Dawes Arboretum

The Dawes Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum located 30 miles east of Columbus in Newark, Ohio. The Dawes Arboretum has nearly 2000acre of plant collections, gardens and natural areas. Twelve miles (19 km) of hiking trails and a four-mile (6 km) auto tour allow guests to explore the arboretum's natural beauty.Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, The Dawes Arboretum is dedicated to increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history and the natural world. Today, The Arboretum continues its founders mission in a variety of ways including education, conservation, research and maintaining plant collections for the public to enjoy. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.Visual highlights The Dawes Arboretum's Japanese Garden features a meditation house, pond and rock garden. Trees and shrubs are carefully pruned to maintain the Japanese-style Garden. An outlook tower located on the south side of The Arboretum allows visitors to see for miles. At the outlook tower, one may see the best view of The Arboretum's hedge letters. A bonsai collection is located in the courtyard adjacent to the Visitors Center. The collection features many bonsai plants, including a 100-year-old specimen. The Arboretum features one of the northernmost native Bald-cypress swamps in North America. Visitors may walk through the cypress swamp using a boardwalk. Spotted salamanders can be seen in the swamp from late winter through spring. The Dutch Fork Wetlands is a recent addition to The Arboretum. Wetlands are one of the most diverse ecosystems, and the wetlands at The Arboretum is no exception. Many mammals, birds and insects call the wetlands home. Visitors can explore the wetlands alone or take a guided tour. The central grounds include many plant collections, ponds and walking trails. Every season brings a different view.