Memorialize someone special.
We offer a few different ways to pay tribute to a friend or loved one. Choose a space that's right for you—from our special trees, sitting benches, and picnic tables.
$2,500
Name a Tree
Celebrate or remember a friend or loved one by dedicating a tree in one of many collections at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
Single or collective tribute donations in honor of a person or event that equal $2,500 or more will receive a designated tree along with a commemorative tree tag for a period of 20 years.
Tribute options are pre-determined and include only planted, established trees to ensure longevity and good fit to the landscape. A picture and description of the tribute tree will be available on our "Tribute Tracker" in perpetuity.
$10,000
Name a Bench or Picnic Table
Benches and picnic tables allow visitors to rest and enjoy scenic views at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Name a bench or picnic table in honor of a friend or loved one to ensure that others can appreciate the Arb and Gardens as much as you do.
Single or collective tribute donations that equal the donation amount or more will receive a bench along with a commemorative plaque for a period of 10 years.
Tribute bench locations are pre-determined to fit our long-term landscape design. A picture and description of the tribute bench will be available on our Tribute Tracker in perpetuity.
Questions?
We are always happy to answer any questions you might have. Please reach out.
Sample tree tag
Your tree tag contains important identifying information about the tree, in addition to the name of the tributee.
You may provide up to three additional lines of text for a tree tag.
Example tree tag
Sample bench tag
Your bench tag will prominently display the name of the tributee. The italicized text above the name can be customized.
You may provide up to two lines of additional text beneath the name.
Example bench tag
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we plant our own tree as a tribute?
Unfortunately, we do not allow individuals to plant their own trees. To find a list of available trees, please visit our Available Tribute Trees list.
What happens if the tree that I have tributized dies?
If the tree becomes unwell or reaches the end of its natural life cycle during the time in your gift agreement, we will reach out to you to help find a replacement tree.
I would like to spread out the payments for the tribute, is that possible?
Yes, you can spread out the cost of the tribute into up to three separate payments. You can also pledge to make the payments up to 3 years. Please reach out to us [email protected] and we can discuss the best option for you.
Would it be possible to create a link so multiple people can contribute to the tree/bench/picnic table?
Yes, please reach out to us at [email protected] and let us know you would like a giving link. We would set that up for you and share the link that you can give to others. This will allow us to track the funds raised for the tribute.