carolina Arboretum: 

Yesterday afternoon and this morning, The North Carolina Arboretum received updated guidance from UNC System Interim President Bill Roper related to the ever-evolving situation of COVID-19 or the coronavirus. The North Carolina Arboretum is continuing to work diligently to monitor conditions and develop and executive plans to maintain the safety and well-being of our campus, while adhering to the expertise and recommendations set forth by the UNC System. As a result, the Arboretum will be making the following changes to our programs effective immediately:

Events and Public Programming

Per the mandate of the UNC System office, all Arboretum-hosted public events containing more than 100 people will be suspended. As a result, the Asheville Orchid Festival, including the Members-only Preview, are cancelled and the Mountain Science Expo is postponed until further notice. We will update members and guests of any further event cancellations as information becomes available.

Refund Policies

• Adult Education students registered for classes through April will now have the opportunity to cancel their registration and receive a 100% refund for their selected classes. Requests can be made by filling out the following form on our website. Funds will be reimbursed back to students’ accounts or a check will be mailed within 7 – 10 business days. If a student misses a class due to an unexpected illness and cannot give prior notice, students will have 48 hours after the missed class to request a refund by emailing adulteducation@ncarboretum.org or calling 828-665-2492.
• Wee Naturalist participants will also have the opportunity to cancel their registration through March and receive a 100% refund for their selected program. Requests can be made by filling out the following form on our website. Funds will be reimbursed back to participants’ accounts within 5 – 7 business days. If a family misses a Wee Naturalist program due to an unexpected illness and cannot give prior notice, they will have 48 hours after the missed program to request a refund by emailing Michelle Pearce at mpearce@ncarboretum.org or calling 828-665-2492.

We are fortunate to share that no cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the Arboretum or the surrounding Asheville area. The Arboretum property will continue to remain open under its normal schedule; however, if visitors are sick or belong to a group identified by the Centers for Disease Control as High Risk, they are encouraged to postpone their visit.

Please be aware that the Arboretum is taking many steps to keep our guests and staff healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• • Frequent cleanings of all Arboretum buildings and facilities.
  • Additional hand sanitizers and tissues provided for staff and visitor use.
  • Frequent handwashing by staff.

We are fortunate to have 434 acres of open, natural woodlands as part of our campus. Physical activity, such as walking, hiking or biking, can help minimize stress and anxiety, as well as boost immunity. As the weather warms up and the Arboretum’s beautiful landscape begins to awaken, we encourage you to get outside and enjoy our outdoor trails and gardens.

We continue to be in contact with the UNC System and local and state public health officials as this situation evolves. We encourage guests to check the Arboretum’s COVID-19 webpage for further updates on policies and cancellations, and refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) websites for the most recent and accurate information on COVID-19.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as the Arboretum continues to deliver our mission in a safe, healthy environment.

Sincerely,

George Briggs, FASLA
Executive Director, The North Carolina Arboretum
President, The North Carolina Arboretum Society