Support The Arboretum

As an institution focused on bringing people and plants together, the Boone County Arboretum has several opportunities for individuals to show their support through our non-profit organization, Friends of Boone County Arboretum (FBCA).

Financial Gifts

There are many projects and initiatives at the Arboretum that would not be possible without the ongoing support from the public through the Friends organization. Contributions can be made at any time online via the following links, or by written check.

  • General, non-restricted gifts - use this form to support the "day-to-day" operational expenses and miscellaneous projects of the Friends organization as they make improvements in the Arboretum.

     
  • "Growing Forward" Campaign - learn more about this yearly campaign (running October through February) that focuses on a specific project each year. Past examples include the startup funding for the Arboretum On Wheels, and the installation of destination wayfinding signs on the expressway for guiding visitors to the Arboretum.

     
  • Educational Outreach Fund - use this form to support environmental outreach such as the ongoing operations of the Arboretum On Wheels, a scholarship program to take the AOW to low-income school districts, and other outreach opportunities. (NOTE: To pay for a specific AOW program appointment, follow the instructions given in your reservation confirmation.)

     
  • Capacity Building Fund - use this form to help expand the Arboretum's capacity for environmental preservation and education through vital initiatives such as master planning, land acquisition, and erecting an education center.

     
  • Endowment - use this form to grow the FBCA endowment, where the invested principle provides future sustainability of the Friends organization, and thus the Arboretum.

     
  • Tree Research, Evaluation, and Exploration (TREE) Fund - use this form to lend your support for the Arboretum's focus on researching and evaluating trees for conservation status or appropriate landscape use, as well as exploring new plant varieties.

     
  • "Growing A Legacy" tribute program - use this form to celebrate milestone achievements, honor the memory of a lost loved one, or leave your own legacy for future generations through tribute benches, bricks, trees, and other aspects of this program.

     
  • Membership dues - can be paid on this form.

     
  • Retailer Programs - learn more about supporting the Arboretum through your normal every-day shopping at retailers such as Kroger and Amazon.

     
  • Event/ Program Payments - Most events and programs will have their own payment form through our public events listing. However we occasionally have fee-based programs that aren't publicly listed or don't have their own payment form. You may pay online for your participation through this generic form. (NOTE: Our Arboretum on Wheels educational outreach program has its own payment procedure, follow the instructions given in your reservation confirmation.)

     
  • Auction Winner Payment - Occasionally throughout the year we will host online silent auctions. A specific portal has been created for winners of those auctions to submit payment for auction winnings.

     

Fundraising Events

In addition to educational programs throughout the year, we host several annual fundraising events for public participation and engagement such as the Dogwood Dash 5K race, Autumn Affair evening gala, and a spring plant sale. Many of these events include sponsorship and partnership opportunities for corporations and other organizations. Browse the list of scheduled events and volunteer opportunities, sign up for our email announcements, follow our Facebook Page, or contact us for more information.

 

Membership

Information about dues and benefits of membership in Friends of Boone County Arboretum can be found here.

 

Volunteerism

Assistance is also needed from volunteers in caring for the trees, shrubs and perennial beds on the Arboretum grounds. Many "dig in the dirt" volunteers are also members of Friends of Boone County Arboretum, but membership is not necessary to volunteer in this capacity. Various corporate groups, Scout Troops and community organizations have donated time and/or led improvement projects at BCA.

College students currently enrolled in (or recent graduates from) a horticulture or landscape design program can apply for internship employment at the Arboretum to supplement their in-school education with on-site experience.

Feel free to contact us for more information.