Our visit to The Dawes Arboretum began with a talk by Luke Messinger, Interim Director, Public Relations/Education Director, and OSU alumni. Luke started his career as a horticulturist some 13 years ago at The Dawes Arboretum. Luke always had an interest in public gardens. He liked the idea of education combined with gardens. The arboretum, a non-for-profit private operating foundation, was a natural fit for him.
Display of plants in bloom at the Visitors Center
Dawes was created "to give pleasure to the public and education to the youth; and to increase the general knowledge and love of trees and shrubs, and bring about an increase and improvement in their growth and culture," according to the Deed of Trust. One of the ways The Dawes Arboretum accomplishes this is through programs and events. In the past, these programs were easy to fill. Now, however, they find that visitors can get much of their education from their local nursery or garden center. These types of retailers are hiring educated staffs to assist their customers. This action works in direct competition with the arboretum for educational programs. Thus, the arboretum must become more aggressive and innovative in their efforts to encourage visitors to come. The staff is very aware of the need to make the arboretum as accessible and attractive as possible. For this reason, visitor needs, like updating restrooms, for example, are a priority.
Beman and Bertie Dawes founded the Dawes Arboretum in 1929. They established an endowment fund ($225,000) for the perpetual operation of the arboretum. Most of the operating budget is funded by the endowment now worth $61 million. Luke realizes that they must become more competitive in fund raising and their approach to marketing. This is in addition to expanding and keeping a buffer zone between the arboretum and urban sprawl. The arboretum had become a marketing angle for Realtors. The original property contained 293 acres. Today, the arboretum consists of 1,149 acres and there are plans for expansion. Getting people to visit this admission free arboretum is the first step in The Dawes Arboretum plan to acquire funds. The feeling is that when visitors come to see this beautiful place and enjoy themselves, they are more likely to become members. The Friends of Daweswood Membership is the second step. Thirdly, Friends of Daweswood are the most likely to become contributors to the arboretum. The arboretum staff sponsors a variety of programs to encourage visitors including scheduled guided tours, lectures, discussions, workshops, plant clinics and volunteer activities. They also schedule a variety of special events throughout the year including an Arbor Day Celebration, Plant Sale, Birdseed Celebration and Bonsai Show, just to name a few. Research is another education area that the arboretum promotes. A wide variety of nature topics are covered in addition to the horticultural areas. Research is often in conjunction with universities and other institutions. One such cooperative effort involves the Ohio Fruit Growers. The arboretum has provided 10 acres for their trees. Research results are printed in The Dawes Arboretum Newsletter and on their web site, (see link below).
