Become a Member
Arboretum Friends
Our members are designated as Arboretum Friends in honor of our founding organization, The Friends of the Arboretum. Starting in the 1980s, these volunteers led the creation of, and began building, the Arboretum.
All donors of $50 or more during a year are designated as Arboretum Friends and members. Friends qualify for the benefits listed below. Arboretum volunteers contributing 20 hours or more of their time during the year may also ask to be included as Arboretum Friends.
The benefits of becoming an Arboretum Friend depend on the level of support, as indicated below.
Hemlock Level
$50 to $199 gift OR 20 volunteer hours in a year.
Walnut Level
$200 to $499 gift OR 40 volunteer hours in a year.
Tulip Tree Level
$500 to $999 gift OR 60+ volunteer hours in a year.
Bur Oak Level
A gift of $1,000 or more to The Arboretum in a year.
The Benefits of Becoming an Arboretum Friend
Hemlock Level Friends receive an individual one-year membership card, which provides:
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Free admission to more than 380 public gardens across North America
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Significant discounts on plant and garden purchases at several local garden centers
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A 1-year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens
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Arboretum information and alerts in our quarterly newsletter and our monthly updates
Walnut Level Friends receive all the benefits above plus:
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Family membership (up to 3 membership cards for family members)
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A 10% discount on a Kentucky Children’s Garden season pass
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A 10% discount on gift shop purchases
Tulip Tree Level Friends receive all the benefits above plus:
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6 day-passes to the Kentucky Children’s Garden
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A 50% discount on fees for Arboretum classes and events
Bur Oak Friends receive all the benefits above plus:
- Free admission to Arboretum classes and events
Newsletter
Sign up to receive our quarterly email newsletter and monthly updates on events, programs and more!
Subscribe NowArboretum Friends Benefits Card
To receive quarterly e-newsletters and monthly updates, please sign in at the link above.
With a donation of $50 or more, or 15+ volunteer hours, you receive an Arboretum Friend Benefits Card!
All Arboretum Friends receive great benefits! Donors are recognized during the fiscal year in which their gift is made. Volunteers are recognized after the calendar year in which volunteer hours were contributed. We try to mail your membership card by mail within a month after your gift is processed by UK. If you do not receive it please contact us at arboretum@uky.edu
Qualifying volunteers may also need to contact us to request an updated card.
- Free or discounted admission to over 330 member gardens throughout North America through the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program
- Discounts at participating garden centers and nurseries in Central Kentucky* (see list below)
- 10% discount on items in The Arboretum Gift Shop**
- 10% discount on season membership to the Kentucky Children's Garden**
- Free 1-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens magazine through the American Public Gardens Association
*Merchant participation may change without notice.
**Must present current Arboretum Friend benefits card to receive discount.
Admission to other Gardens and Arboreta
Over 380 public gardens in North America, including our Arboretum, participate in the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. At most locations, simply present your Friends card at the entrance. Some gardens only offer free admission to those named on your card, others will also admit a family member or guest for free. For more information and a list of participating locations, see https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/
Discounts at nearby Garden Stores
You will usually be asked to present your card. Participating stores may change without notice. A recent list is included here, but some other locations may offer a discount when you ask.
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Wilson's Nurseries (Lexington and Frankfort)
Free 1-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens magazine
Instructions on how to sign up for your Better Homes & Gardens magazine subscription will be added soon!
