Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Richmond, Indiana

Hayes Arboretum

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Master Plan

2025-2040

December 2025

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Executive Summary

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Introduc tion

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Existing Conditions

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Public Engagement

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Site Analysis

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Benchmark Studies

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Recommendations

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Implementation

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Appendix 1

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Appendix 2

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Appendix 3

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Hayes Arboretum

Table of Contents

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Acknowledgments It is with gratitude that we acknowledge the many individuals who helped develop this plan.

Hayes Arboretum Staff Stephen Hayes Jr.

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc.

Stephen Hayes Sr.

Dave Dant

Amy Hayes

Chris Gilber t

Jenilee Braun

Peter Gilber t

Ash Britt

Amy Hayes

Lizzie Labadie

Betsy Hayes

Danny Turner

Brice E. Hayes II Carrie Hayes

Community Outreach Board Suz Ann Brantner Mar y Ellen Donat Carla Grif fin Ann Herrman Cindy Johnson Scott Vannoy Cody Shor t

Ed Hayes Stephen Hayes Jr. Stephen Hayes Sr. Tom Hayes Ann Herrman Rober t E. McClure David W. McClure

Sarah Welcome

Immediate Past Board Members:

Dave Pointis

Caroline Hayes

Ahmet Basgelen

Dave Rodgers

Design Team:

Funding for the development of this report was made possible through the generous support of the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation

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Hayes Arboretum Autumn view of the Woodland Chapel

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Executive Summary

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Introduction Overview

Planning Purpose

Hayes Arboretum’ is a Level II arboretum as cer tified through the Mor ton Arboretum’s global network of ArbNet-accredited arboretums. The main campus contains 330 publicly accessible acres located at 801 Elks Rd., Richmond, IN 47374.

The arboretum features a diverse array of old grow th forests, reforested woodlands, meadows, streams, and wetlands that are unique to the surrounding region. It is a beloved asset within the City of Richmond that has been in operation for more than 60 years, and it attrac ts more than 54,000 annual visitors from the surrounding region, across the countr y, and internationally. The arboretum is known for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, extensive trails, and programming that attrac ts children and adults throughout the year.

The planning process was broken down into a four-phase approach that included:

Planning Purpose

All phases of the master plan were suppor ted by frequent, bi-weekly meetings with the Hayes Arboretum core and leadership teams.

A The Hayes Arboretum master plan sets a fif teenyear master plan focused on: •

Setting a vision for how the arboretum will deliver on its mission moving for ward

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Providing recommendations for improvements to the campus to help suppor t delivering on the mission

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Creating a phased approach for implementing improvements

More specifically, the master plan sought to:

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Understand current strengths

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Identif y gaps

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Engage stakeholders and prioritize potential capital improvements

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Analyze existing conditions and provide recommendations

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Phase 1: Discovery – focused on projec t initiation, data collec tion, benchmarking, and a review of existing conditions

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Phase 2: Visioning – focused on public engagement, initial concept development, visioning and goal setting, and preliminar y recommendations

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Phase 3: Synthesis – focused on concept refinement, cost estimating, phasing, design illustrations, and recommendation refinements

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Phase 4: Master Plan Documentation – focused on the preparation of the final master plan.

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MISSION STATEMENT

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The mission of Hayes Arboretum is to provide nature and recreation related education to its visitors through instruction, experiences, and amenities.

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Existing Conditions History

Existing Leadership & Staffing

Hayes Arboretum was founded by Stanley W. Hayes who moved the Hayes Track Appliance Company, a railroad safety equipment company, to Richmond, Indiana in 1911. Beginning in 1915 and continuing over the course of the next several decades, Stanley began develop and transform his estate on a larger track of land located east of Richmond. He worked closely with family members, friends, trusted associates, and industr y leaders to protec t the natural features and old grow th forests, restore and improve impac ted landscapes, and establish an arboretum. In 1959, the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. was formed to provide an endowment for the operation of the Arboretum. The arboretum opened to the public in 1963 with more than 1,000 visitors on the first day. Over the following decades, the arboretum continued to expand its amenities and programs.

Hayes Arboretum is currently operated through the non-profit Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. (SWHRFI). The SWHRFI is governed by a 13-member Board of Direc tors.

The Board of Direc tors is subdivided into four committees that include: Executive, Governance, Finance, and Proper ty and Grounds.

The 13-member Community Outreach Board provides additional advisor y-level suppor t to the Foundation. The arboretum currently employs five full-time and seven par t-time staf f members.

Full-time staf f include the Executive Direc tor, a Grounds and Maintenance Superintendent, the arboretum’s Naturalist and Program Coordinator, a Membership and Rentals Manager, and Development Direc tor.

Site Context & Demographics Hayes Arboretum is located in Richmond, Indiana near Interstate 70 and US 40. It is located within 1.5 hours of major urban areas including Indianapolis, Day ton, Cincinnati, Ft. Wayne, and Columbus, Ohio. The arboretum is bisec ted into east and west halves by Hayes Arboretum Road. In 2024, the arboretum received more than 54,000 annual visitors from 243 cities, 37 states, and 12 countries. Multiple public nature features and regional attrac tions are within 60 miles of Hayes Arboretum that include Sycamore State Park (OH), Hueston Woods State Park (OH), Cope Environmental Center (IN), Mounds State Park (IN), Whitewater Memorial State Park (IN), and Brookville Lake (IN), among others.

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Existing Programming Admission to the arboretum is free for all visitors.

The arboretum provides a variety of educational and leisurely recreational programs for visitors.

These include daily ac tivities such as the Auto Tour and self-guided Stor yWalk®; weekly events including Saturday bird watching and social hours, weekly field trips and tours, seasonal education hikes, summer time children camps, and programming in collaboration with par tner organizations including the Eastern Indiana Beekeepers Association, and American Discover y Trail Hiking Club.

While many of these programs are of fered free of charge, non-members are required to pay a small fee to access the Auto Tour. However, there are several days throughout the year that provides free access to the Auto Tour.

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. Organization Char t

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Urban area context

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Existing Facilities The most heavily programmed area of the arboretum is located along the western sec tion of the campus. The Nature Center and surrounding dwellings forms the core and hub for the arboretum. This area features the arboretum’s primar y public entrance from Elks Road, the Nature Center, Administration Building, TurnerGrey Meeting Room (Annex), and Nature Explore Cer tified Playscape and Outdoor Classroom®.

The west campus also includes multiple walking trails and the Auto Tour. The Auto Tour features iconic destinations such as the Mor ton Arch, Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preser ve, Research Pond, Salamander Stream, Woodland Chapel, Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook, and Springhouse, among other landmarks. The historic Hayes Mansion (Upness), currently occupied by the arboretum’s Executive Direc tor and family, and the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain are located on the southeast quadrant of the west campus near a maintenance entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road. Maintenance and operations buildings are also located in this area.

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Elks Rd.

The east half of the campus primarily features hiking and mountain biking trails. A public entrance and trailhead consisting of a large gravel parking lot are located near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive. A pedestrian underpass located near the east trailhead connec ts the east and west sides of the campus. This tunnel ser ves as the only designated pedestrian connec tion between the two halves of the campus. A cattle fence and large vehicular traf fic volumes along Hayes Arboretum Road limit additional pedestrian crossings. Trails on the east side of the campus travel through a meadow and multiple areas of succession woods. Mountain biking is encouraged on several of the east campus trails. However, several fixed mountain biking obstacles were removed due a recent insurance liability concerns. Points of interest in the east campus include two Native American Mounds and Scott Pond.

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Existing Facilities Map

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Gravel Pit Rd.

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Nature Center

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Turner- Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

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Hayes Museum

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Admin Building

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Hayes Mansion (Upness)

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Playscape

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Butter fly Garden

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Mor ton Arch

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Research Pond

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Springhouse

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Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

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Maintenance

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Woodland Chapel

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Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook

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East Trailhead

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Scott Pond

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Native American Mound

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

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Hayes Arboretum Rd.

MAP LEGEND

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Public Engagement Overview The master planning process engaged the public and interested stakeholders in multiple ways.

Early in the process, the arboretum and design team facilitated an interac tive exercise at the spring Ear th Day Celebration, asking people what they liked about the arboretum, what they’d like to see change, and any big ideas they might have.

During the master plan process, the design team created a projec t website linked through Hayes Arboretum’s main website, w w w.hayesarb.org.

The website provided frequent updates to the master plan and included to an online sur vey, online mappings exercises, and social forums.

During the second phase of the projec t, the design facilitated a series of focus group meetings that included six groups of stakeholders and asked them about their perceptions and wishes for the arboretum. Later in the evening following the focus group meetings, the arboretum and design team moderated a public open house. The open house included ac tivity stations where attendees could rate the quality of existing amenities, vote on proposed amenities, and share their personal recommendations and wishes for the arboretum.

The feedback received at the focus group meetings and community events was over whelmingly positive. The primar y recurring themes were:

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People appreciate that the Hayes family is still ac tively engaged in the operations of the arboretum

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The arboretum staf f is ver y welcoming and friendly; people who visit the arboretum feel like an extension of the Hayes family

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People develop connec tions to the arboretum at an early age through program attendance and visitation

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Despite being in the community for more than 60 years, there are still large por tions of the community who are unaware of the arboretum and its of ferings

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Accessing the arboretum can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar; the primar y entrance is on Elks Rd., but online maps of ten send people to the maintenance entrance on Hayes Arboretum Rd.

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Walking and hiking trails are ver y well used and extremely popular

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The public wishes the mountain biking trails would reopen on the east campus

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The Auto Tour receives significant use

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The arboretum needs more event hosting spaces for small and large groups

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There is a need for accessible and familyfriendly restrooms

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People would like to see the addition of public ar t in the campus

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Desired amenities at the arboretum include: tree canopy experiences like tree houses, native plantings and habitat, additional trails and boardwalks, and renovations to the Nature Center

What THREE words would you use to describe Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis:

Above: A word cloud of the common words used by sur vey par ticipants to describe the arboretum

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

“Nature, Beautiful, and Peaceful” were the most common words used to describe the arboretum.

Ef for ts should be made to continue to preser ve the natural beauty of the campus.

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Site Analysis SWOT Analysis A Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppor tunities, and Threats analysis was prepared following the review of existing conditions and public input. The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppor tunities, Threats) analysis was organized into four categories including: Histor y & Legacy; Context; Natural Features; and Existing Facilities & Programming.

Key strengths include the Hayes family legacy and continued involvement with the arboretum, the personal connec tions that individuals feel to the arboretum, the arboretum’s proximity to regional urban areas, and to local attrac tions like Glenn Miller Park. Additional strengths include the nature playscape, natural resources, scenic beauty, unique topography, walking trails, and historic struc tures.

Specific oppor tunities include relocating the Hayes Museum to a more prominent location and expanding outreach and educational programming to more school groups and organizations, increased marketing to large urban areas, providing a physical connec tion to Glenn Miller Park, and creating a new primar y entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road. Additional oppor tunities include increased programming near the Native American Mound, construc tion of accessible trails, refreshed exhibit space in the Nature Center, restoration of the Administration Building to its original log cabin exterior, relocation of the Hayes Museum contents, and a new centralized maintenance building with a dedicated loading dock.

Weaknesses include the lack of prominence of the museum collec tion, current lack of visitation from large urban areas, lack of external pedestrian connec tions to the City of Richmond and public transpor tation system, invasive plant material, and lack of ADA accessibility to trails and buildings.

Additionally, the primar y parking lot west of the Nature Center creates potential for conflic ts between pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

Threats include the potential for new, and expanded facilities, to detrac t from the agrarian campus aesthetic, potential development changes surrounding the arboretum that could impac t the arboretum long-term, invasive plant material expansion, on-site development’s impac t on sensitive habitats, increased maintenance needs and staf fing as the campus expands, and proximity of maintenance to Hayes Arboretum Road where it is more prone to vandalism.

Framework Analysis In addition to the SWOT analysis, the design team organized the campus into zones defined by similar use, habitat, unique charac ter, strengths, and oppor tunities. The specific zones include:

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

West Campus

East Campus

West Campus Center

Southeast Trailhead

The most developed zone of the campus including the Nature Center and playscape with the oppor tunity for continued expansion with new classroom and gathering space.

Containing the existing trailhead near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive, and ser ving as the only east campus vehicular access point, the trailhead should improve bus access and provide shelter for education programming and restrooms for east campus use.

Historic Landscape/Legacy Historically and culturally significant, this zone contains the historic Hayes Mansion (Upness) and Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain, providing oppor tunities to fur ther celebrate the Hayes family legacy and host revenue generating events and ac tivities.

Forest Walk Charac terized by mature woods and trail development, this zone has the oppor tunity to provide additional, unique and immersive forest experiences such as canopy walks, tree houses, and accessible trail development.

East Entrance and Maintenance AS the operational hear t of the campus, the east entrance and maintenance area has the oppor tunity to: provide a new public entrance to the campus; increase operational ef ficiency; and improve deliver y access to the maintenance yard.

Old Growth Comprised of 500 -year old, virgin Indiana forest, the Old Grow th Zone provides access to unique and sensitive habitats. Oppor tunities include enhanced habitat conser vation/preser vation programming, improved trail access, and enhanced protec tion.

Southwest Connection A buf fer to the commercial development located south of the arboretum, the buf fer should implement enhanced strategies for protec ting the arboretum from development pressure, while providing increase pedestrian connec tivity.

Plant Exhibition

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The plant exhibition zone contains the Woody Nature Preser ve. Increase trail connec tions and amenities should be considered to increase visitation and programming.

Northeast Trailhead This zone contains the Native American Mound, is located at the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road, and is near the East Entrance and Maintenance zone. Establishing a pedestrian and vehicular access point at this location would increase connec tivity to the nor th half of the east campus and programming oppor tunities near the Native American Mound.

Habitat Education Charac terized by prairie, succession woodland, and Scott Pond, oppor tunities exist for increased programming, signage, accessible trails, and boardwalks.

Woodland Exploration Containing some of the most frequently used trails on the campus and charac terized by succession woodland with invasive plant challenges, this zone should be considered for enhanced invasive plant management and trail amenity improvements.

Bowl Primarily unaccessible and consisting of low-lying ground surrounded by significant grade change adjacent to the nor thern proper ty line, the Bowl should be maintained as a buf fer with limited improvements.

Preserved Wetland Owned by a local utility, but managed by the arboretum, the preser ved wetland zone contains a second Native American Mound. This zone could be considered for future trail/boardwalk access, habitat research, and programming.

Gravel Pit Rd.

Hayes Arboretum Rd.

Elks Rd.

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Existing Arboretum Campus Framework Plan

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

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Benchmark Studies Overview To gain a better sense of Hayes Arboretum’s unique assets and shor tfalls, a review was conduc ted during the design process to compare Hayes Arboretum against six peer arboretums, gardens, and sculpture parks. The study areas are located within the Midwest region of the United States, var y in size from a few hundred acres to several thousand acres, and include a similar mission to connec t people with nature. Review criteria included physical facilities, operating hours, admission and membership, staf fing, and programming.

Overall, Hayes Arboretum met or exceeded the average requirements of these peer institutions for many of the benchmarked categories. The arboretum should continue to add unique landmarks, expand ac tivities, and develop innovative programs to stand out from its peer institutions and increase regional attrac tion. Additionally, the arboretum should set priorities to achieve a higher level of ArbNet accreditation to continue to be one of the region’s foremost leaders on environmental conser vation, education, and recreation.

As awareness of the arboretum and visitation continues to grow, the arboretum will need to evaluate hours of operations, consideration of a paid admission fee to suppor t future facility grow th and renovations, and additional staf fing needs.

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Wesselman Woods Nature Preser ve | Evansville, IN

Recommendations Project Vision & Goals

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Preser ve and enhance the Hayes Arboretum’s leadership position of sustainable forestr y management and enriched visitor experiences.

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Increase educational oppor tunities, working collaboratively with par tner organizations, and maintaining a sustainable operational footprint.

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Continue to ser ve as a community anchor and provide free and open public access to various programs while celebrating the arboretum’s heritage.

Founded in core principles of nature, stewardship, and legacy, the vision is suppor ted by key goals and objec tives that include: 1. Enhance place identity and service level through strategic investment •

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Connec t to surrounding green spaces and trail networks

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Increase local outreach and expand programming outside of the campus

3. Establish the arboretum as a host site for education training, workshops, and other special events •

Provide gathering areas and facilities for groups of 25 to 150 in key areas of the campus

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Provide dedicated classroom space

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Provide accessible routes to key gathering spaces

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Enhance spaces and programming for all youth (K-12)

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Increase accommodations for adult groups and small retreats

4. Enhance accessibility •

Improve the core campus to increase visitation, programming, and revenue oppor tunities

Increase the number of campus access points

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Enhance experiences within all areas of the arboretum to increase visitation and facility awareness

Provide pedestrian and vehicular accessible routes to key gathering spaces and remote areas of the campus

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Coordinate with the City of Richmond on enhanced public transit access

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Increase access to underrepresented user groups

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Provide enhanced navigation through the hiking routes

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Provide inclusive experiences for individuals with physical challenges

Celebrate the arboretum’s histor y and legacy through strategic investments in facilities, programming, and branding/ marketing

2. Promote an enhanced connec tion to nature •

Increase habitat experiences through immersive and interac tive inter ventions

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Provide clear identification for dif ferent habitat areas

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

TAs the master planning process transitioned from public engagement and existing conditions analysis to design, a vision for Hayes Arboretum was created to:

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Comprehensive Site Master Plan Although Hayes Arboretum has never undergone a formal master planning process, decades of thoughtful planning and intentional development have shaped the campus into a well-organized and func tional environment and public green space.

The master plan does not recommend substantial, struc tural changes to the physical campus, but rather strategic inter ventions and investments within the previously developed areas of the arboretum.

The overall site master plan reflec ts a refreshed approach to the design of the arboretum that highlights five primar y focus areas. These include: •

West Campus Center

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East Entrance and Maintenance Area

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Nor theast Trailhead

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Southeast Trailhead

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

Additional materials including metal siding, thermally modified wood, and expanses of glass complement the agrarian forms while providing timeless, resilient, low maintenance, and contemporar y solutions. Finally, sustainable strategies should be integrated where cost ef fec tive and feasible. Roofs should be oriented for future photovoltaic panels, rainwater cisterns used to reduce stormwater runof f and irrigate plant materials, operable windows to permit natural ventilation, and high per formance materials to ensure energy ef ficiency.

Additional recommendations for general site improvements, branding, staf fing, ar ts and culture, accessibility, outreach, education and programming, stewardship, and operations follow the focus area sec tions.

Overall Campus Architecture Aesthetic Spaces and zones within the campus are connec ted by architec tural features that create oppor tunities for cohesive campus experiences that enhance the charac ter of the arboretum. With a heritage of re-purposing agrarian struc tures throughout the arboretum’s histor y, new architec ture should draw on these traditional forms as the foundation for future struc tures. Simple forms, paired with shed, gable, and half-monitor roof forms featuring generous roof overhangs reference regional barns and agricultural buildings. Materials including exposed timber will help connec t the arboretum to the campus and Nature Center.

The Administration Building in 1973 (top),and the Nature Center in 1995 (bot tom)

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The Ronald L. McDaniel Auto Tour (lef t); the tree canopy of the arboretum’s Old Grow th forest (right)

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CSX Railroad

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East Pavilion + Playscape

Classrooms + Gathering Space

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Service Access

Hayes Arboretum Rd

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Bird Viewing

Nature Center

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No Tr East Entrance Ped. X-ing Gateway

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

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Wetland

Kohl’s Gateway

Menards

Overall Campus Site Master Plan

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan September 19, 2025

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MAP LEGEND

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Butterfly Cottage

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Morton Arch

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Research Pond

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Overlook

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Woodland Chapel

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Scott’s Pond

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Springhouse

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East Tunnel Access

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Native American Mound

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The Upness

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Bird Sanctuary

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Mildred S. Hayes Memorial

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Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

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Edible Woody Flora Collection

Swamp

Meadow

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Nature Center (Expanded)

Meadow 6

Classroom and Gathering Space

Gravel Pit Rd.

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Administrative Building

Maintenance, Repair, & Deliveries Playscape Trailhead Parking Restroom

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StoryWalk Trail Auto Tour

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Public Art

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Meadow

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Focus Areas West Campus Center Improvements within the West Campus Center focus on:

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Increasing accessibility to existing buildings and site amenities

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Expanding oppor tunities to host school groups and gatherings

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Enhancing programming oppor tunities

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Improvements to pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and removing potential conflic ts between the two

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Construc ting a new Classroom + Gathering Building with multiple rooms to accommodate school groups, and one large gathering space with capacity for 150 people

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Renovating the Nature Center to include new administrative of fices, ADA compliant restrooms, meeting spaces, exhibition space, and stair and elevator tower to promote accessibility to all floors of the building

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Removing the Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) and replacing it with a future pavilion

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Renovating the Administration Building to restore the original log cabin aesthetic of the building

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Relocating the Hayes Museum contents to the Nature Center and re-purposing the struc ture as a par t of the playscape

The preferred concept places the new Classroom and Gathering building east of the Nature Center in the approximate location of the existing solar panel array.

The concept relocates the Auto Tour entrance currently located west of Nature Center to an existing ser vice driveway located east of the proposed Classroom and Gathering building. Additionally, a new addition is indicated on the east side of the Nature Center. The primar y public parking lot currently located between the Nature Center and Annex will be removed. The existing parking lot east of the Nature Center will be reconfigured and repaved to become the primar y parking lot. With the rearrangement in parking and the prominence of the new Classroom + Gathering building, and Nature Center renovations, a new primar y entrance from the east and Hayes Arboretum Road becomes an oppor tunity.

Once the Classroom and Gathering Building is construc ted, the existing Annex can be removed and replaced with a new outdoor pavilion and classroom. The playscape is reorganized into a series of connec ted play spaces focused on specific age groups and outdoor learning oppor tunities. The pollinator experience is improved with new outdoor classroom space and new raised beds provide unique oppor tunities for educational programming. The Hayes Museum histor y collec tion is relocated to Nature Center exhibition space and the building is repurposed as a children’s playhouse and extension of the playscape.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

West Pavilion & Playscape (top). Aerial perspec tive view looking towards Nature Center & Classroom+Gathering Space (bot tom).

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East Entrance + Maintenance Improvements within the East Entrance and Maintenance Area include:

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Relocating the east campus ser vice entrance to the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road

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Enhancing the entr y sequence to the west campus and providing an improved gateway from Hayes Arboretum Road

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Providing an additional point of automobile and pedestrian access to the west campus

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Promoting improved access to the maintenance and ser vice yard for large truck and trailer traf fic

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Providing additional suppor t facilities for daily arboretum maintenance and operations

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Improving the sequence of operations for maintenance traf fic

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Construc ting a new maintenance building with increased equipment storage, loading dock, maintenance bay, wash bay, ser vice and shop area, of fice space, and restrooms

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Construc ting a new vehicle storage building to provide covered storage for all anticipated equipment and vehicles

The preferred concept establishes a new, primar y entrance to the arboretum at the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road nor th of the existing maintenance entrance. The entrance includes a central median and gateways to provide a grand entrance into the west half of the campus. A new multiuse path connec ts the existing entrance at Elks Rd. to the West Campus Center, and east to the Hayes Arboretum Road. The new intersec tion is improved with pedestrian crosswalks and a rapid flashing beacon signal device to provide pedestrians a safe, at-grade crossing over Hayes Arboretum Road. Long-term, an overhead gateway crossing is designed to provide pedestrians with a crossing over the roadway.

Improvements within the maintenance yard include the removal of the existing shipping containers and hoop buildings and replacement with a new, large maintenance building that includes a loading dock for large truck deliveries. The existing wood shop and maintenance building are maintained in the near future, and the maintenance yard is expanded to provide bin storage and a fueling station. Long-term the existing maintenance building can be removed and replaced with a vehicle storage building if desired.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Aerial perspec tive of East Entrance with pedestrian bridge (top); the main visitor entrance to the Mor ton Arboretum in Lisle, IL (bot tom lef t, photo by John Weinstein); a rec tangular rapid flashing beacon (bot tom right)

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Northeast Trailhead Improvements within the Nor theast Trailhead focus area include:

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Creating an additional, physical connec tion between the east and west campus for personal automobiles, school buses, and pedestrians that is focused on creating a safe intersec tion along Hayes Arboretum Road

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Providing additional exposure, and enhancing connec tivity to, amenities on the east campus such as the Native American Mound

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Developing a gateway to arboretum from Hayes Arboretum Road

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Providing additional shelter and programming oppor tunities for the nor th half of the east campus

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Construc ting a new pavilion to suppor t educational programming and gathering

The preferred concept establishes a new vehicle entrance to the east campus in alignment with the new east entrance to the west campus on Hayes Arboretum Road. The new entr y drive provides a small parking lot and terminates in a cul-de-sac southeast of the Native American Mound where school buses park parallel to the edge of the pavement. A new pavilion is located nor th of the cul-de-sac for educational programming and casual gathering, and a multi-use path connec ts the pavilion to the Hayes Arboretum Road intersec tion, and back into the existing east campus trail system.

Pavilion

Bus Parking Parking Bioswale

Plan rendering of nor theast trailhead preferred concept (top). Aerial perspec tive looking nor theast towards the mound and shelter (middle). View looking west towards shelter, mound, and east entrance (bot tom).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Hayes Arboretum Road

Native American Mound

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Southeast Trailhead + East Pavilion Improvements within the Southeast Trailhead focus area include: •

Developing a formal trailhead for visitors to the east campus and users of the east campus trail system

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Improvements the parking lot to increase parking capacity, provide accessible parking for the physically disabled, and provide designated parking for buses and larger fleet vehicles

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Providing an east campus shelter to host small classes

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Providing an east campus restroom in conjunc tion with the shelter for users of the east campus trail system

The preferred concept expands the existing parking lot to accommodate school bus turning movements and parking. A central, angled parking bay is added to the parking lot that accommodates school buses parking across two parking spaces. When not used by buses, standard passenger vehicles can park in the spaces. The central parking bay terminates into large tree islands that also ser ve as stormwater planters.

Nor th of the parking lot, a new pavilion is construc ted. The pavilion is sited on a high point and overlooks the meadow to the nor th. It features two public restrooms and picnic tables for educational programming. Also ser ving as a trailhead shelter for the east campus, additional amenities include bike parking, a bike repair station, and interpretive and way finding signage. A new gateway sign is indicated south of the parking lot near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Trailhead bird’s eye looking nor th (top). View looking nor theast towards East Pavilion, comfor t station, and rain garden (middle). View looking southwest towards East Pavilion and East Tunnel (bot tom).

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Improvements within the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain focus area include: •

Emphasizing the connec tion between the Hayes Mansion (Upness) and the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

•

Enhancing the fountain experience to create a more marketable location for hosting events and ac tivities

•

Providing physical and visual connec tions between the fountain, East Trailhead, and Paul McClure Native Woody Plant Preser ve

•

Increasing the accessibility of the fountain from the Auto Tour drive

•

Providing color ful perennials to enhance the fountain aesthetic

•

Implementing an ornamental tree grove that could also ser ve as food produc tion and suppor t educational programming

•

Construc ting a pavilion or shade struc ture on the south side of the fountain to ser ve as a backdrop and anchor to the fountain

The preferred concept establishes an arrival forecour t adjacent to the Auto Tour road. The forecour t contains an entr y plaza with a large central plant bed that contains public ar t. A belvedere south of the forecour t overlooks the fountain lawn that is divided into four panels that can be programmed with public and private events. The memorial fountain is surrounded by a new plaza with formal plant beds established in four symmetrical quadrants. A series of walks radiate out from the center of the fountain connec ting it to the Auto Tour road on the nor th, the east trailhead, and the Native Woody Plant Preser ve on the south. A formal arrangement of ornamental trees flank either side of the fountain.

29

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Aerial perspec tive view looking south towards fountain (top lef t). Precedent imager y for fountain (top right).

View looking south towards fountain (middle). View looking nor th from pergola towards fountain (bot tom).

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Other Recommendations Overview Additional recommendations of the master plan focus on the following categories: Site Improvements; Logo Refresh; Staf fing; Ar ts & Culture; Accessibility; Outreach; Education & Programming; Stewardship, Research & Sustainability; and Operations.

Site Improvements Recommended site improvements include establishing a consistent site fencing in strategic locations, construc tion of additional shelters at regular inter vals along the trail system, improving trails with updated signage and branding, and developing accessible paths where feasible and reasonable. Additional site improvements include addressing areas that are prone to erosion, upgrades to the Auto Tour to include bump-outs to allow car passing, continued implementation of renewable energy, and addressing deferred building and facility maintenance.

Logo Refresh A new logo was developed as a par t of the master planning process. As an evolution of the existing logo, the new logo utilizes three stylized leaves and the arboretum name. A brand guide is included in Appendix 3 of this repor t.

Stewardship, Sustainability, & Research Broken down into two categories, key stewardship and research recommendations include expanding volunteer-led invasive plant management programs, planning for forest succession, and developing on-campus seed banks, food forests, and species collec tions among others. Key sustainability recommendations include using sustainable materials in future construc tion, continuing to integrate renewable energy into the campus, using natural daylight and ventilation in buildings, and sourcing regional materials when possible.

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Arts & Culture Incorporation of public ar t throughout the Hayes Arboretum campus is recommended as a way of increasing visual interest and visitation. Potential locations throughout the campus for public ar t should be identified for permanent and/or rotating ar twork displays. The arboretum can also suppor t ar ts and culture through programmed ac tivities like botanical displays, concer ts, and per formances.

Accessibility Accessibility is a broad term that can refer to physical access, as well as social and economic access. The master plan identifies several strategies for making the arboretum more physically accessible, including developing ADA compliant trails and circuits, investing in mobility equipment, and purchasing hearing assist technology, among others. Additional accessibility recommendations include creating free or reduced fee program oppor tunities for qualif ying individuals and families, and working with public transit systems to add the arboretum to transit routes.

Outreach The master plan recommends the continued expansion of the arboretum’s outreach strategies.

This could included developing a broader network of regional school systems to engage, developing a mobile learning lab to take to schools and regional events, and par ticipating in conferences and through leadership oppor tunities as speakers.

Education & Programming Hayes Arboretum does an excellent job of programming to young students and families.

Recommendations for education and programming include expanding adolescent programming, of fering training in mission-based subjec ts, sponsoring ar ts and craf ts programs, and developing internship oppor tunities.

Operations The master plan identifies a series of equipment and furnishings that are needed to suppor t the daily operations of the arboretum. They include of fice equipment, heav y machiner y, and company vehicles among others.

Staffing

Refreshed Hayes Arboretum logo (top). Trail shelter precedent (middle). Accessible boardwalk precedent (bot tom).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The arboretum is currently understaf fed, with many positions fulfilling multiple roles and responsibilities. The arboretum should continue to hire additional skilled employees to advance the arboretum’s mission. Additional customer ser vice representatives will be vital to address the needs of volunteers and an increased use of the campus.

Additional educators and interpretive naturalist roles will allow for increased programming and the development of new exhibits and attrac tions. New hor ticulture staf f members will play a vital role in conser ving the arboretum’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Additional facility technicians will be required to maintain the proposed expansion of physical struc tures and site features.

Other communication and outreach roles will aid in building stronger relationships with current suppor ters, donors, community members, and future visitors to the arboretum.

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Implementation Overview C

The final chapter of the master plan focuses on the next steps for implementing the recommendations of the master plan. The chapter reviews the anticipated costs and proposed phasing for the focus area recommendations. It is followed by an implementation matrix that breaks each of the additional recommendations down by their respec tive categor y and assigns a priority, timeline for implementation, magnitude of cost, and location of improvement within the arboretum.

The chapter ends with a description of potential fundings sources that may be used towards implementing the recommendations of the master plan.

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A E

L

J

K

Estimated Cost Area

Cost

Focus Area Costs & Phasing

A

Central Play

$2,323,413.50

In general, each focus area represents a phase with an accompanying cost opinion. However, due to the scale and magnitude of the West Campus Center and the East Entrance + Maintenance focus areas, they are broken down into subphases. The cost opinions are intended to be conser vative and costs may var y depending on the method of procurement and unknown site variables. Additionally, the proposed phasing is generally based on campus need, logical construc tion sequencing, and the priorities of Hayes Arboretum. As time progresses, priorities and funding oppor tunities may change, and the order of phasing may need to adjust.

B

Classroom +Gathering

$9,523,720.80

C

Pollinator

$131,010.00

D

East Trailhead

$2,434,705.50

E

West Campus Pavilion

$2,125,368.00

F

East Entrance

$2,494,418.70

G

Road Connec tor

$761,122.00

H

Maintenance

$4,852,388.00

I

Nor theast Trailhead

$1,494,990.00

J

Nature Center

$6,688,080.00

K

West Entr y

$267,504.00

L

Gas Station Play

$437,346.00

M

Brice E. Hayes Fountain Improvements

$1,129,842.00

Total

$32,194,795.70

Proposed Campus Framework Diagram

F

D

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

B

G

I

H

M

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Funding Sources The projec ts in the master plan represent a large vision to implement over the next fif teen years.

Funding them will require creative fundraising strategies and multiple sources. These will likely include funds from the annual operating budget, fundraising campaigns, donations, and grants among others. The following includes a variety of grant oppor tunities that fund dif ferent types of construc tion and programming projec ts.

•

GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant

•

Youth Garden Grant

•

Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund

•

INPS Biodiversity Grant

•

Pollinator Par tnership Grant

•

USDA NRCS Conser vation Innovation Grants (CIG)

•

USDA Forestr y Grants

•

Indiana DNR Community Forestr y Grant

•

Aldo Leopold Foundation Fellowship Program unity Forestr y Grant

•

Museums For All Program

•

Asplundh’s Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program

•

Davey Tree Exper t Company Community Arboriculture Education Grant Program

•

ArbNet Grants

•

ArbNet Priority US Trees Conser vation Awards

•

ArbNet Par tnership Programme Grants

•

American Academy of Dermatology Shade Struc ture Grant

•

EPA Environmental Education Grant

•

Museum Assessment Program (MAP)

•

National Endowment for the Ar ts

•

Stanley Smith Hor ticulture Trust

•

National Science & Engineering Grants

A visitor to the arboretum obser ves the seed pod of a nati

35

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

ive plant within the Pollinator Field during the annual Fall Pollinator Prairie Tour

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01 37

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Introduction

38

About the Arboretum

39

Overview Hayes Arboretum is a 466 -acre campus comprised of 330 publicly accessible acres located at 801 Elks Rd., Richmond, IN 47374.

The remaining 136 acres is located south of Richmond and is primarily comprised of agricultural proper ty. The 330 -acre arboretum is the primar y focus area for the master plan.

The land is managed by the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. (SWHRFI) to achieve its mission of connec ting people with the natural environment. It features a diverse array of old grow th forests, reforested woodlands, meadows, streams, and wetlands that are unique to the surrounding region. The arboretum, which has been in operation for more than 60 years, ser ves as a beloved asset within the City of Richmond.

In recent years, it has attrac ted more than 54,000 annual visitors from the surrounding region, across the countr y, and internationally. The arboretum is known for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, extensive trails, and programming that attrac ts children and adults throughout the year.

um et

H

es Arbo y r a

Ri

c

h

mo

n d, I N

MISSION STATEMENT

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The mission of Hayes Arboretum is to provide nature and recreation related education to its visitors through instruction, experiences, and amenities.

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About the Process Planning Purpose Although Hayes Arboretum has been in operation for more than 60 years, the arboretum has never completed a formal master planning process.

Identified as a priority need, the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation Inc. Board, under the leadership of the arboretum’s Executive Direc tor, Stephen Hayes, Jr., issued a Request for Qualifications and Proposals for professional planning ser vices to create a fif teen-year master plan focused on:

More specifically, the master plan seeks to: •

Understand current strengths

•

Identif y gaps

•

Engage stakeholders and prioritize potential capital improvements

•

Analyze existing conditions and provide recommendations for: •

Vehicular and pedestrian access

•

Setting a vision for how the arboretum will deliver on its mission moving for ward

•

Outdoor and indoor community space and amenities

•

Providing recommendations for improvements to the campus to help suppor t delivering on the mission

•

Suppor t facilities for amenities

•

How the built environment interac ts with nature

Creating a phased approach for implementing improvements

•

Func tional and space programs for existing and proposed struc tures

•

Maintenance facilities

•

Trails and roadways

•

Way finding, interpretive signage, & exhibits

•

Through a competitive selec tion process, Hayes Arboretum commissioned a team including Indianapolis-based landscape architec ture firm, Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) and Indianapolis-based architec ture firm, DELV Design to lead the master planning process.

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Planning Process The planning process was broken down into a four-phase approach that included: •

Phase 1: Discover y

•

Phase 2: Visioning

•

Phase 3: Synthesis

•

Phase 4: Master Plan Documentation

Projec t Kick-of f Base Mapping

PHASE 1: DISCOVERY

Existing Conditions Inventor y & Analysis Projec t Website Establishment Benchmarking

PHASE 2: VISIONING

Public Engagement Design Workshop Preliminar y Concepts

Preferred Concepts

PHASE 3: SYNTHESIS

Cost Estimate Priorities & Recommendations Phasing

PHASE 4: MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTATION

Preliminar y M.P. repor t Final M.P. repor t

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Funding Options

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Phase 1 Discover y was focused on projec t initiation and data collec tion. It included a kick-of f meeting with the Core and Leadership Teams and a tour of the campus to get to know the staf f and physical campus. The first phase also included the development of base maps indicating buildings and struc tures, topography, soils, vegetation, existing amenities, floodplains, and much more.

A review and analysis of existing conditions was conduc ted specifically reviewing surrounding development and context, natural features, hydrologic conditions, existing buildings, outdoor community spaces and amenities, environmental conditions, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, way finding, utilities, and land use.

themes that informed a vision and program for the arboretum. The vision and program were reviewed with the Hayes Arboretum staf f, and the remainder of day two and the majority of day three were focused on developing preliminar y framework concepts. At the end of the third day, a summar y of the existing conditions, public input, and design concepts were presented to the arboretum staf f and leadership. Following the design workshop, the design team met with the Hayes’ leadership and staf f to receive additional direc tion prior to star ting Phase 3. Additional work of the visioning phase included the development of updated logo and branding options for the arboretum.

Phase 3 During this phase, the design team conduc ted a benchmark analysis of Hayes Arboretum against other arboreta and peer facilities to compare size, miles of trail, ArbNet Accreditation levels, organizational struc ture, staf f, parking, buildings, amenities, programming, membership levels and costs, and budgets. Phase 1 also included the development of a projec t website. The website was linked through Hayes Arboretum’s main website, w w w.hayesarb.org, and provided information on the master planning process and oppor tunities to par ticipate in public engagement exercises that included online sur veys, online mapping, and social forums.

Phase 2 Visioning began the star t of the design phase.

The primar y component of the visioning phase was an on-site three-day workshop to assess the perceptions of the campus and solicit visions for the future. During day one of the workshop, the design team met with six focus groups who provided their insight on the existing campus and their recommendations and wishes for future improvements. At the end of the first day, the design team facilitated a public open house in the Nature Center with ac tivity stations where par ticipants provided their input on the arboretum, voted on future amenities, and shared their personal ideas for future improvements. Day two distilled all of the information received during the focus group meetings, public open house, and existing conditions analysis into common 43

Synthesis included the bulk of work produc tion.

It focused on refinements to the preferred framework concepts and development of multiple concepts for focus areas of the campus. As preferred concepts were selec ted, renderings, models, and illustrations of the preferred designs were generated. In addition, work of this phase included the development of cost opinions for each of the preferred concepts and preliminar y phasing recommendations. Bi-weekly meetings were held with the arboretum staf f in order to progress the master planning process and receive timely feedback.

Phase 4 Master Plan Documentation was the final phase in the master planning process. This phase focused on the development of the master plan document and final presentation documenting the master planning process. Towards the end of the master planning process, a summar y presentation was provided to the Stanley W Hayes Research Foundation Inc. Board at their annual meeting in mid-September.

This master plan is intended to be a living document. The document should be reviewed frequently and updated as needed. The primar y reasons to update the master plan include: a significant change in existing conditions; completion of recommendations; and changing oppor tunities.

Members of the SWHRFI and COB look on as the design team presents an initial concept during the Communit y Planning Week review session

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

At tendees look on during the public Open House on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Presentation boards and exercises were set up within the Grand Hall of the Nature Center for the Open House.

44

02 45

Existing Conditions

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

`

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Arboretum History Stanley W. Hayes and the Hayes Track Appliance Co. Stanley W. Hayes was born in Granville, Ohio, on Oc tober 9, 1865. His interest in the railroad began at the age of 15 when he began working as a telegrapher and night station agent for the railroad. While still working, he attended Oberlin College before receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from the Sibley School of Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Af ter graduating in 1891, he continued his career working for railroad companies, where he became increasingly interested in developing improvements to railroad safety. In 1903, Stanley founded the Hayes Track Appliance Company in Geneva, New York, where he star ted manufac turing railroad safety devices.

In 1911, Stanley relocated his company to Richmond, Indiana, due to the number of railroads in the region and access to raw materials and industr y. Over the course of his 60 -year career, Stanley was granted 94 patents, including multiple versions of the Hayes Derail, which is still utilized throughout the world to this day.

In 1969, Stanley’s son, Brice Edmund Hayes, sold the business to Federal Sign and Signal in Chicago, Illinois, though derails and wheel stops are still manufac tured locally in Richmond, Indiana, under the Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc. name.

47

The Arboretum’s Beginning Stanley was an avid lover of the outdoors and began assembling his estate, now known as Hayes Arboretum, in 1915. Over the course of the following decades, Stanley worked closely with family members, friends, trusted associates, and industr y leaders in the field of botany and conser vation to assemble the proper ty, protec t its natural features and old grow th forests, restore and improve its impac ted landscapes, and establish an arboretum. In 1959, the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. was formed to provide an endowment for the operation of the Arboretum.

Under the management of Brice E. Hayes, Stanley Hayes’ son, the arboretum opened to the public on April 28, 1963, with more than 1,000 cars traveling through the arboretum’s gate onto the gravel roads to witness the former Hayes Estate and its transformation into an outdoor museum of trees, plants, and shrubs. The gravel roads stirred up clouds of dust and led to bumper-to-bumper traf fic, even requiring a vehicle to refuel along the way and several stalled cars to be pulled out by a trac tor. In 1964, the first children’s summer classes were of fered, and in 1966, the dair y barn was renovated into a Nature Center. The Woodland Chapel opened in 1970 and held its first ser vice. Public programming continued to expand throughout the 1970s. In 1972, the arboretum of ficially became the Hayes Regional Arboretum to reflec t a focus on the trees, shrubs, and plants native to the Whitewater Valley Drainage Basin.

In 1976, Indiana’s first solar green-house was dedicated at the arboretum, and in 1977 the arboretum grew by an additional 70 acres with a gif t from an adjacent estate.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

A 1960s photograph of the Nature Center and visitor parking lot (top). View of the Stanley W. Hayes Lily Pond in 1935. The pond was renovated in 1970 and dedicated to Brice E. Hayes (bottom)

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Af ter retiring from his position in 1979, Brice passed away in 1980. Later that year, the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain was dedicated. In 1985, the arboretum was cer tified as an All-American Rose Selec tion Test Garden. The 25th Anniversar y of the arboretum’s grand opening was held in 1988. Community outreach expanded throughout the 1980s and accelerated in 1992 with the inception of the first volunteer program. In 1994, the arboretum initiated its membership program to families and individuals before expanding to corporations and not-for-profit organizations in 1997.

Later Years Faced with financial challenges in the early 2000s, Hayes Arboretum sold 33 acres of the arboretum along U.S. 40 in 2004 to strengthen the organization’s endowment and ensure ongoing operation and accessibility to the public. Since that time, and under the leadership of Stephen Hayes Sr., Stephen Hayes Jr., and a passionate staf f, foundation board, and community outreach board, the arboretum has experienced a period of renewed investment, interest, and energy that

49

has strengthened its connec tion to the community and positioned them for continued investment and grow th into the future.

Today, Hayes Arboretum continues to connec t people to nature through instruc tion, handson experiences, and a diverse network of trails.

Numerous visitors from around the world have journeyed to the arboretum to see the 500 -yearold forest, diverse habitats, and more than 100 tagged specimen trees. Many guests visit the Nature Center and Nature Playscape daily to interac t with the exhibits and immerse themselves in nature. From the original land that Stanley Hayes purchased to the natural spaces donated by those in the community, Hayes Arboretum is comprised of 466 acres of protec ted forests, prairies, wetlands, and more. Looking for ward to the arboretum’s future, Hayes Arboretum leadership has taken a proac tive approach to ensuring the long-term success of the arboretum by investing in the development of a long-term vision to guide investments and decisions over the coming decades.

The Turner-Grey Meeting room can be seen to the lef t of the Nature Center in this pic ture from the 1976 Ear th Day Celebration at the arboretum.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Brice E. Hayes speaks to attendees inside the Nature Centure during a meeting in the 1970s

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Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Ronald L. McDaniel was a long-time suppor ter, friend, and member of the Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation.

In 1957, at the age of 18, Ronald McDaniel was hired by Stanley Hayes to began his career as a draf tsman at Hayes Track Appliance Company. He would continue to work for the company over the next three decades until he was able to purchase the business, now known as Western-Cullen-Hayes Inc., and become president in 1990. Ronald would continue to work in the railway supply community for 65 years. A color ful, outspoken figure who devoted his career to the rail industr y, he was always willing to share an opinion, of fer advice, or lend his exper tise (RLMF).

In 1995, Ron established the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation. The foundation’s mission is “to suppor t children through direc t ser vice programs.”

Over the years, the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation has provided over $5.5 million in suppor t of the Arboretum’s operations and endowment funding. These funds have enabled improvements across the arboretum and helped to ensure a bright future for many years to come. Some improvements include expanded programming, updated equipment, increased staf fing, and paving the Auto Tour. The crucial upgrade to the former rugged gravel path has made the Auto Tour more accessible to all visitors.

Although Ron passed away in June 2022 at the age of 83, his legacy can still be found through the arboretum today.

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Ronald L. McDaniel Auto Tour through the seasons

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Historic Aerial

1936 aerial showing Hayes Arboretum. The Hayes Mansion (Upness) is shown the east and the Nature Center, Administration Building, and Annex are shown on the west. The aerial indicates the previously farmed por tions of the proper t y and the early areas of reforestation.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Site Context Location and Points of Interest Hayes Arboretum is positioned on the east side of Richmond, Indiana, approximately two miles from the Ohio State Line. The arboretum is located within a 45-minute drive of Day ton, Ohio; 1.5 hours of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; two hours of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and three hours of Louisville, Kentucky. Multiple public nature areas and regional attrac tions are located within 60 miles of the arboretum. These include the Sycamore State Park (OH); Hueston Woods State Park (OH); Darke Wildlife Area/State Nature Preser ve (OH); Goode Prairie State Nature Preser ve (OH); Cope Environmental Center (IN); Mounds State Park (IN); Whitewater Memorial State Park (IN); Brookville Lake (IN); Mar y Gray Bird Sanc tuar y (IN); Stout Memorial Forest; and Steve Swoveland Nature Preser ve, among others.

Within Richmond, the arboretum is bounded by US 40/Main Street, Woodside Dr., and commercial development on the south, Elks Rd. and residential development to the west, a railroad to the nor th, and Gravel Pit Road to the east. The arboretum campus is bisec ted by Hayes Arboretum Rd. which connec ts US 40 to New Paris Pike on the nor th.

The primar y public/visitor entrance to Hayes Arboretum occurs from Elks Rd., while access to the west campus, southeast trailhead, and maintenance facilities occur from Hayes Arboretum Rd. The Elks Rd. entrance is also located within proximity to the east entrance of Glen Miller Park, Richmond’s largest and most iconic park within the city’s park system. Glen Miller Park has multiple roads, trails, and walking paths that provide potential connec tions west to E. St. and the Depot Distric t which provides regional access to the city’s trail system, downtown Richmond, Starr Gennett Park, and the Whitewater Gorge.

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The city’s public transit system, Roseview Transit, provides bus transpor tation throughout the community with multiple stops located south of the arboretum and along US 40. No bus routes currently provide access direc tly to the arboretum’s main entrance.

Demographics Hayes Arboretum is a major attrac tion to the Richmond community. In 2024, the arboretum had more than 54,000 visitors from 243 cities, 37 states, and 12 countries. Many of the daily users and visitors are from Wayne County (IN), East Central Indiana, and the West Central Ohio regions. The demographics and age ranges var y greatly, but with a primar y focus on nature and recreation related education, many of the daily visitors are local individuals, families, and school groups from the surrounding region.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Hayes Arboretum is located within a few hours of several larger metropolitan areas

Hayes Arboretum is located within a few hours of several larger metropolitan areas

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Natural Features EPA Ecoregion

Topography

The United State Environmental Protec tion Agency (EPA) classifies landscapes and ecosystems that display similar traits and charac teristics into “ecoregions”. These are useful in researching, assessing, and monitoring ecosystems and the impac t that humans have on them. The classification system is designated into four hierarchical levels identified by roman numerals.

Level I ecoregions are subdivided into multiple Level II subgroups. Level II groups are divided fur ther into Level III subgroups. Level III groups are sub-categorized into various Level IV subgroups. Hayes Arboretum is sited within the following classification: Level I – Eastern Temperate Forests; Level II – Central USA Plains; Level III – Eastern Corn Belt Plains; and Level IV – Whitewater Interlobate Area.

The landscape of the arboretum is charac terized by rolling topography with topographical relief of approximately 120’ from the high point near the Hayes estate, known as Upness, to the low point at the nor th end of the proper ty where the East Fork Whitewater River travels beneath the railroad bordering the proper ty. Topography throughout the campus varies significantly. Development of buildings and struc tures has generally occurred on the gently rolling por tions of the proper ty near the Administration Building and Nature Center, Upness, and the maintenance facilities, near Hayes Arboretum Road. Trails and roads have generally been developed parallel to slopes to reduce significant grade changes and minimize impac ts to sensitive areas. Areas of significant slope have been protec ted and maintained in a natural state.

Continued protec tion of excessive slopes will be critical to minimizing site erosion and protec ting native plant communities

The Whitewater Interlobate Area is a unique ecoregion centered around the Whitewater River and its numerous tributaries. The region was formed when two separate glaciers converged and deposited large amounts of glacial till. This led to non-uniform soil types and more irregular topography than the immediately surrounding ecoregions. The diversity of topography creates more diverse forest types with significant stands of Beech trees in the middle ground, Elm-Ash trees in the wetter areas, and Oak-Hickor y trees in the drier upland areas. The region is also charac terized by freshwater perennial streams fed by abundant groundwater and fish species not found in surrounding areas. The unique nature of the ecoregion and the Hayes Arboretum proper ty provides fur ther suppor t for the long-term protec tion of the campus.

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EPA Ecoregion map illustrating Hayes Arboretum within the Level IV Whitewater Interlobate Area

Elks Road

W

s ood

ide

D r.

US 40 / National Rd.

Site Relief/ Topography map indicating areas of gentle and steep slopes

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

oa d

Gravel Pit Road

ut he rn R ai lr

Hayes Arboretum Rd.

N or fo lk So

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Soils

Tree and Plant Communities

On-campus soils primarily consist of Eldean loam and Miami Silt Loam classification. Both site soils are primarily well-drained and consist of areas with significant slope that are prone to erosion. For these reasons, on-site soils are not well suited for trail development and new building construc tion.

An area of Stonelick loam soils exists within the east campus near Culmer’s Run and the preser ved wetland.

As Stanley W. Hayes amassed nearly 300 acres for his estate, he planted 40,000 trees on the proper ty which included 147 varieties of native trees and shrubs. The natural forests along the riparian corridors had been preser ved naturally, due to steep terrain, unsuitable for agriculture.

The arboretum’s ecoregion, Eastern Cornbelt Plains, contains more forested area than its major adjacent Ecoregion (Loamy High Lime Till Plains), but less forested area than the Ecoregion to its southern border (Outer Bluegrass). The diverse soil types and greater topography have created more diversity in the region’s forest types, with the three primar y forestr y types being Beech forests, Elm-Ash swamp forests, and Oak-Hickor y forests.

Watershed Watersheds are delineated at the national level by the United State Geological Sur vey (USGS) based on hydrologic features. The system divides the countr y into regions, subregions, basins, subbasins, and sub-watersheds. Hayes Arboretum is located within the Rocky ForkEast Fork Whitewater River (HUC 05080030704) sub-watershed of the Whitewater subbasin (HUC 05080003), of the Great Miami watershed subregion (HUC 0508) and basin (HUC 050800), of the Ohio region (HUC 05). The Hayes Arboretum campus generally drains into the East Fork Whitewater River, and an unnamed tributar y to the East Fork Whitewater River, which are both rated in “Good” condition by the Indiana Depar tment of Natural Resources’ Division of Water for the major categories of human health and wildlife, and warm water aquatic life. Downstream por tions of the East Fork Whitewater River in the adjacent subwatershed are rated as Impaired (contaminated), likely due to the surrounding agricultural uses and urban development of Richmond. Continued protec tion of the water and drainage systems on the Hayes Arboretum campus should be a priority for maintaining long-term water quality and suppor ting the improvement of downstream water ways. This will likely include strategies for buf fering on-site drainage channels and water ways from future development and limiting human ac tivities within those areas.

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Two plant communities have become the hear tbeat of the proper ty. These are the Old Grow th Forest and manufac tured collec tion of plant taxa known as the Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preser ve. The Old Grow th Forest is a prime example of how the topography protec ted the woodland from becoming agricultural fields.

Salamander Stream winds through large beech trees, maples, native wildflowers, and the fern gardens to of fer a landscape that is remnant of the time of early settlement in the region.

Woodland wildflowers below the dense canopy include trillium, spring beauty, and trout lilies.

Alternatively, in a flatter, more open area of the proper ty, Stanley designed and planted the Native Woody Plant Preser ve. These specimen trees and shrubs are set in evenly spaced rows which gives each plant enough space to fully spread into its natural form. Each tree is accompanied by a label for visitors to easily identif y the plants. Included in the preser ve are species native to the Whitewater Valley Drainage Basin, some of which being black maple, tulip poplar, honey locust, cork elm, flowering dogwood, American basswood, shagbark hickor y, and Nor thern red oak. Visitors are also provided easy access to this plant showcase, which is located along the southern por tion of the Auto Tour.

Hayes Arboretum

Sub-watershed map of the Rock y Fork - East Fork Whitewater River

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Soil map of Hayes Arboretum indicating trail suitabilit y. Red indicates poorly suitable soils and orange indicates moderately poor soils.

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Other impor tant plant communities on the proper ty include the ponds, freshwater wetland, stormwater wetland, pollinator prairies, the OakTulip experiment, and the butter fly herb gardens.

These diverse ecosystems provide visitors with a unique oppor tunity to enjoy and study many types of trees and plants in all dif ferent stages of ecological succession. With so much plant diversity in one place, the interconnec tion between dif ferent habitats is highlighted and researched.

Lastly, there are invasive plant species on the proper ty, which present an ongoing battle for staf f and volunteers. If lef t alone, these invasive species will take over a native plant community and lead to the degradation of habitat and the overall aesthetic. The main invasive species at the arboretum are shrub honeysuckle, shrub type privet, tree of heaven, and Caller y pear trees.

The worst area of invasive presence is in high use areas, which have seen the most disturbance, especially adjacent to the Auto Tour in the Old Grow th Forest. Patches of honeysuckle and tree of heaven are most prevalent. Volunteers are battling these plant communities with physical removal methods, but with so much acreage, it is tough to keep up. The main area where Caller y pears are spreading rapidly is on the east campus in the pollinator prairies. These plants of fer little value to wildlife compared to native species, and spread rapidly, which changes the habitat abruptly and chokes out other species, lowering the plant diversity.

Overall, Hayes Arboretum is an exceptional destination for nature viewing and research.

The various existing plant communities of fer great potential for continuing to build upon the arboretum’s legacy.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Dappled light shines through the Hayes Arboretum forest in the summer time.

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Existing Facilities Overview

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Hayes Arboretum is bisec ted by Hayes Arboretum Road which creates two distinc t areas: the east campus and the west campus. The following sec tions provide a summar y of existing facilities and trails by zone.

8

6

7 3

Elks Rd.

4

63

Existing Facilities Map

2

1

10

18 5

13

Nature Center

2

Turner- Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

3

Hayes Museum

4

Admin Building

5

Hayes Mansion (Upness)

6

Playscape

7

Butter fly Garden

8

Mor ton Arch

9

Research Pond

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Springhouse

11

Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

12

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

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Maintenance

14

Woodland Chapel

15

Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook

16

East Trailhead

17

Scott Pond

18

Native American Mound

12 11

16 Wo

o

d dsi

eD

r.

E. Mai n St./ U.S. 40

Gravel Pit Rd.

17

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

14

Hayes Arboretum Rd.

15

1

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West Campus Overview Overview Public access to the arboretum is located along the western perimeter of the proper ty. A brick masonr y wall and wrought iron gate welcome visitors to the arboretum from Elks Road. Visitors travel along a paved entr y drive flanked by stately pine trees and decorative site lighting adorned with branded banners. The entr y drive arrives at the guest parking lot located just west of the Nature Center and terminates in a secondar y parking lot on the east side of the Nature Center.

This highly programmed area features several other public and private facilities, including the Turner-Grey Meeting Room, Administrative Of fices, Hayes Histor y Museum, and Playscape.

The nor thern sec tor of the West Campus features a landscape full of rolling terrain and over 60 -acres of old-grow th forests. Some of the beech, maple, and tulip poplar trees located in this sec tion of the arboretum are estimated to be over 500 years old. Several unique landmarks can be found in this area of the arboretum, including the Mor ton Arch, Research Pond, Woodland Chapel, and Salamander Stream.

Much of the historic Stanley W. Hayes estate encompasses the southern por tion of the West Campus. The Hayes Mansion, known as Upness, still prominently stands on a raised knoll and overlooks the forests and Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain.

The West campus features 2.6 acres of moderateto-semi-moderate hiking trails across 177 acres of rolling terrain. Additionally, the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour transec ts the West Campus and provides additional access to many of the unique site features.

Utilities The location and size of existing utilities were reviewed with a majority of the information provided by Hayes Arboretum on a hand drawn

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map with a revision date of August 3, 1972. The map indicates the Nature Center, Annex and Administration Building are all ser viced by water, sewer, natural gas and elec tricity. The water, sewer and gas are routed to the proper ty from the south through an easement along the western edge of a residential parcel at 3900 Pinehurst Drive.

The map indicates the water and sewer were installed in the same trench with limited separation. Visual inspec tion of the ser vice lines at access points indicates the sewer is a 6 inch diameter vitrified clay pipe, and the water is a ¾ inch diameter steel pipe. The existing pipe materials and pipe separation distances are not considered best prac tices today.

While vitrified clay pipe is still in use, most utilities do not recommend using it because it cracks easily and allows for root intrusion causing pipe blockages. Discussions onsite indicated the pipe has been repaired multiple times because of impac ts during excavations. Typical spot repairs to clay pipes do not address all the damage done because hairline, non-visible, cracks can form along the pipe creating the likelihood of future failures.

The use of steel water pipes is still common but not industr y’s best prac tice. The interior of steel water lines typically corrodes, reducing the capacity of the pipe and creating sediment that can impac t the func tion of water fixtures.

Modifications to steel water lines can exacerbate these issues because they disturb the corrosion and allow it to travel down-stream, negatively impac ting the func tion of water fixtures.

Proper separation of water lines from sewer lines is required to prevent contamination of the water.

The required horizontal clearance is 10 feet. The ver tical separation is 18 inches when pipes must cross. When these distances cannot be achieved,

the sewer lines are required to be water quality pipe material such as duc tile iron or PVC pressure pipe. The existing pipe materials and separation create the risk of water contamination.

The gas ser vice lines are likely steel pipes that are still in common usage today. The existing pipe size is unknown. Capacity of the system is dependent upon the supply pressure, pipe size and the pipe length.

Public water and sewer mains are located south of the buildings at the intersec tion Woodside Drive and Hayes Arboretum Rd. Water and sewer mains are also located to the west of the residential buildings in the neighborhood. GIS mapping indicates a sanitar y sewer pipe stub between residential proper ties 537 & 3825 Oakview Drive pointed in the direc tion of the Hayes Mansion.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Elec trical ser vice is provided by overhead elec trical lines to each building from the neighborhood to the south of the proper ty. It appears the elec trical ser vice is provided by a transformer set between residential homes located at 3910 & 3920 Pinehurst Drive. The elec trical ser vice runs underground to a pole set just nor th of the residential proper ties and is distributes overhead from to the arboretum facilities.

The existing buildings on the eastern side of the site, west of Hayes Arboretum Road, include the Hayes Mansion, maintenance buildings and another home. A private water line supplies municipal water to these buildings. It does not appear that a public sewer is available to these buildings. Elec trical ser vice to the buildings is provided by overhead lines from Hayes Arboretum Road. All buildings are supplied with natural gas.

Schematic plan showing utilit y ser vices to the arboretum

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Trails Blue Beech Trail - .62 miles The Blue Beech Trail begins and ends near the Nature Center and Annex and travels through the old-grow th Beech-Maple forest and additional forests in various stages of succession. It provides access to the Research Pond at the nor thern edge of the proper ty and contains some steep hills.

Yellow Old Growth Trail – .84 miles The Yellow Old Grow th Trail begins and ends near the Nature Center. Traveling through the Old Grow th Forest, the trail provides a connec tion to the Springhouse, Woodland Chapel, Scenic Overlook, and Salamander Stream. Wildflowers line the trail in early spring, including Trillium, Spring Beauties, and Hepatica.

Orange Salamander Stream Trail - 0.25 miles The Orange Salamander Stream Trail follows Salamander Stream from the Springhouse on the south to the Auto Tour on the nor th end. The trail is frequently used to provide access to the stream for wildlife obser vation and programming.

During the spring, the trail has a wide variety of wildflowers from late March through mid-May, as well as a number of ferns that are native to the Whitewater Valley area.

Red Storywalk Trail - 0.9 miles The Red Stor y walk Trail begins and ends at the Nature Center and travels through the southern por tion of the proper ty. It travels through both forests and open fields and features a rotating monthly stor y that trail users can follow along with as they experience the trail.

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Hayes Mansion (Upness) Located near the east campus entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road, the Hayes Mansion, referred to as Upness, stands prominently at the high point of the west campus and overlooks a long, grand lawn and the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain to the south. Built in 1923, the dwelling ser ved as the home to Stanley Hayes, his wife Mabelle, and four children. Up Stanley’s death, the house was willed to the arboretum and used in various capacities, including as a rental and event facility. Upness is currently the home of the Executive Direc tor of the arboretum and his family.

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain The Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain is located south of the Hayes Mansion. The fountain was construc ted in 1980 and dedicated to Brice E. Hayes, an inventor, former president of the Hayes Arboretum Foundation Board, and son of the arboretum’s founder, Stanley W. Hayes. The fountain was formerly a lily pond.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The fountain is easily accessible on foot from the Red Trail and by vehicle from the Auto Tour. A slender concrete pathway leads from the Auto Tour to the fountain. A circular paver border around the fountain has been removed and replaced with a stone path. A large boulder bears a plaque inscribed with the dedication of the fountain. The fountain’s basin is construc ted from concrete and features a centralized nozzle. Af ter continuous years of operation, the fountain’s equipment has reached its end of life. An expansive mowed lawn area surrounds the fountain.

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Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour The Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour is a 3.3-mile-long automobile tour route that enables visitors to explore 10 historically, ecologically, or culturally significant sites within the grounds of the arboretum from the comfor t of their vehicle.

The route is composed primarily of a single-lane paved asphalt driveway that begins along the nor th side of the Nature Center and navigates through the diverse terrain of the east arboretum campus. Significant landmarks found along the tour route include the Mor ton Arch, Brice Hayes Memorial Fountain, Hayes House (Upness), and the old-grow th forest. Visitors can learn more about each tour stop by listening to an audio playlist recorded by the arboretum’s staf f members and SWHRF board members. Access to the auto tour is free for arboretum members and $5 per vehicle for non-members. The Auto Tour is open weekly, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Morton Arch The Mor ton Arch is a freestanding brick and limestone masonr y por tal located along the eastern edge of the arboretum near Elks Road.

The photogenic arch ser ves as a significant and historical landmark within the arboretum. The arch originally graced the entrance to the Mor tonGar field School located at the corner of Nor th 8th Street and B Street in Richmond, Indiana.

The school and associated arch were designed

by William S. Why te, a talented architec t and immigrant. A fire permanently closed the school in 1924. The sur viving arch was purchased, disassembled, inventoried and numbered, and reconstruc ted on the estate of John Harrington.

Mr. Harrington originally envisioned the arch ser ving as an entr y to his nurser y. However, the Great Depression faltered John’s vision, and Stanley W. Hayes eventually purchased Mr. Harrington’s land. The arch is easily accessible from the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour.

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Woodland Chapel The Woodland Chapel is an open-air venue situated within the backdrop of the arboretum’s old-grow th beech-maple forest. The amphitheater features several rows of backed benches that flank a raised wooden pulpit. The scenic chapel has been used for church ser vices and can be reser ved for a small fee for weddings, group gatherings, and other special events throughout the year. A limited amount of parking is available along the nearby Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour.

A thick layer of shredded wood chips provides non-accessible access to the Woodland Chapel from the Auto Tour. The Woodland Chapel is also accessible from the Yellow Old Grow th Trail.

Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook The Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook is situated on the opposite side of the auto tour from the Woodland Chapel. Accessed from the Auto Tour, the overlook rises above the falling topography to reveal a breathtaking panoramic view of the old grow th forests; a unique view of what virgin Indiana forests would have looked like presettlement.

Located in the nor theast sec tion of the proper ty, the 60 -acre Old Grow th Forest of fers the most pristine woodland environment of the arboretum.

Containing beautiful American beech and sugar maple trees dating nearly 500 years, this sec tion of the arboretum provides an experience that is becoming increasingly unique within the State of Indiana. The Old Grow th Forest also contains beautiful woodland wildflowers that include trillium, spring beauty, and trout lilies. As one of the most sensitive areas of the campus, it should be protec ted in perpetuity to ensure future access for visitors to experience the native virgin forest.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Old Growth Forest

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Research Pond The research pond is located at the nor thern end of the west campus. The pond receives drainage from the old-grow th forest and is accessible from both the Blue Trail and the auto tour. A boardwalk with a series of steps and platforms provides access to the edges of the pond where educational and research programming occurs.

The boardwalk is inaccessible to individuals with mobility issues and needs repairs and updates.

Salamander Stream Salamander Stream is an ephemeral creek bed that transec ts the nor thern segment of the East Arboretum campus. This riparian environment ser ves as a significant habitat for native salamanders, aquatic bugs, and other amphibious creatures. A wooden footbridge across the stream allows the Yellow Trail to transec t the peaceful waterbody. Additionally, the quar ter-mile Orange Trail follows along the west streambank and of fers scenic views of the stream.

Springhouse The springhouse features a shelter atop a naturally occurring ar tesian well that creates a unique habitat within the arboretum. The remnants of a former swimming pool can be seen on-site.

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Racetrack A por tion of the Richmond fairgrounds was located on the south side of the west arboretum campus from 1890 until 1900. The fairgrounds featured a racetrack, grandstand, and ballpark. The track’s revolutionar y design was created by Rober t A. Howard in 1892. It featured higher outside slopes, which were unique for most horse tracks of the time. As the fairgrounds relocated to a new site in the early 1900s, the area surrounding the racetrack became farmland. Remnants of the former 1-milelong oval racetrack are still visible within the landscape.

Mildred S. Hayes Memorial As the wife of Brice E. Hayes, Mildred helped her husband transform her father-in-law’s estate into the cherished Hayes Arboretum. Mildred established the idea to conver t the family’s dair y barn into a nature center. Additionally, Mildred helped to develop a bird sanc tuar y within the arboretum to protec t birds af fec ted by the insec ticide DDT. Mildred envisioned a space full of native vegetation and water that would provide habitat for these distressed birds. A small pond was created atop a knoll west of the Hayes Mansion as a par t of the bird sanc tuar y. The pond was af fec tionately called “Millie’s Pond.”

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The pond, along with a calcareous limestone sundial, remains within the arboretum as a memorial to Mildred. The elevated setting for the memorial creates a spec tacular view of the western segment of the Auto Tour. However, this space is of ten overlooked by visitors to the arboretum due to a steep incline and no accessible pathway leading to the monument.

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Nature Playscape The Nature Playscape consists of a series of ac tivity spaces located within the understor y of the forest edge on the nor th side of the TurnerGrey Meeting room, Administration Building, and Histor y Museum. The components of the Nature Playscape are designated for children, ages 5 to 12. The playscape was cer tified in 2018 as an of ficial Nature Explore Cer tified Playscape and Outdoor Classroom®. The designation recognizes the arboretum’s commitment to connec ting children with nature.

Visitors are welcomed into the Nature Playscape by two recently construc ted timber thresholds located near the over flow west parking lot and Nature Center. The Auto Tour follows the eastern edge of the Playscape. The arboretum’s forest edge bounds the nor th and western edges of the play space.

The Nature Playscape is subdivided into eight unique play zones: the Gathering Area, the Building Area, the Ac tion Area, the Natural Ar t Area, the Climbing Area, the Dir t-digging Area, the Messy Area, and the Music and Movement Area. Each ac tivity zone features dif ferent amenities and ac tivities.

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The Gathering Area features limestone boulders arranged in a semi-circular amphitheater. The space is frequently used for group presentations and discussions.

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The Building Area features a series of movable par ts – including natural materials such logs, stones, and branches – that promote the construc tion of struc tures.

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Large, unprogrammed lawn space in the Ac tion Area allows for physical ac tivities such as running and jumping.

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Wood platforms situated around the trunk of multiple low-branching trees charac terize the Climbing Area.

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A sand pit with Tonka trucks and digging tools can be found within the Dir t-digging Area

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A small kitchen-like enclosure with pots, pans, and dishes can be found within the Messy Area

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The Music and Movement Area features three freestanding musical instruments that were installed during the Summer of 2025. The instruments – a xylophone, chimes, and bells – encourage individual or group play.

A large, hollowed, and petrified log fragment is displayed below an enclosed shelter on the west side of the playscape. The log ser ves both as a living ar tifac t of the old-grow th forest and as an interac tive climbing tunnel for children. A wooden open-air shelter construc ted in 2025 is near the western boundar y of the space. Picnic tables and movable lawn furniture are scattered throughout the space. These seats provide parents and caretakers with a space to monitor children as they play.

A gently sloping terrain creates a dynamic playscape landscape. The landscape gently rises to the south with over 14 feet of change in elevation. The Turner-Grey Meeting Room is perched upon a naturally occurring ridge just south of the Playscape. The location of the building provides idealistic vistas onto the Landscape from the meeting room.

Underdrain pipe and sur face water naturally drain to the nor th, where it daylights into a naturally occurring rill. Most of the understor y vegetation has been removed from the Playscape to prepare for future expansion and improvements. A broadcasting of tur fgrass has occurred to stabilize the gently rolling topography. Additional slope stabilization measures should be implemented with the construc tion of any future improvements.

An existing butter fly cottage and pollinator garden is located on the west side of the playscape. The butter fly garden is located within the footprint of a former green house. A small butter fly cottage west of the butter fly garden provides educational programming oppor tunities and tool storage.

Beehives are located immediately nor th of the over flow parking lot to the west.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Butterfly Cottage & Garden

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Tinkergarten The arboretum currently facilitates a Tinkergar ten early childhood education program for children ages 1-8. The nature-based program focusses on an adult-child play-based learning curriculum.

The curriculum helps children “develop language, motor skills, strategies, and habits that help build strong bodies, minds and hear ts.” The program’s lessons utilize simple materials and ac tivities inspired by nature to teach, encourage the development of collaboration and communication skills, and promote physical ac tivity within children.

The arboretum’s program is currently facilitated by a trained par t-time Tinkergar ten instruc tor with the assistance of volunteers. Classes, known as “Play Dates”, are scheduled twice a week over the course of a five-week period during Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions. Pre-registration is required for children to par ticipate in the program.

The program extensively utilizes the existing Nature Playscape and Nature Center for the program’s learning environment. A lack of an accessible restroom near the playscape makes it dif ficult to properly provide the necessar y resources for the children. Lack of a designated indoor meeting or classroom space may also create scheduling conflic ts with other events, tours, or programs that use the Nature Center when the weather is not favorable for outdoor Play Dates.

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StoryWalk® The arboretum currently par ticipates in the national Stor yWalk® program. The program began in 2007 by Vermont resident Anne Ferguson with suppor t from the Kellogg-Hubbard Librar y.

Pic tures and text are taken from the pages of a beloved children’s book, reproduced, and depic ted on a series of interpretive panels along a walking path or trail. Interpretive panels are placed at a lower height to allow children to view and are spaced at regular inter vals based on the overall length of the path. The most common books featured on a Stor yWalk® trail have minimal text, features nature-themed images, of ten correlate with the current season, and include a parable or impor tant lesson. The book displayed on the Stor yWalk® trail changes periodically to provide multiple stories over time.

According to the Kellogg-Hubbard Librar y, the program promotes early literacy, physical ac tivity, and vital bonding time between children and adults in an outdoor setting.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The Red Trail located on the west side of the Arboretum has been designated as a Stor yWalk® trail. Additional Stor yWalk® panels can also be found on a por tion of the Blue Beech Trail. Hayes Arboretum collaborates with the MorrissonReeves Librar y to selec t the children’s books to be featured on the trail.

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Signage The arboretum features an eclec tic collec tion of information, navigation, and interpretive signage along the trails. A large green-colored threepanel plastic kiosk is located behind the Nature Center near the trailhead of the Blue, Yellow, and Red trails. The kiosk cabinets contain park rules, a park map, and pamphlets for upcoming programming. A similar kiosk is located near the trailhead of the Orange Trail at the Eastside parking lot.

Several interpretive signs can be found near significant viewpoints or landmarks within the arboretum. Older interpretive signage consists of an 8x10” laminated plaque mounted to a timber post. Many of the laminated signs exhibit cracking or delamination due to long-term exposure to the natural environment. Newer interpretive signs have since been installed with funds raised through the 2023 Spring Appeal.

The various ac tivity zones within the Playscape are clearly delineated by small 12x18” aluminum sign panels with vinyl-applied graphics.

Larger specimen and heritage trees located on the fringe of the Auto Tour are identified with custom pendant signs. These wooden and steel signs are mounted direc tly to the trunk of the showcased tree. A steel mast arm secures a painted wooden plaque that lists the tree’s common name. Natural weathering has caused the signs to fade over time.

Cataloged trees within the Native Woody Plant Preser ve and other areas on the campus are of ten labeled by small metal tree identification plaques.

These plaques list the specimen’s common and botanical names. QR codes are provided on the plaques to provide visitors with digital access to additional information.

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The arboretum’s staf f has begun to mark many of the trails with dual-sided Carsonite composite trail markers. These durable reinforced glass fiber ver tical markers of ten include universal pic togram details to help users navigate the trails. The Carsonite trail markers are frequently found in proximity to other trail signs.

Several arboretum visitors have mentioned having confusion or dif ficulties navigating the arboretum’s trails. The abundance of signs in proximity to one another, an inconsistent sign design or language, and a lack of iconic landmarks may exacerbate this challenge.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Vir tually all information shared on the arboretum’s signs is written in English. The lack of providing information in multiple languages may discourage inclusivity and create a challenge for non-Englishspeaking guests to navigate, learn, and explore the arboretum.

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East Campus Overview The East Arboretum campus features approximately 156 acres of early succession hardwood forest, patches of prairies and meadows, and a 1.5-acre pond. The East Campus is accessible to visitors by a small gravel parking lot located at the nor theast corner of Woodside Drive and Hayes Arboretum Road. The gravel trailhead features an informational kiosk and bike repair stand. Parking spaces are not delineated within the gravel lot. Additionally, a pedestrian underpass below Hayes Arboretum Road provides access between the East and West Campuses near the gravel trailhead. Heav y volumes of traf fic along Hayes Arboretum Road restric t additional at-grade pedestrian connec tions between the two halves of the campus.

The East Campus is less developed compared to the West Campus. However, previous agricultural site disturbance has created ideal conditions for the grow th of invasive plant species. Major geographic landmarks include Scott’s Pond and the Native American mound. The East Campus features several natural sur face hiking trails, including the 0.5-mile Green Trail and 1.6 -mile Orange Trail.

East Campus Trailhead The East Trailhead is located just nor th of the Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive intersec tion. The existing trailhead includes a small, gravel parking lot. Approximately 50 unmarked parking spaces are available, however, no ADA compliant parking spaces are available.

Trailhead signage is located at the nor theast corner of parking lot for visitors to the east campus.

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Native American Mound The Native American mound is a unique manmade ear thwork associated with the indigenous Adena and Hopewell people of Eastern Indiana.

The mound measures approximately 65 feet in diameter and 7 feet high (McCord, Cochran, 2000).

The mound is located within a forest clearing a few hundred feet east of Hayes Arboretum Road. The mound and surrounding area are mowed by arboretum staf f. A small interpretive sign designates and discusses the histor y of the mound.

Over the last centur y, several groups have explored, excavated, and examined the mound.

Records indicate the first known disturbance to the mound occurred in the early 1900s when Stanley Hayes excavated por tions of the site.

Detailed examination of the mound indicates that the mound was backfilled with gravel and other detritus materials.

In 1999, the Archaeological Resources Management Ser vice (ARMS) at Ball State University conduc ted an evaluation of the mound’s previous archaeological digs in addition to seven other culturally significant mounds found across the state. The evaluation reviewed previous literature and documentation from previous excavations in addition to conduc ting a new archaeological dig. The final repor t indicated a lack of detailed documentation and extensive disturbance prior to the 1965 excavation “severely limited any interpretations of the mound struc ture.” Additionally, “given the extensive destruc tion and excavation of this mound, there is little likelihood that the site contains significant archaeological deposits” (McCord, Cochran, 2000). It is unclear if the mound was used as a sacred burial mound or other rituals.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Another excavation was jointly conduc ted by the Joseph Moore Museum at Earlham College and the Hayes Research Foundation in 1965. Stone lithics, ceramic potter y, charcoal, and bone fragments were found within the excavated site. Additionally, illegal pothunting is presumed to have occurred prior to the 1965 excavation and significantly damaged the historical construc tion of the mound.

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Pollinator Fields Four pollinator fields have been established on the east campus through recent prairie restoration ef for ts. The prairies feature an assor tment of native flowering wildflowers (forbs) and grasses (graminoids). The wildflowers provide vital nec tar sources for various pollinators throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Seeds produced by prairie plants also provide a food source for small mammals and songbirds. The prairie grasses provide small rodents and mammals with a necessar y shelter from predators. Ecological succession of the ecosystem is suspended through seasonal mowing and bi-annual controlled burns.

A 2.6 -acre prairie meadow is accessible from the east trailhead. This meadow features the most topographic change of the four pollinator fields due to the necessar y descent of the Orange Trail below Hayes Arboretum Drive. Located a few thousand feet east, the 2.5-acre south pollinator field is accessible from the Orange Trail. Its southernmost boundar y is Woodside Drive.

The westernmost pollinator field is 3.2 acres.

It is situated between Scott’s Pond and Hayes Arboretum Road. Several mature hardwood and coniferous trees dot the landscape. The final field is tucked away in the nor theast corner of the east campus and is accessible by the Orange Trail. At 1 acre, it is the smallest of the four prairies.

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Scott Pond Scott’s Pond is a 1.5-acre natural waterbody located within the south-central sec tion of the East Campus. The pond provides habitat for several water fowl and aquatic animals. The pond is accessible from the Red Trail. A small, semienclosed bird blind located along the southwest shoreline provides pic turesque views of the pond.

The East Campus also includes four unique mountain biking courses that meander through the arboretum’s semi-rugged terrain: the 2.50 -mile Red Trail, 1.46 -mile Orange Trail, 1.64-mile Yellow Trail, and 1.9-mile Blue Trail. Trails range from easy to intermediate skill level. Legal restraints required the arboretum to remove embankments, ramps, platforms, and other man-made obstacles situated along the trails. Weekly trail conditions, volunteer trail cleanup oppor tunities, and other information is shared on the designated social media page: Hayes Arboretum Mountain Bike Trails.

Fire breaks, utility easements, and ser vice drives provide additional hiking oppor tunities on the East Campus.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Mountain Biking Trails

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Existing Buildings Overview Two key zones provide much of the current building infrastruc ture for the arboretum; an entr y area within the west campus which houses a collec tion of public and staf f buildings at the Western por tion of the park of f Elks Road and a maintenance area located of f Hayes Arboretum Road that ser ves as the primar y ser vice and storage hub for the arboretum. The following sec tion outlines the current conditions of these buildings to help inform the workshop, visioning,

•

The Annex Building, a re-purposed chicken coop struc ture

•

The Administration Building, a re-purposed 1815 log cabin and house addition

•

The Hayes Museum Building, a relocated and re-purposed Pure Oil gas station

•

Butter fly Cottage

and the future master plan.

Maintenance Area

Primary Entry Area The primar y entr y area ser ves as the public hub for ac tivity within the Arboretum. This area houses a collec tion of buildings, parking, site amenities, and trailheads to ser ve this func tion. The list of buildings include: •

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The Nature Center, a re-purposed 1833 barn struc ture

The maintenance area located at the center of the Arboretum along Hayes Arboretum Road provides a variety of storage and maintenance spaces for the park. The collec tion of the buildings includes: •

Outdoor / Covered Storage Building

•

The Vehicle Storage Building

•

Carpentr y Shop Building

Butterfly Garden Turner Grey Mtg. Room (Annex)

Museum

Nature Center

Admin. Bldg.

Aerial enlargement of the Primar y Entrance Area

Covered Storage

Carpentry/ Wood Shop

Aerial enlargement of the Maintenance Area

Equipment Shop

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Staf f Only

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Nature Center Two The current nature center is located in a 1833 wood framed post and beam dair y barn that was re-purposed in 1966. Slight modifications and upgrades have occurred over the years since this re-purposing; however the original form, primar y space organization, and fenestrations remain. The adjacent images represent a collec tion of photos over time illustrating the exterior of the building through the years, as well as interior spaces. The current entr y canopy along the west of the Nature Center today is one primar y element that has been added and modified over the years, the great hall in the center of the struc ture along with various interior exhibits like the bird watching room have been maintained and preser ved over the years.

Original barn framing, flooring and siding are exposed on the interior side of the barn creating an experience that is tac tile and rich with histor y.

Roof batt insulation has been added to the underside of the barn roof struc ture and metal siding now clads the exterior. The building is equipped with a fire suppression system and primarily uses residential style air conditioning and gas furnace system located in the basement and south of the building.

The existing first floor space of the nature center ser ves primarily as the public hub for events, youth camps, and other ac tivities. A west entr y vestibule and canopy is located at the center of the barn struc ture to provide a main public entr y for visitors as they approach the park. At the center of the first floor is the great hall that provides a 1,100 SF double height flexible space for various gatherings and classes. Educational exhibits are provided along the perimeter walls with a small stage struc ture located in the southwest corner of the hall. A toddler / young child playroom is provided under the nor th stair, a dedicated room for bird watching to the nor th, and a kids playroom provide an assor tment of children’s program spaces for a variety of uses.

A reception / retail area located to the south of the west entr y provides a space for the naturalist, 85

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Nature Center Main Floor Plan

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Nature Center Second Floor Plan

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Nature Center Basement Floor Plan

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visitor ser vices, and a small area for retail sales adjacent to the south stairs. To the east of the reception area is a small of fice space with a private of fice, open of fice, and open meeting and work area. All spaces including the corridor are currently being used for various storage of materials.

The floor-to-floor height between floors is approximately 8’- 6” between levels, and ver tical circulation is provided to Level 2 by nor th and south open wood-framed stairs at the west corners of the building. An addition to the east provides a stair way down to the basement level where the building’s restrooms, mechanical, and storage spaces are located. Currently, there is no lif t or other means for individuals with disabilities to access Level 2 exhibits or the basement restrooms of the Nature Center.

Level 2 of the Nature Center is primarily focused on children’s exhibits and programming. An area to the nor th of the nature center at the nor th stair provides an approximately 500 SF lof t area for children’s play and classes to gather. Around the perimeter of the great hall lines a mezzanine space that contains various exhibits for children and visitors to walk past. Many of these exhibits were either broken or turned of f and could be refreshed or renovated for better engagement. Low-roof areas to the east and west are reser ved for storage areas, and a large storage area above the of fice area to the south is used primarily for of fice and miscellaneous event storage. Due to the low head height of the mezzanine, a majority of the sprinkler piping and light fixtures were within reach and in some locations below 80 inches, which may cause cane detec tion issues. One means of egress (nor th stair) is provided from public zones; this will need to be studied fur ther if renovation work is explored on this floor.

The lower level or basement of the Nature Center provides restroom facilities as well as mechanical and storage spaces. Access is provided from the east either by a stair that connec ts to Level 1 or an entr y door and concrete pad that connec t to the east gravel parking area. Struc tural concrete 89

masonr y unit walls provide the basic ver tical struc ture for this wood with all the rooms having concrete floors with epoxy paint. Due to low floor-to-floor heights, por tions of the lower level have pipes and duc ts that are below 80 inches.

Lower level restrooms do not provide adequate clearances that meet ADA standards and provide little privacy between sexes.

As previously noted, the barn exterior is primarily a green-colored exposed fastener sheet metal siding with asphalt shingle roofing. The addition and basement level have por tions of exposed painted concrete masonr y, with por tions being patched over the years. The traditional broken gable roof includes two original cupolas from when the Nature Center was used as a dair y barn, and a new standing seam gable roof canopy to the west is provided to ser ve as protec tion for the main entr y. A mix of wood and vinyl windows are used throughout the exterior, along with hollow metal doors. Elec tric, gas, and fire suppression ser vices all connec t to the building along the south face, and two residential air conditioning units (one SW and one NE) ser ve the building.

Downspouts from the roofs are not connec ted to a storm system; however, the SE corner does have a rain barrel for irrigating the west plantings.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) The existing Annex Building, located nor th of the main public parking lot, is a renovated woodframed chicken coop struc ture. It provides both unconditioned storage and a large meeting room ( Turner-Grey Meeting Room) for staf f and visitors. The meeting room is approximately 20’ x 40’ in size and can hold up to 54 guests, and is equipped with a small kitchenette, technology, and a whiteboard. The main elec trical panel is located on the east interior wall of the space, and it is conditioned mechanically. Wood siding clads the interior walls, with acoustic panel ceilings, fluorescent lighting, and LV T wood look flooring.

Due to the proximity of the annex to the parking lot and minimal site grades, the meeting room is fully accessible.

The original gable form of the chicken coop remains, and the asphalt shingle roof seems to be in good condition. Small entr y canopies have been added at the meeting room entr y doors to the south. Green painted wood siding clads the perimeter walls, with a concrete and concrete masonr y foundation par tially exposed on the nor th side of the building, where the grade drops of f. The wood siding has deteriorated in many locations, especially in areas close to grade or paving, and many cracks are visible at the foundation walls. The windows are showing age as well. Depending on the future design, recladding and repairs may be necessar y. Most of the downspouts discharge into the planting areas and are not connec ted to a storm system. The nor thwest downspout discharges into a rain barrel that provides a mud kitchen for children.

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Turner Grey Meeting Room Front Facade

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Turner-Grey Meeting Room Floor Plan

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Administration Building The current administration building is a repurposed 1815 log cabin that has had various residential additions over the years. The original log cabin por tion of the building is the Southwest por tion of the building that houses the current librar y, covered porch, and of fice areas above.

The primar y rooms from when the building was used as a house have remained and have been re-purposed into of fice spaces. A large of fice occupies the Southeast corner of the building with a workroom to the nor th. The center of the house provides circulation connec ting the two sides of the house, entries, and ver tical circulation between the two main floors and the basement.

Future public ADA restrooms are being added to the nor th of the librar y to better ser ve the building and public spaces. The building does not have a break room or kitchen on the main level, which limits accessible amenities for the building’s occupants. The building is equipped with central air conditioning and radiant heaters. Elec trical seems to be updated but would need to be fur ther evaluated by an elec trical engineer for code adherence. Stained ceiling tiles at the southeast corner of the main entr y appear to be a result of a leak occurring from the bathroom above; this should be investigated fur ther in design. The building is not equipped with a fire suppression system; due to the occupancy level of the building this should not be a code issue.

The upper level or Level 2 of the administration building contains original bedrooms, a kitchen and laundr y space, and primar y bathroom for the historic house. The kitchen and laundr y, bedroom and bathroom remain along the East and Southeast por tions of the floor. A large of fice and corridor occupy the second level of the original log cabin por tion along the West por tion of the floor. Due to the original floor to floor heights of the original log cabin and later additions, the second floor of the West por tion of the building is approximately 12” lower than the East; access is provided via a two-riser connec tion at the mid landing of the main staircase. A 460 SF attic space above the East por tion of Level 2 is currently

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accessed through an attic stair located in the closet south of the stair. This space is primarily used for miscellaneous administration storage.

Batt insulation is provided at the roof, however it is unclear if wall insulation is provided at the exterior walls. All elements regarding elec trical and plumbing seem to be working appropriately on this floor, other than the small leak that was noted below the bathroom on Level 1.

The exterior of the old log cabin and house contains the traditional gable forms and punched window openings of a traditional farmhouse.

Exterior walls have been clad with vinyl siding that is showing age and appears to be at the end of its life. The asphalt shingle roof appears to be aging as well and may need repairs depending on future design/renovation work. Some of the existing wood windows have been replaced with vinyl over the years; however, some wood windows remain along the south elevation. Both window types, along with the wood trim, are showing age and could be replaced and refinished. In many locations, the wood roof fascia is deteriorating due to water damage and should be repaired; the area that is most damaged is along the East elevation.

Downspouts and gutters have also been damaged over the years and could be replaced with the fascia and roof work. A new skim coat and paint are recommended along the exposed foundation walls. Lastly, a frayed ground wire along the NE corner of the building was visible; this will need to be repaired as well.

Administration Building Second Floor Plan

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Administration Building First Floor Plan

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Hayes Museum The Hayes Museum, located West of the Administration Building, is a repurposed and relocated Pure Oil Gas station that contains photos, information, and memorabilia about the Hayes family and the Arboretum. The interior museum space is a singular room around 400 SF in size with updated finishes that include vaulted ceilings, carpeting, and new dr y wall and trim. Track lighting along the perimeter provides lighting for the displays along the walls of the room. The interior space is ser ved mechanically from below, where a concrete and concrete block basement accessible from the west side of the building ser ves as the building’s utility and miscellaneous storage space.

Hayes Museum First Floor Plan

The exterior of the historic gas station has been clad in vinyl siding and an asphalt shingle roof ver y similar to the Administration Building; however, the roof and siding seem to appear newer and in much better condition. There are a few siding panels at the base of the building that have been damaged and could be repaired.

Overall, the gutters, windows, fascias, and doors appear to be in good working order; minor paint and wood repairs may be done to the windows, trim and wood attic vents to extend the life of these. The deck to the nor th of the struc ture could be resealed or restrained or have nonstruc tural components replaced due to deterioration.

Hayes Museum Basement Floor Plan

Clockwise, Top Lef t: View of the front entrance into the Hayes Museum. A replica Hayes Track Stop is on display behind the Hayes Museum.

Inside views of the museum. The storage area located in the basement of the museum.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Butterfly Cottage The Butter fly Cottage located Nor th of the Herb and Butter fly Garden provide general storage needs for programming in this area. The building is a wood framed shed struc ture with doors and windows to provide access and daylight into the struc ture. The struc ture is in good overall condition with no primar y repairs needed other than minor painting.

Butter fly Cottage Floor Plan

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Outdoor Covered Storage Building

Outdoor Covered Storage Building Floor Plan

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The Butter fly Cottage located Nor th of the Herb and Butter fly Garden provide general storage needs for programming in this area. The building is a wood framed shed struc ture with doors and windows to provide access and daylight into the struc ture. The struc ture is in good overall condition with no primar y repairs needed other than minor painting.

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Equipment Shop Building The vehicle storage building at the southeast por tion of the maintenance area consists primarily of a pre-engineered wood framed pole barn struc ture to house various equipment and vehicles.

The interior consists of an exposed roof and wall struc ture and metal skin with a concrete slab on grade. The struc ture is equipped with floor drains; however it is unclear if any sand oil separator is provided. The nor thern por tion of the building is uninsulated cold storage for various equipment, while the back third of the building is insulated and heated via a ceiling unit heater. A small utility closet is provided in the southern heated por tion of the building. A small lean-to shed provides additional cold storage to the south and miscellaneous outdoor storage is used adjacent to this lean-to as well.

The exterior of the vehicle storage building is clad in exposed fastener sheet metal siding and roofing, both of which show age and deterioration.

Polycarbonate panels are provided for natural daylight, however many of these have interior construc tion or adjacent storage so they no longer allow natural daylight into the building. No downspouts are provided along the exterior and the roofs simply shed water to the gravel paving surrounding the building.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Equipment Shop Building Floor Plan

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Carpentry Shop The carpentr y shop located in the southwest corner of the maintenance area ser ves primarily as material storage and tool storage for the proper ty.

The main storage areas are insulated and heated, and a restroom is provided in the southwest corner of the building. The exterior siding, doors, and windows are showing age and may need to be repaired if the building remains in the future Master Plan and design. The asphalt shingle roof appears to be in good shape and does not need to be repaired at this time.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Carpentry Shop Floor Plan

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ADA Assessment Overview Per ADA.gov, Title III of the Americans with Disability Ac t (ADA) is meant to ensure that people with disabilities can fully par ticipate in all aspec ts of life. Title III focuses on private businesses, also known as public accommodations, and includes non-profits. The ADA requires that businesses provide individuals with disabilities an equal oppor tunity to access the goods or ser vices they of fer, and that architec tural and communication barriers that are struc tural must be removed in public areas of existing facilities when their removal is readily achievable. “Readily achievable means easy to do without much dif ficulty or expense.” Full compliance is only required for new construc tion and alterations.

The Title III regulations recommend that four priorities be considered when planning for the removal of readily achievable barriers. They include: •

Priority 1: Accessible approach and entrance

•

Priority 2: Access to goods and ser vices

•

Priority 3: Access to restrooms

•

Priority 4: Any other measures necessar y

Hayes Arboretum values ever yone’s civil rights and wishes to provide equal oppor tunity and equitable ser vices and access for visitors to the campus.

Over the last few years, the arboretum has been collaborating with The Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana (ILCEIN) on an accessibility assessment of the campus and strategies for correc ting barriers to accessibility. Within the past year, the arboretum has made a concer ted ef for t to enhance accessibility to various areas of the campus. The arboretum recently installed an

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accessible ramp connec ting the Administration Building to the adjacent accessible parking area. Additionally, with recent updates to the organizational website, Hayes Arboretum has provided enhanced accessibility features that allow the user auditor y and visual manipulation oppor tunities, making it more user-friendly for individuals with visual and/or auditor y challenges.

The natural terrain of the arboretum campus, the age of the buildings, and the fac t that they were adapted from residential and farm struc tures into commercial and public buildings makes physical accessibility a challenge. Specific notes regarding accessibility can be found within the descriptions of the individual existing facilities, but the following is a summar y of typical challenges regarding accessibility found throughout the campus, and some initial recommendations and strategies for addressing them.

The city’s public transit system, Roseview Transit, provides bus transpor tation throughout the community with multiple stops located south of the arboretum and along US 40. No bus routes currently provide access direc tly to the arboretum’s main entrance.

Parking Lots Many parking lots lack dedicated ADA parking stalls, and some parking lots are unpaved. Where feasible, accessible parking spaces should be paved, and the correc t number of marked ADA parking stalls should be provided with required striping, access aisles, and signage.

Accessible Paths Due to its size and significant terrain, it is dif ficult and unrealistic to connec t all campus amenities with accessible paths. In alignment with the priorities noted above, priority should be given to providing accessible paths from accessible parking areas to buildings, restrooms, and primar y amenities and attrac tions within the arboretum.

This will require a phased approach and strategic investments as improvements are made and/or new facilities are built.

RECOMMENDATION: • Acquire an all-terrain wheelchair or scooter.

Allow visitors to rent the scooter for use on the trails.

Nature Playscape

Restrooms During the development of this master plan, no fully compliant ADA restroom existed, however, new ADA compliant restrooms were in the process of being planned and construc ted as an upgrade to the Administration Building. ADA compliant restrooms should remain a priority for the campus and fully compliant restrooms should be considered on the east side of the campus near the existing trailhead when feasible.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The existing play areas feature natural play elements in keeping with the arboretum’s mission and goals. As the playscape continues to develop, consideration should be given to ensuring accessible routes to the play equipment and that new play equipment include accessible features where possible. Play sur facing surrounding accessible play equipment should be accessible, and materials such as engineered wood fiber mulch or rubberized sur facing should be used.

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Accessible Seating Various seating options are located throughout the arboretum campus that include movable chairs, picnic tables, and stone boulders, among others.

Most benches and seating options lack accessible routes to them. In addition, ADA requires companion spaces for wheelchairs at seating locations. Moving for ward, the arboretum should consider inclusion of companion spaces at benches along accessible routes and ADA compliant picnic tables where picnic tables are provided.

Lighting Open hours for the arboretum generally fall within natural daylight hours minimizing the need for outdoor site lighting. If expanded hours are considered in the future, exterior site lighting should be considered in main parking lots or along paths to primar y buildings and struc tures.

Auto Tour The continuously paved Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour provides an accessible means to navigate the western por tion of the arboretum. The Auto Tour allows for physically disabled visitors to circumnavigate the arboretum in either a vehicle or an elec tric-powered wheelchair.

Passenger Tram Trailer The arboretum currently owns a modest, earlymodel tram trailer for guided group tours and hayrides along the Auto Tour route. A half-ton truck is required to pull the trailer. The tram features 5 rows of bench seating. A side rail on all four sides of the trailer secures the spec tators in place. The trailer does not include an overhead shade struc ture. Access to the trailer is by a single flight of steps leading to the trailer deck. This single flight of steps may limit par ticipation by individuals with a mobility impediment. Likewise, a lack of designated space for a wheelchair on the deck of the trailer also reduces inclusivity.

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RECOMMENDATIONS: • The arboretum should purchase a newer model trailer. Accessible features – such as a wheelchair ramp or lif t for wheelchair entr y, a low-profile deck, spacious interiors with room for maneuvering, tie-downs for scooters and wheelchairs, and grab bars for suppor t – can make the tram more accommodating for users with physical or mobility disabilities.

Exhibits Most of the arboretum’s engaging exhibits and ac tivities are housed within the early 1900s dair y barn that was retrofitted into the current nature center. Door thresholds and changes in floor elevation on the lower level make it dif ficult for visitors to navigate the ground-level exhibits. Similarly, several exhibits are presented in exhibit cases on the upper mezzanine of the Nature Center. The upper mezzanine level is not accessible by ramp or elevator.

Exterior Signage Many of the exterior exhibits are mounted on interpretive signage that can be approached by a wheelchair. Smaller children or those in wheelchairs are able to read the information due to the low-profile of most signage. Information shown on interpretive signage and kiosks is presented in English only.

Other Recommendations: • Purchase sensor y kits • Acquire audio assistance devices • Utilize universal symbology for trail navigation signage • Update interpretive signage to include braille

Many of the exhibits found in the Nature Center and Histor y Museum are hung on the wall or displayed behind a glass case. Interpretive information for exhibits is frequently shown on posters or placards, which have faded over time. The information is presented in the English language. The overall lighting within the exhibit hall of the Nature Center is rather dim due to a lack of natural lighting and adjustable spotlights.

RECOMMENDATIONS: • More tac tile exhibits – such as beaver pelts • Create exhibits and posters with high visual contrast

• Incorporate a ramp or elevator • Provide interior exhibit lighting that reduces glare and shadows, provides adequate light levels for viewing exhibits, and ensures clear pathways

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

• Include braille signage and information in multiple languages (e.g. Spanish)

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Daily Operations The arboretum is open to the public daily throughout the year. The arboretum is accessible from the main entrance along Elks Road or the east entrance at the corner of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive. An automated gate restric ts access to the arboretum’s main entrance during non-operating hours. The main arboretum campus is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, while the east campus is open from dawn to dusk.

The Nature Center and Auto Tour open at 9:00 am.

They close two hours before the arboretum closes to the public at 5:00 pm.

Operating hours occasionally change to address demand, holidays, or seasonal weather conditions.

Changes in operating hours are communicated to the public on the arboretum’s website, social media accounts, and mailing list.

No admission is required to access the arboretum.

However, a small fee is required to access the Ronald McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour for nonmembers. The fee is waived for the arboretum’s members and suppor ters.

Main Nature Center entrance

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Existing Leadership and Staffing Foundation The Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. (SWHRFI) is a private operating foundation 501c3 not-profit organization doing business as (d/b/a) Hayes Arboretum. The mission of the foundation is “to provide nature and recreation-related education through instruc tion, experiences, and amenities”.

The Foundation is led by a 14-member governing Board of Direc tors. Many members who previously ser ved or are currently ser ving on the Board are direc t descendants of the Hayes, McClure, and Mayer families who worked at the Hayes Track Appliance Company. The Board meets quar terly with both vir tual and in-person par ticipation. The Direc tors are elec ted during the Annual Board Meeting in September and hold a 1-year term.

The Board is subdivided into four sub-committees: Executive, Governance, Finance, and Proper ty and Grounds. The sub-committees meet regularly, as needed.

The Community Outreach Board (COB) ser ves as a non-governing advisor y board to the arboretum.

The COB consists of 10 members, including interested community members and individuals recommended by current COB members. The board provides additional suppor t and guidance on items related to marketing, customer experience, and finances. Five staf f members also provide guidance and suppor t to the COB.

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The COB meets monthly with sub-committees meeting regularly, as needed. COB members ser ve a 3-year term with the possibility of renewal. An annual COB Retreat is held in Januar y.

Staff Currently, the arboretum employs 5 full-time and 7 par t-time staf f members.

Daily operations are overseen by the Executive Direc tor. The executive direc tor is a licensed landscape architec t with previous experience working in private prac tice. He holds a LEED AP credential in sustainable design through the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a cer tified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The exper tise obtained from these previous experiences benefits the Executive Direc tor when developing maintenance and management plans for the arboretum’s campus, facilities, and delicate ecosystems. The Executive Direc tor does not hold a formal degree in non-profit management, business administration, accounting, or a related area of study. However, he has completed training to receive a Cer tificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) and Cer tificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership (CNEL), which aids in the direc tor’s responsibility to advance the vision and outreach ef for ts of the arboretum. Due to the small staf f number, the Executive Direc tor can of ten be found per forming additional tasks beyond his daily expec tations, such as engaging with visitors, leading education sessions, and assisting with physical maintenance.

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation Existing Organization Chart

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. Hayes Arboretum Existing Organization Chart President Chris Gilbert

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation

Asst. Secretary

Secretary

Carrie Hayes Hayes Arboretum

Betsy Hayes

Board of Directors 13 members

Executive

Directors Brice Hayes II Carrie Hayes Stephen Hayes Jr. Stephen Hayes Sr. Tom Hayes

Tom Hayes, Chair

Community Outreach Board Directors

Brice E. Hayes II

Tom Hayes

Stephen Hayes Jr.

Governance

Betsy Hayes, Chair

Hayes Staff

Chris Gilbert Brice Hayes II Stephen Hayes Jr. Stephen Hayes Sr. Bob McClure

Treasurer

Executive Director

Executive Director

Finance

Chris Gilbert, Chair

Vice President

Directors Chris Gilbert Amy Hayes Carrie Hayes Ed Hayes Stephen Hayes Jr. Stephen Hayes Sr.

Property & Grounds Brice Hayes II, Chair

Directors Stephen Hayes Jr. David McClure Ann Herrman

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation, Inc. Organization Char t (2025-2026 Leadership)

Community Out reach Boa rd Existing Organization Chart

Marketing

Customer Experience

Communit y Outreach Board Organization Char t

Finance

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Community Outreach Board

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The maintenance staf f is led by a Grounds and Maintenance Superintendent. Two par t-time labors repor t direc tly to the superintendent. The staf f is responsible for maintaining the grounds, buildings, and outdoor spaces of the arboretum by per forming tasks such as mowing, trimming, and planting as well as per forming minor repairs.

Larger projec ts that require skilled trades or extensive labor are contrac ted to an outside vendor.

Education programs and customer ser vice are overseen by the arboretum’s Naturalist and Program Coordinator. The Naturalist’s primar y role is to develop and lead the majority of the arboretum’s public education programs and classes. The Naturalist also moderates the arboretum’s social media and communication platforms.

The arboretum currently employs two par ttime Programming and Executive Suppor t staf f members. These staf f members per form dual roles. First, they may be requested to assist the Naturalist with managing and coordinating programs within the arboretum. Secondly, they may be required to assist the Executive Direc tor fulfill his roles.

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The Membership and Rentals Manager maintains positive relations with current and former members of the arboretum. The manager moderates the reser vation of the Turner-Grey Meeting Room by community organizations. The Membership and Rentals Manager also ser ves as the unof ficial historian of the arboretum by curating the collec tion of ar tifac ts found within the Hayes Histor y Museum.

Gif t Shop Assistant is a par t-time position. This individual greets visitors when entering the Nature Center, transac ts sales within the Gif t Shop, answers the phone, and completes other clerical tasks when required.

The Development Direc tor is one of the newest positions at the arboretum. The development direc tor oversees an organization’s fundraising and development ef for ts, which involves creating and implementing strategies to secure financial suppor t from various sources like individual donors, corporations, and foundations.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The 2025 SWHRFI Board (L to R): Brice Hayes II, Carrie Hayes, Ann Herrman, Amy Hayes, Stephen Hayes Jr., Chris Gilber t, Betsy Hayes, Ed Hayes, Stephen Hayes Sr., Dave Dant, and Tom Hayes

Staf fing Organization Char t

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Finances, Affiliations, & Certification Finances In 2024, the arboretum repor ted a net income of $1.9 million. Review of the financial records indicates sustained financial grow th over the last half-decade due to increased donor and membership suppor t, awarding of grants, and necessar y improvements.

For example, in 2023, 70% of the arboretum’s revenue was generated through the transac tion of selling stocks valued at $2,811,000. An additional 9.3% of the foundation’s revenue was earned through the award of various grants.

Grant-funded revenue increased by 69.3% to 78.6% in 2024 with the appor tion of $2,000,000 from various local and national grant oppor tunities.

The annual operating income has averaged between $500,000 to $600,000, while net assets have continued to grow to $15.6 million over the last half decade.

Revenue/Assets/Expenses History Year

Revenue

Expenses

Net Income

Net Assets

2024

$2,541,502.00

$630,157.00

$1,911,345.00

$15,666,894.00

2023

$4,007,565.00

$503,958.00

$3,503,607.00

$13,756,711.00

2022

$1,346,622.00

$446,806.00

$899,816.00

$10,253,104.00

2021

$1,294,476.00

$360,516.00

$933,960.00

$9,331,054.00

2020

$244,958.00

$390,497.00

-$145,539.00

$8,397,094.00

2019

$407,824.00

$393,103.00

$14,721.00

$8,542,633.00

Source: Candid.org ht tps://projec ts.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/351061111

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In an ef for t to expand their network of like-minded agencies, gain access to additional resources, share knowledge, and strengthen advocacy for conser vation, education, and nature, Hayes Arboretum continues to share membership and suppor t with several state- and national-level organizations. These organizations include: • ArbNet: An international organization administered by Mor ton Arboretum that promotes advocacy for tree planting and conser vation through a network of accredited arboreta. Hayes Arboretum is currently cer tified as a Level II arboretum through the organization.

• Association of Nature Center Administrators: A professional association dedicated to the leaders of the environmental learning centers.

The organization provides training, resources, and networking oppor tunities to its members.

• Nature Explorer: A national network of organizations that provide programming and resources to help connec t children to nature. Hayes Arboretum’s Nature Playscape ser ves as one of 600 cer tified Nature Explorer Classrooms through the organization.

• Indiana Birding Trail: A network of locations across the state that highlights Indiana’s diverse habitat and bird populations. Hayes Arboretum is one of 60 focus sites.

• Indiana Phenology: A non-profit organization that promotes the development of citizen science projec ts that study and record the seasonal changes in nature across the state of Indiana. Hayes Arboretum currently ser ves as a corporate suppor ter.

• Candid: An online database that provides insights and tools for non-profit groups and funders. The platform promotes transparency of financial records through various levels of cer tification. Hayes Arboretum is currently recognized as a Platinum Transparency member.

Certification Hayes Arboretum is currently a Level II arboretum through Mor ton Arboretum’s global network of ArbNet-accredited arboretums. Cer tification through ArbNet exhibits Hayes’ commitment to excellence and promise to preser ve the natural environment. The program currently of fers four levels of accreditation. Hayes Arboretum of ficially joined the program in 2021 with Level I accreditation. Organizations seeking to obtain cer tification must satisf y all criteria. Level IIaccredited arboretums must: • Develop an arboretum plan • Be managed by an organizational or governance group • Manage and label a collec tion of 100 or more trees and woody plant taxa • Hire one or more paid management employees • Allow the arboretum to be publicly accessible • Host one or more tree planting or conser vation programs each year • Facilitate substantial education programs throughout the year • Develop a collec tions policy

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Affiliations

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Programming Hayes Arboretum of fers a diversity of educational and recreational ac tivities for its visitors. Programs include annual festivals and events, seasonal workshops and ac tivities, and recurring or special programs.

Daily and Weekly ac tivities include: • RLMF Auto Tour • Stor yWalk Trail • Saturday Cof fee and Bird Watching Seasonal education hikes and programs include: • School group tours • ArbLeaf Trail and Leaf Collec tion • Saturday Summer Series Children Camp • Indiana Audubon Field Trails • Spring Wildflower Hike • Spring Mushroom Education Program and Hike • Fall Mushroom Education Program and Hike • Ear th Day Celebration Par tner programs: • Eastern Indiana Beekeeper Association meetings • American Discover y Trail Hiking Club meetings • IDNR Master Naturalist introduc tor y course

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RECOMMENDATIONS • Most programs are reused year af ter year.

There is a need for new and fresh ideas.

• Most educational programs of fer introduc tor y content. The arboretum lacks programs with more extensive training and content.

• Most programs are focused on children and family content. Lack of content for older children and adolescents • Need more demonstration workshops • Limited programming in the winter

Pollinator Field Program

Tinkergar ten Program

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Star Gazing Program

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Public Engagement

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Strategy Public Engagement Overview Star ting early in the master planning process, the design team collaborated closely with the projec t steering committee to identif y a public engagement strategy to seek input into the design for the arboretum. The strategy centered around a multi-prong approach for gathering input that included: soliciting input at the annual Ear th Day celebration; development of a projec t website with interac tive engagement tools; facilitating focus group meetings with key stakeholders; and hosting a public open house. A brief description of each strategy and the key takeaways are noted on the following pages.

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Programmed Events Earth Day Celebration

As a major event sponsored and hosted by the arboretum, the projec t steering committee and design team identified the event as a primar y oppor tunity to solicit input from both frequent arboretum users and general community members on the plan for the arboretum. The design team created an engaging poster that encouraged the public to use Post-it notes to record their vision, thoughts, and ideas for the arboretum. The poster was visible in the Great Room of the Nature Center during the Family Ear th Day Celebration. Overall, 18 responses were recorded. A summar y of the input received is listed below.

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Add an outdoor classroom.

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Allow bikes along the path of the Auto Tour.

Perhaps assign designated times or days for bike use. Thank you for all that you do for the community!

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Add a large outdoor deck or patio area.

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Create more outdoor play areas.

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Provide more dishes for the outdoor mud kitchen.

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Bring back the animal pelts for touching.

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Add animal interac tions.

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Add a tall climbing area and a zipline.

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Add a lot of climbing areas.

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Create a playscape for all sizes of children.

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Create a developed or updated bird-watching room.

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Save the trees.

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I love the trees.

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Add swings.

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I like the walks.

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Rebuild the gazebo.

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You guys are amazing! Thank you.

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Purchase bird feeders or birdhouses that can be af fixed to the window of the bird watching room.

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I love that Hayes Arboretum encourages nature exploration in young children. Keep it up!

MY VISION FOR HAYES ARBORETUM IS...

WRI TE D OWN YOU R S U G G ESTI ONS AND POST THEM ON T HE T R E E .

Add an outdoor classroom

Add a large outdoor deck or patio area

Create more outdoor play areas

the Allow bikes along r. path of the Auto Tou gn Perhaps assi or designated times days for bike use

Provide more dishes for the mud kitchen

Bring back the animal pelts for touching

Add animal interactions

Add a tall climbing area and a zipline

Create a developed or updated bird-watching room You guys are amazing!

Thank you

Create a playscape for all sizes of children

Add a lot of climbing areas I like the walks

Add swings

Save the trees!

I love that Hayes encourages nature exploration in youn g children. Keep it up!

Rebuild the gazebo

ers Purchase bird feed can or birdhouses that the to be affixed window of the bird watching room

I love the trees

FAMILY EARTH DAY CELEBRATION | APRIL 26, 2025 HAY E S ARB OR E T U M M AST E R PLAN

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Hayes Arboretum hosted the annual Family Ear th Day Celebration on April 26, 2025. The regional festival - which features a variety of vendors booths, tree and shrub giveaways, and other family-friendly ac tivities - attrac ts attendees from the surrounding Indiana and Ohio counties in Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio.

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Project Website Overview The design team utilized the digital platform Social Pinpoint to develop a projec t website for the master planning process. A hyperlink leading to the projec t website was placed on the banner found on the arboretum’s website, hayesarboretum.org. The projec t website provided general information on the planning process, including a projec t background and timeline. The website also adver tised upcoming engagement events, oppor tunities to join a mailing list to receive projec t updates, and contac t information for the design team. Additionally, the website provided a summar y of existing conditions, a list of the projec t’s steering committee members who helped guide the planning process, and links to three digital public engagement exercises. The projec t website was viewed 422 times by 260 unique visitors over the course of the planning process.

The website’s public exercises included an online sur vey, mapping exercise, and social forum thread.

Public par ticipation in the online exercises was available for 58 days from May 5, 2025 to July 1, 2025.

The vir tual sur vey consisted of 27 multiple choice, scaled, and open-ended questions.

Sur vey par ticipants were asked a series of questions related to user preference, usage of the arboretum, the condition of existing facilities and amenities, communication preferences, and demographics. The sur vey questions were developed and reviewed with the steering committee. Overall, 88 users contributed to the vir tual sur vey. The greatest number of sur vey responses were received during the week of May 26, which coincided with the Design Workshop, focus group meetings, and public open house.

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The mapping exercise allowed par ticipants to pinpoint favorite places, significant points of interest, and areas needing improvement on a digital map of the arboretum. User-defined comments could be added to each digital pin. Five unique contributors provided a total of 24 pins and comments on the map.

The third exercise allowed people to star t a social forum sharing their experiences at the arboretum and the things they really liked or felt needed improvement. The forum received one post from one contributor.

A summar y of the sur vey input received can be found on the following pages. Full documentation of the sur vey responses can be found in Appendix 1.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Hayes Arboretum Projec t Website

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Online Survey Frequency of arboretum visitation was split evenly among sur vey respondents between several times a week, several times a month, once a month, and once a year. The arboretum’s robust trail network, auto tour, and playscape are the main attrac tions that draw users to the arboretum on a daily or weekly basis. Similarly, recurring allseason programs and social gatherings such as the Saturday Cof fee & Bird Watching program attrac t visitors to the arboretum on a weekly basis.

Monthly users most likely visit the arboretum to par ticipate in special seasonal programs or enjoy the seasonal changes in the landscape.

Most visitors to the arboretum visit as individuals, or in pairs. It can be inferred from this data that most sur vey respondents feel safe at the arboretum and prefer individual leisure ac tivities as compared to larger group or social ac tivities.

The majority of sur vey respondents noted their primar y reason for visiting the arboretum to be for trail hiking or running and nature viewing.

Visting the Nature Center, family gathering, and the auto tour rounded out the top five reasons that respondents visit the arboretum. This data suggests continuing to prioritize trails, nature experiences, and Nature Center programming.

How often do you visit Hayes Arboretum?

What is the primar y reason you visit Hayes Arboretum?

Other: birding, Purdue Extension classes, meetings, reminiscing, invasive removal, special events

Nearly all respondents indicated that they have physically visited the arboretum within the last three years, while nearly half of the sur vey par ticipants indicated that they have made a financial contribution to the arboretum.

Surprisingly, only 15% of sur vey respondents indicated that they have volunteered at the arboretum. Additional programming and volunteer incentives may be considered to increase user par ticipation in the facilities.

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When asked specifically about the programming ac tivities that sur vey respondents par ticipated in, the most popular option was the auto tour while many of the respondents noted they do not par ticipate in programming. This data is likely biased because of the demographics of the sur vey respondents, described later, and because most programming is geared towards youth.

What programs or amenities do you use most at Hayes Arboretum?

Other: invasive removal, seed collec ting, open house, childens’ programming, wedding at the Woodland Chapel, Purdue Extension classes, Girl Scout meetings, car ving class

Most sur vey par ticipants indicated the landscape’s natural beauty and peacefulness as being the most enjoyable aspec ts of the arboretum. Conser vation ef for ts and the forest’s biodiversity were also mentioned as positive aspec ts of the arboretum.

What do you value the most about the Arboretum?

Consistent with responses received on other questions, trails are the most valued asset of the arboretum followed by wildlife habitat and nature preser vation.

Even when asked what sur vey respondents liked least about Hayes Arboretum, the responses were generally positive and complaints were minimal. Ver y few large-scale recommendations were made by sur vey par ticipants. Suggestions included reducing the ruggedness of the existing trails, upgrading and simplif ying trail signage, renovating exhibits in the Nature Center, and extending operating hours to provide greater access to the campus.

How well do you agree or disagree with each statement?

Many sur vey respondents did not provide recommendations for additional features or improvements. Significant or recurring recommendations include upgrades to the existing Nature Center exhibits, creating accessible restrooms by either renovating the existing Nature Center restroom or adding additional

Most barriers are intrapersonal to the sur vey respondent, with lack of time and geographic distance being the two most mentioned barriers by respondents. Several sur vey respondents indicated that the arboretum’s hours of operations also restric t their use of the facility.

The next question of the public sur vey asked respondents how well they agreed or disagreed with specific statements. In general, respondents felt Hayes Arboretum is a strong asset within the community, that it has a diversity of events and programs, that it caters well to children and adults, and that it is welcoming to people of all ages and background; however, it is wor th noting that people felt more neutral as to whether or not

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

restrooms, continued trail maintenance, and additional programming oppor tunities.

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the arboretum successfully catered to teens. In terms of facilities, respondents felt the arboretum was safe, that there is ample parking for daily operations, but were less confident in the amount of parking for events, and believe that it does a good job of conser ving nature. In terms of accessibility, people seemed more evenly split on their responses indicating room for improvement.

How old are you?

The sur vey also asked people to describe the arboretum in three words. The top responses included: natural; beautiful; peaceful; welcoming; and educational, among others. The descriptors direc tly align with the arboretum’s mission, which indicates the campus is fulfilling its purpose.

The last sec tion of the sur vey also inquired about the demographics of the sur vey respondents. In general, more than half of the respondents were over 55 years old with no respondents under 25 years old. The majority of respondents identified as Caucasian, more than half were female, and nearly ¾ of all respondents had either a bachelor’s or graduate’s degree. About half of respondents were members of the arboretum. Most sur vey par ticipants were local residents who reside in Richmond, Randolph and Wayne Counties, or the surrounding western Ohio communities.

Several out-of-state responses were also recorded from par ticipants who previously lived near the arboretum or visited the arboretum while visiting family in the region. Surprisingly, no responses were recorded from residents of other larger Indiana and Ohio incorporated and urbanized areas, such as Indianapolis, For t Wayne, or Day ton. This may suggest a need to broaden the arboretum’s marketing strategy to reach a wider regional user group.

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How would you describe your ethnicity?

What THREE words would you use to describe Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis:

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

“Nature, Beautiful, and Peaceful” were the most common words used to describe the arboretum. Ef for ts should be made to continue to preser ve the natural beauty of the campus.

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Mapping Exercise

Social Input Forum

Within the mapping exercise, several points of interest were noted. They included:

As previously noted, only one social input forum was created. The forum noted an appreciation for the trail system, ranking them as “the BEST local hiking trails.” Specifically, the commentor noted the arboretum trails are well-maintained, of fer a variety of experiences, and provide a range of dif ficulty levels and experiences. While no other par ticipants commented on the forum it did receive two likes.

•

Scott Pond

•

the southwest corner of the Red Stor y walk Trail

•

the Pollinator Prairie near Woodside Dr.

Favorite spots that were noted specifically included: •

The Research Pond

•

Salamander Stream

•

Spring House

Areas needing improvement included: •

the southwest corner of the arboretum where invasive species management is needed

•

soil erosion near the pedestrian tunnel

•

fallen trees in the fern garden

•

successional forest management in the prairie areas

Other general comments included:

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•

suggestions for wildflower planting near the fire station

•

additional wildflower plantings near the pedestrian tunnel

•

prairie restoration areas in various locations across the campus

Mapping Exercise

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The chart on the following page refers to the map below.

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Focus Group Meetings Overview

Identity

Day 1 of the design workshop held in late May was focused on engaging arboretum stakeholders.

Beginning in the morning and extending through the af ternoon, the design team met with six stakeholder groups that included:

•

There is a need to define a clear mission and the unique attributes of Hayes Arboretum when compared to other nature-focused institutions in the county such as Cope Environmental Center

•

User Groups

•

•

Educators

•

Community Leaders

Hayes Arboretum feels ver y welcoming and has a public sense of ownership even though it is privately owned

•

Community Groups/Par tners

•

Hayes has significantly more topography than other local of ferings

•

Environmental Groups

•

The staf f is ver y welcoming

•

Donors/Members

•

The arboretum is just big enough that you can almost get lost

•

There is a need to fur ther clarif y what Hayes Arboretum is, and its role.

•

Hayes Arboretum has a long community histor y

•

The staf f ser ves on several community boards

•

The institution has been physically located in the community for more than 60 years

•

There is a need for more community outreach

Approximately 33 par ticipants attended the focus group meetings throughout the day and each of the sessions was formatted as a round table discussion where the design team asked specific questions to begin the conversations.

The feedback was recorded in digital notes and on flipchar ts that were posted around the room.

While each of the groups had unique input and perspec tives, common themes emerged that were categorized into four categories including: Identity; Way finding & Access; Meeting & Hosting; and Amenities. The recurring themes included:

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Wayfinding & Access •

Access/transpor tation to arboretum from other areas in the community is a challenge – need better access for children

•

Need to increase trail accessibility (ADA access)

•

Improve overall trail way finding and navigation

•

Need to provide more available and accessible restrooms

•

Need to provide more group access to trails for school-age children (education oppor tunities)

•

Increase visibility to entr y

•

Address and reunif y existing separation between east and west campus

•

Create pull-of fs or passing areas for slower vehicles along the auto tour

Meeting & Hosting •

Need more availability and facilities to host multiple events

•

Need more flexible space for gathering

•

Need spaces for larger groups

•

Increase the oppor tunity for external organizations to host classes of f-site at the arboretum

•

There is a need for more restrooms, specifically near the playscape and east side trail

•

An outdoor sculpture park or rotating ar t exhibits would be a good addition

•

Need to provide a more ef ficient maintenance and operations area within a centralized location

•

Improvements to the Brice Hayes Fountain would make it a more attrac tive destination for events

•

More interior gathering spaces are needed to suppor t visiting groups

•

There are oppor tunities for rental revenue if it aligns with the arboretums mission and desires

•

There is a need for more outdoor picnic and gathering spaces

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Amenities

Focus Group Meetings

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Public Open House Overview

Activities Summary

During the evening of the first day of the design workshop, the design team facilitated a public open house that was held in the Nature Center.

Attendees were asked to sign in and the event was organized informally so that people could come and go as they pleased during a two-hour time frame. Within the Nature Center, a series of ac tivity stations were available for people to vote and share ideas on existing amenities, share visions for future amenities and programming, and of fer any other recommendations or suggestions.

Below is a summar y of the comments received.

In general, people felt the arboretum needed more restrooms, drinking fountains, way finding signage, paved trails, scenic overlooks, outdoor seating, cultural landscapes, interpretive signage, and bike parking. People were generally neutral on whether additional parking was needed and there were no votes suggesting there was “enough” of any given amenity. The top three requested amenities included restrooms, drinking fountains, and way finding signage.

Existing Amenities

Please use dot stickers to indicate which items you would like to see more of at the arboretum.

Drinking Fountain on East Side / RR on East Side w/ a pet fountain as well

DRINKING FOUNTAINS CULTURAL LANDSCAPES INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE

Update Signage

WAYFINDING SIGNAGE Add restrooms on the east side.

RESTROOMS PARKING BIKE PARKING OUTDOOR SEATING SCENIC OVERLOOKS PAVED TRAILS

Add a changing area on the east side.

ENOUGH

NEED MORE

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

Keep, Improve, or Change Existing Landmarks & Features

“I like it. Keep It!”

Use a dot sticker to tell us what you think about the current amenities

“Could be improved”

“Change it or do something different”

Chickens or other interactive animal; Song bird aviary?

Nature Center

Turner-Grey Meeting Room

History Museum

Playscape

Morton Arch

Auto Tour

Butterfly Cottage

Add a few places to pull over Update upstairs exhibits to newer themes Partnership w/ Earlham students?

Run the fountain more or post a schedule for when the fountain will run.

Woodland Chapel

Scenic Overlook

Spring House

Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

Native American Mounds

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

Eastern Trails

MTN Biking Camp

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

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When asked what existing amenities par ticipants would like to keep, improve, or change, they generally wanted to keep all of the existing amenities noted. The eastern Trails, Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain, Spring House, Scenic Overlook, Woodland Chapel, Butter fly Cottage, Auto Tour, Playscape, Histor y Museum, and Nature showed mixed results, but had general recommendations for improvements. All of the votes for the Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) recommended improvements. Three facilities, including the Eastern Trails, Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain, and Auto Tour, were recommended for more significant changes or repurposing.

Regarding trails, the entire trail system was the most popular selec tion related to frequency of use and “favorite trail.” Each of the individual trails received a similar number of votes with the West Campus – Yellow Old Grow th and West Campus – Auto Tour being the most popular.

Par ticipants were also asked to vote on ideas for future improvements and/or amenities. As shown in the adjacent graph, the most popular votes and requests were for restrooms and comfor t stations, followed by native plantings and habitat, nature trails and boardwalks, adventure/challenge courses, Nature Center renovations, and more.

These results track closely with the additional public engagement results received.

•

Outdoor gathering areas, attrac tions to visitors like canopy walks and treehouses, boardwalk / overlook experiences at Scott Pond, and public ar t

•

Trail improvements, tree planting, and community gardens

•

Thematic ac tivities like nature-themed board games, larping, etc.

•

Shor t, flat, and paved trails

•

Pre-arranged classroom ac tivities that can be taken to local schools

•

Casual biking on the auto tour route

•

Mountain biking

•

Ac tivities for high school aged students

•

Enhanced school engagement

•

Restore past successful programs

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

One open-ended question was asked during the open house for par ticipants to provide their vision for the arboretum. The responses included desires for:

Public Open House

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Site Analysis

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SWOT Analysis Analysis and Summary of Strengths Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats Af ter reviewing and researching existing conditions and receiving public input through the projec t website, on-site Ear th Day events, and design week focus group meetings and open house, the design team conduc ted a strengths, weaknesses, oppor tunities, and threats (SWOT ) analysis organized into categories of histor y and legacy, context, natural features, and existing facilities and programming, to help guide the development of a projec t vision and goals, and to influence design concepts. A summar y of the SWOT analysis can be found below.

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STRENGTHS History & Legacy

Existing Facilities & Programming

•

The arboretum and Hayes family have a rich histor y within the communit y and are ac tively engaged

•

•

Visitors and volunteers appreciate that the arboretum’s family namesake remains ac tively engaged in daily and long-term operations of the facilit y

The Nature Center, Turner Grey Meeting Room, and Administration building create a unique, agrarian charac ter for the arboretum

•

Visitors appreciate the detailed family histor y and legacy of the Hayes Family that is represented within the Museum

•

The walking trails and auto tour are beloved and wellrecognized communit y asset s

•

The East Trailhead receives significant use and provides a valuable connec tion to the east campus

•

The playscape is ver y popular and used on a daily basis

•

Nature Center

•

Stakeholders note how welcoming and friendly the arboretum staf f and family are, which creates a uniquely personal experience distinc t from other organizations Members of the communit y have strong personal connec tions and fond memories of the arboretum dating back multiple decades resulting from programming or visiting as youth; this creates a desire to continue suppor ting the arboretum through volunteerism and financial suppor t

Context •

The arboretum is conveniently located within close proximit y of to several large urban areas including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Day ton, Columbus, Ft. Wayne, and Louisville

•

Multiple parks, nature areas, conser vancies, etc. are located within a 40 -mile radius of Hayes Arboretum

•

The arboretum is easily accessible from I-70 and US 40

• •

•

The arboretum is located within a unique ecoregion and features distinc t topography and ecosystems The qualit y and size of the Old Grow th Forest is unique to Hayes Arboretum and beloved by the communit y

•

The water qualit y within the Hayes Arboretum subwatershed is highly rated

•

E xperienced maintenance staf f, personnel, and volunteers have the knowledge and skill set s to protec t existing natural features

•

Interior and ex terior aesthetic of the original barn struc ture is unique and at trac tive

•

The proximit y to the entr y parking lot and arrival sequence makes the struc ture convenient and prominent within the site Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

•

Size and use of annex meeting room

•

ADA access and proximit y to parking and site amenities

•

C

Administration Building •

Historic log cabin substruc ture is a unique amenit y

•

Building proximit y to main campus entrance

•

Natural Features •

Historic legacy of the 1813 barn struc ture

•

Glenn Miller Park, trails, and sidewalks exist in proximit y of to the arboretum The Cit y of Richmond of fers a public bus system

•

Museum •

Presence of historic struc ture and legacy/histor y

•

Proximit y to main campus entrances

• •

General ex terior condition But ter fly Cot tage

•

Struc ture is in good condition

•

Proximit y to the nature playscape

•

Proximit y to the west over flow parking lot

•

Maintenance Buildings (Equipment Shop, Covered Storage, and Wood Shop) •

Variet y of t ypes of storage (covered, enclosed, heated)

•

Facilities are separated from the public facilities and E xecutive Direc tor ’s residence but are convenient to the campus

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

•

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WEAKNESSES History & Legacy •

Visitors feel the histor y museum and exhibit s are underutilized and could be placed in a more prominent location

•

Despite occurring more than 20 years ago and being required for the long-term sustainabilit y of the arboretum, some resentment remains in the communit y regarding the sale of proper t y at the southwest corner of the campus

•

Youth and student visitation, interac tion, and engagement with the arboretum is largely dependent on geographic location; student s living in dif ferent areas of the count y and region may be more apt to visit other facilities such as Cope Environmental Center

•

The existing, main parking lot to bet ween the Nature Center and Administration Building creates potential conflic t bet ween pedestrians and children going to the playscape and Nature Center, and automobiles navigating the parking lot and accessing the auto tour

•

Closure of the mountain biking trails has created a communit y-wide void for that t ype of recreation, causing people to travel out side of the communit y and to other par t s of the region

•

Several amenities are inaccessible from paths and/or in need of deferred maintenance

•

Context •

•

•

There is a low volume of visitors from regional urban centers like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Day ton, Columbus, Ft. Wayne, and Louisville

The cit y’s public bus system does not direc tly connec t to Hayes Arboretum

Invasive plant material is an ongoing struggle and is encroaching into multiple areas of the campus

•

Erosion is an ongoing issue in por tions of the east campus

•

Additional maintenance staf f and volunteers are needed to fully address invasive plant s

•

•

Topography creates challenges for meeting ADA requirement s and accommodating pedestrian and vehicular access from Hayes Arboretum Rd.

•

•

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It is dif ficult for some with limited time or mobilit y issues to access the nor th end of the east campus because of the distance from the southeast trailhead

•

Lack of physical and visual connec tions bet ween the interior and ex terior spaces

•

Low head height s in various locations

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Aging MEP infrastruc ture Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

•

Deteriorating ex terior siding

•

Lack of physical and visual connec tion bet ween interior spaces and ex terior spaces

•

Storage space is underutilized

•

HVAC systems are loud and distrac ting during meetings

•

•

Existing Facilities & Programming

Lack of accessible restrooms and restroom access on the first floor

•

Pedestrian circulation, including trails, sidewalks, and walking paths, primarily occur internally in the arboretum and ex ternal connec tions to surrounding development are lacking

Natural Features

Nature Center •

Administration Building •

Deteriorating ex terior materials

•

Lack of accessibilit y to kitchen on first floor

•

Accessible path to future ADA restrooms requires upgrades to promote full ADA compliance Museum

•

Underutilized interior program due to location But ter fly Cot tage

•

Unconditioned space with no elec tricit y

•

Inconvenient access to parking for storage and large materials

•

Maintenance Buildings (Equipment Shop, Covered Storage, and Wood Shop) •

Non- cohesive approach to storage Several vehicles are stored uncovered and out side due to space limitations

•

Topography limit s trail accessibilit y

•

•

Some trails lack firm and stable sur faces that suppor t accessibilit y

•

Minimal amount of material storage

•

There is a lack of seating along trails

•

Dif ficult y accepting semi-truck and large truck deliveries

OPPORTUNITIES •

Nature Center

•

Relocating the histor y museum to a more prominent and frequented location could raise awareness and create additional personal connec tions to the campus

•

Future addition oppor tunities to expand programming, increase accessibilit y, and suppor t the building

•

The arboretum should expand it s outreach to regional school systems to increase awareness and help establish personal connec tions bet ween youth and the campus at an early age

•

Improved sustainable building infrastruc ture and strategies

•

Refreshed exhibit space could improve visitor engagement and ser ve future programming

Context •

Marketing along interstates and in large, regional urban centers could help increase arboretum at tendance

•

Connec tions to nearby amenities including Glen Miller Park, trail net works, and surrounding neighborhoods would improve arboretum access

•

Establishing a public bus stop at the arboretum could increase access for individuals with limited transpor tation options

•

Par tnering with regional parks, education centers, and nature areas could help fur ther reinforce Hayes Arboretum’s unique position within the market and increase visitation

• •

The arboretum’s unique natural features make it a stronger candidate for specific grant oppor tunities

•

The unique ecoregions and physical features of the arboretum could be fur ther marketed and celebrated within programming and amenities

•

A high point along Hayes Arboretum Rd. creates oppor tunit y for a new east entrance and east campus access point

Existing Facilities & Programming •

The area near the Native American Mound on the east side of the campus provides an oppor tunit y for a second trailhead due to it s location along Hayes Arboretum Rd.

•

Cer tain trails or por tions of trails are flat ter and less strenuous, creating more oppor tunities for accessible paths

•

If insurance coverage can be found, mountain biking represent s a unique recreation and grow th oppor tunit y for the arboretum

•

Continued playscape expansion will increase arboretum visitation

Renovation could allow updated technology and interior/ex terior furnishing upgrades to improve usabilit y

•

Sustainable building cer tifications

•

Administration Building •

Potential restoration of original log cabin and house

•

Interior walls could be modified to bet ter ser ve of fice or future func tion

•

Museum •

•

Potential relocation, alternative use, or integration into the playscape may bet ter suit size and nature of struc ture

C

But ter fly Cot tage •

Natural Features •

Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

•

Modified location/siting to promote enhanced ac tivit y in the pollinator experience zone Maintenance Buildings (Equipment Shop, Covered Storage, and Wood Shop)

•

Centralize storage into one struc ture for bet ter ef ficiency

•

Improve func tionalit y of vehicle and equipment storage

•

Improve ventilation, insulation, and heating as needed

•

Establish a loading dock and improve deliver y circulation

•

Create a dedicated garage for ser vicing and repairing equipment

•

Create a dedicated wash bay

•

Provide indoor storage space for chemicals

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

History & Legacy

140

THREATS History & Legacy

Existing Facilities & Programming

•

Modernization and expansion of facilities could detrac t from the campus appeal and aesthetic if not done in sensitive way

•

Amenit y expansion and improvement s will increase maintenance and staf fing needs

•

Additional amenities may increase insurance liabilit y

•

Lack of succession planning and Hayes family investment could impac t the legacy over time

•

Unsustainable grow th could cause financial stress

Context •

The number of nearby parks, natural areas, and conser vancies creates competition for the arboretum

•

Changes in surrounding development could impac t the arboretum long-term

Natural Features

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•

E xisting, surrounding development has the potential to impac t water qualit y and encourage migration of invasives into the arboretum proper t y.

•

Invasive plant s could over take native vegetation if ongoing annual maintenance does not persist

•

Campus development could negatively impac t existing water qualit y, plant communities, and sensitive ecosystemS

•

Nature Center •

•

Significant cost of historic building maintenance Maintenance Buildings (Equipment Shop, Covered Storage, and Wood Shop)

•

Proximit y to Hayes Arboretum Road makes the location more prone to vandalism and thef t

•

Current struc ture layout could limit future maintenance expansion without some reorganization

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Hayes Arboretum Master Plan Open House discussion regarding the existing trail net work

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Framework Analysis Overview

Elks Rd.

Organizing the Hayes Arboretum campus into a framework of zones defined by similar use, habitat, unique charac ter, strengths, and oppor tunities helps identif y focus areas for improvement and establish a campus-wide vision and recommendations. As illustrated in the adjacent diagram, the master plan divides the campus into the following, proposed zones.

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Camps Framework Diagram

o eD

E. Mai n St./ U.S. 40 Gravel Pit Rd.

r.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Wo d dsi

144

Hayes Arboretum Rd.

West Campus West Campus Center The most public facing and developed area of the campus, the West Campus Center is “ground zero,” charac terized by the main entrance to the campus, the Nature Center and associated programming, Administration building, Grey Turner Meeting Room (Annex) playscape, and auto tour access. It is the area of the campus most associated with programmed visits to the arboretum. This zone has the greatest oppor tunity for additional development with new classroom space, Nature Center renovations, and playscape enhancements. The zone has the oppor tunity to extend east to Hayes Arboretum Rd. and East Entrance Zone, providing a new, primar y entrance and arrival sequence to the west campus while also improving connec tivity to the east campus and celebrating the historic Hayes Home.

Historic Landscape/Legacy A culturally significant area of the campus, the historic landscape/legacy zone contains Upness (Hayes Home), the Mildred S. Hayes Memorial, remnants of an earlier homestead, and the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain. The area contains the highest elevation ground in the west campus and is charac terized by a pastoral landscape and traditional development charac teristic of the early 20th centur y. This zone provides the oppor tunity to celebrate the legacy of the Hayes family from Hayes Arboretum Road and provides oppor tunity to host revenue-generating private events and programming.

Forest Walk Charac terized by mature woodlands, the forest walk zones contain walking trails, the auto tour, and unique natural and man-made features like the Mor ton Arch. These zones are intended to remain undeveloped to promote an immersive nature experience and promote continued maturation of the woods.

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East Entrance & Maintenance The east entrance and maintenance zone is charac terized by the east ser vice access to the arboretum and the suppor t struc tures and staf f who are critical to the daily operations of the arboretum. With proximity to Hayes Arboretum Rd., this area has the oppor tunity for enhancements to suppor t future maintenance needs, improve truck deliver y, equipment storage, maintenance, and daily operations. This zone also provides the oppor tunity to establish a new public entrance to the campus, providing greater visibility to the Historic Landscape/Legacy zone and enhancing the arrival experience to the West Campus Center.

Old Growth The Old Grow th Zone is charac terized by virgin Indiana woods with trees dating to presettlement times. Also containing the research pond, Woodland Chapel, Scenic Overlook, and Salamander Stream, this zone contains the most sensitive habitats within the Hayes Arboretum campus and should be protec ted. Improvements should be limited to trail and architec tural inter ventions that promote accessibility and inclusivity.

Southwest Connector The southwest corner of the campus is charac terized by a wooded, drainage area for the commercial development to the south. This zone provides the greatest threat to the campus related to invasive plant migration, litter, and pollution.

The zone should remain a buf fer and implement strategies for protec ting the campus from development pressure. Increased connec tivity enhancements could encourage pedestrian access from the southwest.

Plant Exhibition This zone includes the Native Woody Plant Preser ve, the formal arboretum of Hayes Arboretum. This zone is largely undeveloped and primarily accessed by the auto tour. Increased trail connec tivity and visibility to the nor thern two-thirds of the west campus and the east side trailhead are recommended to increase visitation and promote additional use.

East Campus Southeast Trailhead This zone is charac terized by the only publicly accessible vehicular entrance to the east half of the campus and the only pedestrian connec tion between the east and west halves of the campus.

Heavily used, this zone should be considered for additional improvements including improved bus access, shelter, restrooms, and enhanced signage.

Northeast Trailhead This zone is charac terized by the Native American Mound, a ser vice road, and a relatively open area within the east campus woodland. Located at the highest point of Hayes Arboretum Rd. and direc tly adjacent to a proposed east campus public entrance from Hayes Arboretum Rd., this location provides the greatest oppor tunity to establish a second trailhead and vehicular entrance to the nor th half of the east campus.

Bowl The Bowl zone of the arboretum is charac terized by abrupt grade change and low-lying topography inaccessible by trail. This zone receives limited access and is immediately adjacent to the perimeter of the campus and the railroad. This zone should remain a buf fer for the campus and primarily receive invasive plant management.

Preserved Wetland Containing a second Native American Mound and charac terized by wetland vegetation on the east side of Culmer’s Run, this zone of the arboretum is primarily inaccessible to the public. Managed by the arboretum but owned by a local utility, this zone of the arboretum could be considered for future trail/boardwalk access, habitat research, and programming.

Habitat Education This zone is charac terized by a combination of prairie grasses, successional woodlands, and Scott’s Pond, and provides oppor tunities for increased programming, signage, accessible trails, and boardwalks.

This zone represents some of the most frequently used and recently disturbed areas of the arboretum. It is charac terized by woodlands in the early stages of succession and is more significantly impac ted by invasive plant material due to previous disturbance. Containing walking trails and recently decommissioned mountain biking trails, this zone should be considered for enhanced invasive management and continued trail development. Extensive trail development also creates the need for enhanced signage and trail amenities.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Woodland Exploration

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05 147

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Benchmark Studies

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Benchmarking Overview A benchmark analysis was conduc ted to compare Hayes Arboretum’s per formances, prac tices, and amenities against peer institutions. The study compared the arboretum to seven arboretums, botanic gardens, and environmental centers. Each institution is unique in their design, program of ferings, and func tional layout.

Geographic Location

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Each of the benchmarked organizations are located within 140 - to 350 -miles from Hayes Arboretum. With approximately 138 miles of separation, Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio is the nearest study area. Klehm Arboretum and Botanical Garden is 346 miles nor thwest of Hayes Arboretum and the far thest study area.

Each of the seven studied institutions are located within the Midwest region of the continental United States of America and share a temperate climate. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is the nor thernmost institution reviewed as a par t of this study. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Kentucky is the far thest south. Each study area is in a USDA hardiness zone between

Zones 5a and 7b.

Because of this geographic proximity, all the benchmarked organizations share similar climatic conditions, indigenous plant species, and common challenges.

Physical size of each study area varies greatly.

Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park’s 158 acres, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre living museum, and F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm’s 104 acres of conser ved forestland are slightly smaller yet comparable in size to Hayes Arboretum. Mor ton Arboretum and Dawes Arboretum each have more than 1,500 acres of managed land. Covering 13,000 acres, Holden Forest and Gardens is one of the largest arboretums in the countr y. However, by far, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is the largest study areas with over 16,000 acres of monitored and managed land. Of this total, 400 acres is open to the public and managed as a formal arboretum. The larger sizes of these institutions most likely requires a larger population of staf f and greater maintenance than Hayes Arboretum. While the physical size of

the benchmarked arboretums and gardens var y greatly, they all encompassed a similar vision to promote environmental conser vation, research, and education.

Each organization is governed by a non-profit organization and lead by either a President /CEO or Executive Direc tor.

Both Hayes Arboretum and Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden share a Level II accreditation under the ArbNet cer tification program. However, larger institutions such as Dawes Arboretum, Mor ton Arboretum, Bernheim Forest, and Holden Forest & Gardens received the highest Level IV accreditation through the program.

These organization’s larger flora collec tions, advanced research programs, and larger staf fing oppor tunities aided in the achievement of the higher accreditation.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

With over 16 miles of trails, Hayes Arboretum contained a significantly greater amount of trails per acres when compared to most peer institutions.

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Buildings and Facilities: Hayes Arboretum has a comparable number of trail miles compared to Dawes Arboretum and Mor ton Arboretum. However, a more accurate comparison can be obser ved by quantif ying the total number of trail miles per total acres for each study area.

With 0.05 miles per acre, Hayes Arboretum has more trails than Mor ton, Bernheim, and Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Based on this information, the addition of new trails within Hayes Arboretum should be a low priority. Rather, resources should be allocated to maintain existing trail infrastruc ture.

Study areas frequently contained four or more permanent building struc tures. Common struc tures included a welcome center, a nature center, a maintenance facility, and administrative of fices. A nature center was nearly always present at each of the areas studied to provide conditioned space to display exhibits, information, and other resources.

Similarly, each study area included a freestanding maintenance facility that was of ten separated from the publicly accessible areas of the garden

151

or arboretum. Several study areas included interac tive playgrounds or children’s gardens to attrac t younger guests. Both Bernheim Arboretum and Frederik Meijer Gardens utilized public ar t and sculptures on their campus to attrac t visitors.

Other unique features found on the campuses of the study areas included a café or restaurant, gif t shop, ponds for aquatic recreation, and bicycling trails.

Staffing Hayes Arboretum is significantly under-staf fed with a combination of 12 full-time and par t-time employees. While Dawes Arboretum is notably larger in land mass, both Hayes and Dawes have a comparable level of staf fing. Both institutions have approximately 0.04 staf f members per acre.

A minimum of 50 staf f members can be obser ved in all the peer institutions studied. With a devoted team of more than 200 staf f members needed to curate the ar t collec tion, tend to flower beds, and welcome visitors, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park employs the most staf f of the six benchmarked facilities.

Staf fing of the peer institutions is led by an executive direc tor or president. Additional staf f members are usually categorized under one of four depar tments: facilities and grounds, programming, education, and outreach. The total number of staf f members in each depar tment varied by organization based on their individual goals and needs.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

A limited number of staf f members exacerbates stress on the current staf f at Hayes Arboretum.

With a small number of current staf f members, Hayes Arboretum should advance its hiring process to employ additional full- and par t-time staf f to aid with the ongoing grow th in visitation.

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Operating Hours Each benchmarked organization abides by a unique operating hour schedule based on user demand, seasonal changes, and staf fing availability. Five of the six organizations remain open daily during the warmer spring and summer months to accommodate increased visitation and user demand. Holden Arboretum, which closes on Mondays, was the only benchmark that is not open each day of the week.

Opening times during the summer generally occur during a two-hour window between 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Closing times var y more, ranging between 4:00 p.m. at Klehm Arboretum to 9:00 p.m. at Dawes Arboretum. Both Mor ton Arboretum and Holden Arboretum have flexible closing times that coincide with sunset.

One benchmarked organization, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, of fers extended operating hours on Tuesday evenings. This strategy most likely allows visitors to enjoy the grounds beyond workday hours. Likewise, special events, concer ts, and exhibits may be planned to coincide with these extended hours.

Visitation times are restric ted during the winter 153

months at Hayes Arboretum, Dawes Arboretum, Mor ton Arboretum, Bernheim, and Holden Arboretum due to shor ter daylight hours. While Hayes Arboretum closes on two of the seven days of the week, other peer institutions such as Dawes Arboretum, Mor ton Arboretum, and Bernheim close earlier.

Member-only extended hours of operation is also used as a unique incentive for members at Dawes Arboretum and Mor ton Arboretum. Exclusive extended hours allow members to enjoy the grounds during less-crowded, quieter periods of time.

Special facilities such as Mor ton Arboretum’s Research Clinic, Bernheim’s café and Welcome Center, and Holden Arboretum’s welcome center had specific and shor tened hours of operation beyond the arboretum’s general hours of operation.

While there is not established standards for operating hours for arboretums, it can be noted that times should accommodate user demand and be mindful to seasonal daylight hours.

Admission Hayes Arboretum is unique in the fac t that it does not charge an admission fee to access the arboretum. All six benchmarked organizations require an entr y fee. The fee amount dif fers between organizations. However, the fee struc ture is generally divided into four categories: Adults, Seniors (ages 55+), Adolescents, children, and youth, and infants or toddlers. Discounted rates are given to the students and seniors.

Most admission fees are based on a “per person” unit of measurement. However, Bernheim “suggested” donation of $15 is based on a “per vehicle” measurement. Mor ton Arboretum’s admission fees are rated proac tively. Admission fees increase during days or time periods that are forecasted to see higher levels of visitation or use.

Attendance during weekends is of ten paid at a premium.

The average adult ticket price was $14 per person, while the average ticket price for a child is $9.75.

To be an inclusive environment to all, Hayes has purposefully and intentionally opened the campus to the public without an admission fee.

Eliminating the fee reduces barriers to access for lower-income individuals. However, to maintain long-term success of the arboretum, a small admission fee should be charged to all visitors.

A reasonable fee should be below the average $14 indicated in the benchmark study. This small source of revenue can be earmarked for the completion of the proposed capital projec ts, ongoing maintenance, or developing salaries for additional staf f. Admission prices should be at or below the average admission price between the benchmarked organizations.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

While ticket prices may be an economic burden or barrier to access for some individuals, all six of the peer institutions of fer a form of financial suppor t. Five of the six organizations par ticipate in the Institute of Museums and Librar y Ser vices’ Museum for All program. This national program provides free or reduced admission to individuals who receive food assistance benefits. Four of the six organizations, including Holden Arboretum, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Mor ton Arboretum, and Dawes Arboretum of fer reduced rates to all ac tive militar y and disabled veterans.

Dawes Arboretum of fers discounted rates to foster families, while Mor ton of fers a discount to all county residents and educators.

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Membership & Benefits Membership is a critical program that helps arboretums engage with suppor ters while also providing a secondar y source of revenue. All of the benchmarked organizations of fer a form of membership.

Basic membership tiers in all of the six studied institutions were relatively similar. Each arboretum or garden of fered an individual, couple, family or household, and advanced household membership package. The average membership cost for an individual suppor ter is $63. The average membership for a household was $114.

Each benchmarked organization of fers unique incentives. However, several membership benefits were frequently obser ved for each of the benchmarked organizations. Those include free admission, expanded hours, merchandise discounts, and discounts to other classes, programs, or special events.

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Many of the benchmarked organizations of fer additional suppor t levels beyond the standard levels of membership. The base price for access to these suppor t levels ranged between $150 to

$300. Suppor t at an advanced membership level includes advance membership incentives and benefits.

Expenses and Revenue Unlike the other benchmark categories, the expenses and revenue of Hayes Arboretum was cross-examined between 15 institutions. When compared to others, Hayes Arboretum exhibits good financial grow th. Dawes Arboretum, Bernheim, Cox Arboretum, Crosby Arboretum, and the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park recorded spending more than what was brought in through revenue. Four organizations – including Cox Arboretum, Dallas Arboretum, Holden Arboretum and Klehm Arboretum – have established additional foundations or trusts to supplement the necessar y capital to operate the facility.

In 2024, Hayes had a repor ted revenue of $2.55 million. This was slightly lower than the $3.09 million median revenue of the 15 various peer institutions. Similarly, Hayes Arboretum’s $1.06 million expenses were slightly lower than the

median value of $1.4 million. Total revenue for smaller-sized arboretums ranged between $1 and $5 million. Hayes revenue feel in the middle of this spec trum with $2.55 million recorded for 2024.

Mor ton Arboretum repor ted the largest revenue with $52.2 million. This most likely can be accounted for by the arboretum’s larger visitation sizes due to its proximity to a large metropolitan area. Surprisingly, the largest study areas by land mass, Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest’s total revenue for 2024 was only twice the amount of Hayes Arboretum. While larger in size, this arboretum does not bring in revenue from admission sales and only manages a small por tion of the total proper ty for public use.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Hayes Arboretum should continue to use sound financial planning to maintain financial responsibility.

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Programming Programming is an essential source of success for the institutions studied as par t of the benchmarking exercise. Nearly all of the studied organizations of fered a mix of large seasonal festivals; unique one-time education classes, tours, or workshops; and recurring daily, weekly, or monthly ac tivities. Providing a diverse range of educational programs and seasonal ac tivities attrac ts a variety of visitors.

Several of the arboretums and gardens hosted specialty events and festivals during the spring and fall seasons to coincide with the change of flora in the region. These seasonal events attrac t larger-than-normal crowds and bolster and drive significant economic grow th through tourism both within the individual organization and broader community. The events are of ten planned with family-friendly ac tivities to accommodate a variety of age groups. A few examples of these larger events are listed below: • Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest: BloomFest (spring), Color Fest (fall))

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• Mor ton Arboretum: ColorFest (fall) • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Mums at Meijers (fall), ENLIGHTEN (winter) • Dawes Arboretum: Arbor Day Festival (spring), Fall in Love with Dawes (fall) • Holden Arboretum: Ar tisans at the Arboretum (spring), Fall Forest Fest (fall) • Klehm Arboretum: Spring Garden Fair (spring) Recurring daily, weekly, and monthly programs of ten attrac t regular visitors and attendees. These programs of ten focus on an educational topic with oppor tunities for socialization and networking.

• Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest: First Saturday Nature Hikes, Free Play Saturdays, and ECO Kids Discover y Days • Mor ton Arboretum’s Cof fee and Ar t • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Summer Concer t Series • Holden Arboretum’s Sensor y-friendly Days •

Klehm Arboretum’s Tranquility Walk

Other events or programs may be of fered on a limited or one-time basis. They may include a

unique topic. A few examples of these programs include: • Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest’s Noc turnal Networking Happy Hour & Firefly Hike, Nature Printmaking Workshop, Symphony of the Woods hike, Spring and Fall Plant Sales, and monarch tagging • Mor ton Arboretum’s Fall Color 5k Run and Walk and Ar tisan Guild Ar t Exhibit • Holden Arboretum’s Winter Wreath-making Workshop Temporar y and seasonal exhibits play a key role in providing variety in programming. These exhibits provide new, refreshed content for both frequent and new visitors. These curated exhibits of ten revolve around a series of ar t installations or sculptural inter ventions placed within the Landscape. Bernheim, Mor ton Arboretum, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park have dedicated staf f and resources allocated to curate these exhibits. Notable exhibits featured at these institutions include Dutch Ar tist Thomas Damboo’s Forest Giants at Bernheim, larger-than-life Vivid Creatures animal sculptures at Mor ton Arboretum, and Holden Arboretum’s Halloween-themed Skeleton Grove.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Hayes Arboretum should continue to develop new and exciting programming that will maintain the interest of current members while also attrac ting new visitors. However, signature programs should continue to be maintained. Curriculum for education programs should be diverse, of fering both entr y-level discover y and advanced skills or knowledge. Focus should be given to expanding programs for older children, adolescents, and teens.

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Holden Forests & Gardens Location:

Admission:

Kirkland, OH (Cleveland)

Non-profit

Adults: $20 Children (Age 3-12): $14 Children (2 and under): Free Discounts: 50% of f for ac tive militar y and veterans, $1 tickets for Museum for All members, $12 Tuesdays for seniors (age 60+), Group discounts

Size:

Conservation: Biological diversity of the

3,600 acres (600 acres of garden collec tions + 3,000 acres of ecological significance)

plant kingdom direc tly impac ts all of Ear th’s living things— especially humans’ quality of life.

Established: 1931 (94 years old)

Org. Type:

Hours: Year-round, rain or shine Monday: Members only Tuesday-Sunday:9am-5pm

Research: Plant communities face challenges, like extinc tion and degradation, that can be addressed through research. Our findings are integral to the health of our ecosystem and the world at large.

Enjoyment: We take pride in connec ting people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants. We display sustainable plants for nor theast Ohio landscapes, and inspire ac tion for healthy communities.

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Features: • Collec tion featuring 20,000+ plants and 9,400 dif ferent woody plant species • Murch Canopy Walk • Kalberer Emergent Tower • Tram Tours • Corning Visitor Center • Grab + Go Cafe • Old Valley Trail & Woodland Trail • Blueberr y Pond, Buttonbush Bog, Beach, Knoll, and Corning Lake • Ar t Exhibits - Forest Forms & Nature Connec ts

Collections:

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

• Myr tle Holden Wildflower Garden • Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden • Eliot & Linda Paine Rhododendron Discover y Garden • Arlene and Ar thur Holden Jr. Butter fly Garden • Henr y Nor web Jr. Tree Allee • Conifer and Magnolia Collec tions • Display Gardens featuring crabapple, lilac, viburnum, bulbs, and companion plantings • Hedge Collec tion • Maple Collec tion • Haw thorn Collec tion • Fruit- and Nut-bearing Tree Collec tion

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Holden Forests & Gardens Membership Levels: • • • • • • •

Access - $25/yr (SNAP, EBT ) Individual - $65/yr Couple - $85/yr 2 Person + 2 Guests - $115/yr 2 People + 4 Guests - $170/yr Doner - $300 -$999/yr Leadership Society - $1000/yr

Benefits: Member-only hours; member-only access and rates for programs, classes, and selec t events; AHS reciprocal program; member-only preview of plant sale; 10% gif t shop discount; subscription to quar terly Forests & Garden Magazine; memberonly classes and programs

2024 Impact: • 17,000 member households • 380, annual visitors

Affiliations: • Arbnet Level IV Arboretum • American Alliance of Museums • US Forestr y Ser vice 161

• American Public Gardens Association • Cuyahoga Ar ts & Culture • Ohio Ar ts Council

Research Initiatives: • Long Center for Plant & Environmental Science • Holden Seed Bank • David G. Leach Research Station (rhododendrons)

Outreach: • Working Woods Hub for Landowners • Urban Forestr y • Great Lakes Basin Forestr y Health Collaborative • Consulting Forestr y for Landowners • Tree Corps • Cleveland Tree Plan

Sustainability: “Conser vation and Community Forestr y at HF&G strives to protec t biodiversity, better understand how humans and ecosystems benefit each other, and inspire regional change in conser vation. HF&G land management and urban planting ef for ts, par tnership with research, and outreach ac tivities work together to achieve this goal.”

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Wesselman Woods N.P. Location: Evansville, IN

Established: 1972 (53 years old)

Org. Type: Public Park

Size: 294 acres • 198 ac. virgin old-grow th bottomlands • 46 ac. new grow th forest • 47 ac. restoration

Core Principals & Ethos: • Bio-region: we value the ecological and environmental integrity of our forests, rivers, and wetlands • Diversity & Inclusion: Successful conser vation depends upon the representation and respec t of all cultures, traditions, values, and needs of the community.

• Respec t: We respec t all forms of nature living, nonliving, and Ear th systems.

• Interdependence: We acknowledged the impor tance that we are all dependent on one another (Ear th systems and all life).

Hours: Year-round, rain or shine Monday: Closed Tuesday-Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Admission:

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Adults: $5 Children (Age 3-13): $3 Children (2 and under): Free Discounts: Eco-access Initiative, ANCA reciprocal program, Sprout Initiative

“ …preserve and protect Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands for future generations through conservation, education, research, and by providing equal access to nature…”

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Wesselman Woods N.P. Membership Levels: • • • • • •

Student - $25/yr Individual - $35/yr Senior (age 55+) - $25 Family (all household members) - $50 Grandparents (2 adults & 2 children) - $40 Champion Membership Levels (Sweetgum, Tulip, Oak, Maple, & Old Grow th Legacy)

Benefits: Free admission, 10% merchandise discount, discount on facility rentals, membership sticker, subscription to Old-Grow th Gazette, ANCA reciprocal membership benefits, discount and early access to events, classes, and camps.

2024 Impact: • 27,600 total admissions (paid, free, & members) • 1,076 visitors used EAI Organization pass • 1,300 members • 530 total volunteers = 5,900 hours = $197,700 • Owned by the City of Evansville but is managed by Wesselman Nature Society 165

Features: • • • • • • • • • •

Nature center Classroom & gif t shop 4.08 miles of walking trails 5-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Playscape Ar wood Family Treehouse Bernhardt Family Bird Sanc tuar y 5 county champion trees & 1 state champion West Meadow Odonata Pond Campfire Area

Events • • • • • • • • • • •

Woodland Wonders Festival Little Eco-Scholars (children, age 3-5) Junior Forest League (children, age 6 -12) Summer Camps Adult Environmental Studies Wilderness Weekends (last Friday of the month) Maple Sugarbush Festival Annual Juried Ar t Show Trails at Twilight Board Game Night Trivia in the Treehouse

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Benchmark Matrix General Information Items

Established Date

Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

1915

1929

1922

1929

1964

1995

104

158

Size (acres)

330

2,000

1,700

16,000 arboretum only: 400

Total Trail Miles

16

14

19

35

5

5

Total Trail Miles per acre

0.048

0.007

0.011

0.002 arboretum only: 0.088

0.048

0.032

Non-profit

Non-profit

Non-profit

Non-profit

Public Park

Non-profit

Leadership

Stephen Hayes Jr. Executive Director

Stephanie Crockatt Executive Director

Jill Koski President & CEO

Mark Wourms, Ph.D. President & CEO

Lisa King Executive Director

Charles Burke President & CEO

Foundation

Stanley W. Hayes Research Foundation

The Dawes Arboretum Foundation

The Morton Arboretum Foundation

Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation

Summit Metro Parks Foundation

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Foundation

Level II

Level IV

Level IV

Level IV

n/a

n/a

Organization Type

ArbNet Accreditation

Affiliations Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Botanical Gardens Conservation Int’l (BGCI) Accredited Membership

Yes

Yes

Yes

BGCI Accredited Botanic Garden

Yes

Items

ArbNet National Public Garden Association

Yes

National Pollinator Garden Network

BGCI Accredited Advanced Conservation Practitioners Global Conservation Consortia

Yes Yes

Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens

167

Yes

Yes

Yes

Int’l Plant Exchange Network Member

Yes

AHS Reciprocal Garden Network

Yes

Yes

American Public Gardens Association

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Items

Buildings

Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

3 public 5 staff & operations

4 public 2 staff & operations

10 public

2 public 2 staff & operations

1 public

4 public

1st Floor Visitor Center: 6,300 s.f.

1st Floor Daweswood House Museum: 2,400 s.f.

1st Floor Visitor Center: 36,300 s.f.

1st Floor Library: 26,000 s.f.

Visitor Center (includes cafe) and Education Center: 12,960 s.f.

Visitor’s Center: 10,000 s.f.

Visitor’s Center & Greenhouse: 160,000 s.f.

Buildings (total sq. ft.)

Approximate Parking

100

175

400+

500+

130

1,000

Parking per Acre

0.30

0.09

0.24

0.03

1.25

6.33

nature center, museum, maintenance facility, biking

nature center, cafe, maintenance facility, children’s garden, gift shop, indoor event space, biking

cafe, nature center, playground, maintenance facility, gift shop, sculpture, fishing, biking

nature center, gift shop, biking

nature center, children’s garden, playground, maintenance facility, gift shop, sculptures, indoor event space, outdoor event space, cafe, biking

tree research

tree research

Amenities

Nature Center, Turner-Grey Meeting Room, Hayes Museum, Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain, Morton Arch, Native Woody Plant Preserve, Springhouse

Research Initiatives Staffing Staff per Acre

12 (FT & PT)

79 (FT & PT)

Total FT: 235 Total PT: 135 Total seasonal: 120

54 (FT & PT)

Total Summit Metro Parks Employees: 63

Total FT: 200

0.04

0.04

Level IV

Level IV

n/a

n/a

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Operations

168

Hours of Operations Items

Type Spring Summer

Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Holden Arboretum

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Kirkland, OH

Seasonal

Seasonal

Seasonal

Seasonal

Annual

Annual

Annual

Main Campus: Daily 7am to 7 pm East Trails: Daily Dawn to Dusk

Daily, 9am - 7 pm Daily, 8am - 9pm (members only)

Daily, 9 am - sunset Daily, 7 am - sunset (members only)

Daily, 9am - 4pm

Sun., 11am - 5pm Mon., 9am - 5pm Tue., 9am - 9pm Wed.-Sat. 9am 5pm

Tues. - Sun.: dawn to dusk Mondays: closed

Daily, 9am - 6pm Daily, 9am - 9pm (members only)

Daily, 9 am - sunset Daily, 7 am - sunset (members only)

Daily, 9am - 4pm

Sun., 11am - 5pm Mon., 9am - 5pm Tue., 9am - 9pm Wed.-Sat. 9am 5pm

Tues. - Sun.: dawn to dusk Mondays: closed

Daily, 9am-5pm Daily, 8am - 9pm (members only)

Daily, 9am - sunset Daily, 7am - sunset (members only)

Daily, 7am - 5pm

Daily, 9am - 4pm

Sun., 11 am - 5 pm Mon., 9 am - 5 pm Tue., 9 am - 9 pm Wed.-Sat. 9 am - 5 pm

Tues. - Sun.: dawn to dusk Mondays: closed

Children’s Garden, Visitor Center, Arb Store, Restaurant/ Cafe, Library, Plant Clinic, Ed Center

Visitor Center, Cafe, Forest Hollow Drive

Fall

Winter

Tues. - Sat.: 9am-5pm Closed Sundays & Mondays

Special Facility Hours

Nature Center & Auto Tour

Daily, 7am - 8pm

Daily, 7am - 8pm

Visitor Center

Admissions Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Holden Arboretum

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Kirkland, OH

Discount Admission

Free

$8 active military; $5 foster families; discount for all allied organizations; free w/ library pass

Seniors; DuPage county residents; EBT; active military, veterans, and educators

-

-

$3 discount for active military and disabled veterans

50% active-duty military and veterans

Adults

Free

$10

$17-$21 (scaled rate)

$15 per vehicle (donation)

$12

$22

$20

Seniors

Free

$8

$11-$15 (scaled rate)

$15 per vehicle (donation)

$10

$17

$20 $12 Tuesdays

Students

Free

-

-

$15 per vehicle (donation)

$10

$16

-

Children (3-18 yrs.)

Free

$5

$11-$15 (scaled rate)

$15 per vehicle (donation)

$10

$11

$14

Children (3 & under)

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

$3

Varies

-

$4

$2

$1

Items

Museum for All Pass

169

Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum (‘23)

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest (‘24)

James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation (‘23)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (‘23)

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Dayton, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Total Assets

$18,055,706.00

$104,298,600.00

$355,000,000.00

$74,700,000.00

$2,279,300.00

$178,000,000.00

Total Revenue

$2,541,502.00

$5,788,800.00

$52,200,000.00

$5,970,000.00

$260,000.00

$6,990,000.00

Total Expenses

$1,056,100.00

$8,030,700.00

$45,100,000.00

$6,030,000.00

$325,800,00

$7,310,000.00

Net Income

$1,911,345

-$2,241,900.00

$7,100,000.00

-$60,000.00

-$65,800.00

-$320,000.00

Items

Hayes Arboretum

Boone Co. Arboretum (‘23)

Crosby Arboretum (‘23)

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (‘23)

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (‘23)

Dallas Arboretum Foundation (‘23)

Richmond, IN

Union, KY

Picayune, MS

Houston, TX

Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX

Total Assets

$18,055,706.00

$225,000.00

$599,000.00

$6,680,000.00

$12,000,000.00

$21,700,000.00

Total Revenue

$2,541,502.00

$129,000.00

$20,300.00

$3,640,000.00

$27,800,000.00

$5,710,000.00

Total Expenses

$1,056,100.00

$103,000.00

$25,000.00

$3,170,000.00

$28,100,000,00

$470,000.00

Net Income

$1,911,345

$26,000.00

-$4,700.00

$470,000.00

-$300,000.00

$5,240,000.00

Hayes Arboretum

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens (‘24)

Holden Arboretum Trust (‘24)

Holden Arboretum (‘24)

Klehm Arboretum Foundation (‘24)

Klehm Arboretum (‘24)

Richmond, IN

Devon, PA

Brooklyn, OH

Brooklyn, OH

Rockford, IL

Rockford, IL

Total Assets

$18,055,706.00

$2,420,000.00

$67,800,000.00

$6,680,000.00

$491,000.00

$410,000.00

Total Revenue

$2,541,502.00

$1,550,000.00

$4,790,000.00

$3,640,000.00

$26,100.00

$583,000.00

Total Expenses

$1,056,100.00

$1,056,000.00

$5,000,000.00

$3,170,000.00

$22,300,00

$671,000.00

Net Income

$1,911,345

$1,491,500.00

-$210,000.00

$470,000.00

$3,800.00

-$88,000.00

Items

Items

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Expenses & Revenue

170

Membership & Support Levels Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Holden Arboretum

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Kirkland, OH

Individual

$40

$30

$95

$75 (2 cardholders)

$55

$80

$65

Dual/Couple

-

$50

$150

$75 (2 cardholders)

n/a

$125

$85

Family/ Household

$60

$80 (up to 6 members)

$250 (up to 6 members)

$75 (2 cardholders)

$80 (2 adults + children)

$140 (2 adults + children)

$115 (2 adults + 2 guests)

Family Plus

-

$125 (up to 8 members)

-

-

-

$185 (2 adults + children + 1 guest)

$170 (2 adults + 4 guests)

Discount Membership

-

-

$75: Seniors (1x) $25: Museum for All (household level)

$50: Senior (2x) $50: Active Military or veterans

$45: Seniors (1x) $65: Senior Family (2 adults + children)

$140: Grandparents (2x)

$25: Access for All (SNAP, WIC, EBT)

Patron Level 1

Contributor $120

Buckeye: $175 (up to 10 members)

-

-

-

$300

$300 - $999

Patron Level 2

Sponsor $300

Beech: $300 (up to 10 members)

-

-

-

$450

-

Patron Level 3

Benefactor $600

Sycamore: $550 (up to 10 members)

-

-

-

$900

-

Patron Level 4

-

Bur Oak: $1,200 (up to 10 members)

-

-

-

$1,500

-

Champion

-

Chestnut Club $$$

-

-

-

$2,000 - $20,000

$1,000+

Non-profit

$120 (up to 10 members)

-

$125 (up to 6 members) $250 (up to 10 members)

-

-

-

-

Corporate

$500-$5,000 (up to 10 members)

-

-

Yes

-

-

-

Items

171

Hayes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Klehm Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Holden Arboretum

Richmond, IN

Newark. OH

Lisle, IL

Clermont, KY

Akron, OH

Grand Rapids, MI

Kirkland, OH

Free admission

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Discounted guest admission

-

-

Yes $10 add-on

-

Yes

-

Yes

Expanded hours

-

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Exclusive/ Free access

Yes (Auto Tour)

Yes (Catch & Release Fishing)

Yes

-

-

Yes

Merchandise discount

Yes, 10%

Yes, 15%

Yes, 10%

Yes, 10%

Yes, 10%

Yes

Yes

Discounted, programs, & events

Yes

Yes

Yes, 15%

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Discount at select retailers

-

Yes

-

Yes

-

-

Yes

Access to member-only events

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

-

Yes

-

AHS reciprocal benefits

-

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

ANCA reciprocal benefits

Yes

-

-

Yes

-

-

-

Exclusive member magazine

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

Swag

-

Yes (magnet)

-

-

-

-

-

Facility rentals

Yes, eligible at the family level or greater

-

-

-

-

-

-

Discounted equip. rentals

-

-

Yes

-

-

-

-

Rewards program

-

-

Yes

-

-

-

-

Items

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Membership Benefits

172

06 173

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Recommendations

174

Overview Project Vision and Goals As the master planning process transitioned from developing an understanding of existing conditions to one of recommendations, concept development, and implementation, a vision centered around core principles, and a series of master plan goals, were developed to ensure the master plan held true to Hayes Aboretum’s mission “to provide nature and recreation related education to its visitors through instruction, experiences, and amenities.”

Specifically, the vision for Hayes Arboretum is to: • Preser ve and enhance the Hayes Arboretum’s leadership position of sustainable forestr y management and enriched visitor experiences.

• Increase educational oppor tunities, working collaboratively with par tner organizations, and maintaining a sustainable operational footprint.

• Continue to ser ve as a community anchor and provide free and open public access to various programs while celebrating the arboretum’s heritage.

The vision is founded in three core principles that include nature, stewardship, and legacy. These three principles represent the recurring themes discovered and heard throughout the early stages of the master planning process. Nature refers to the natural beauty of the arboretum, its unique natural features, and its focus on nature-based education and experiences. Stewardship refers to the longterm protection and care of the arboretum, both in terms of its natural features and long-term operation and management. Legacy refers to celebrating the heritage of the Hayes’ family, the deep affection the community holds for the arboretum, and ensuring those connections endure into the future.

The intersection of these three principles is the framework for the vision.

The vision is supported by key goals and objectives as shown on the following page.

175

Nature

Stewardship

Legacy

Enhance place identity and service level through strategic investment Improve the core campus to increase visitation, programming, and revenue oppor tunities Enhance experiences within all areas of the arboretum to increase visitation and facility awareness Celebrate the arboretum’s histor y and legacy through strategic investments in facilities, programming, and branding/marketing

Promote an enhanced connection to nature Increase habitat experiences through immersive and interac tive inter ventions Provide clear identification for dif ferent habitat areas Connec t to surrounding green spaces and trail networks Increase local outreach and expand programming outside of the campus

Improve the arboretum’s position as a host site

Enhance accessibility Increase the number of campus access points Provide pedestrian and vehicular accessible routes to key gathering spaces and remote areas of the campus Coordinate with the City of Richmond on enhanced public transit access Increase access to underrepresented user groups Provide enhanced navigation through the hiking routes Provide inclusive experiences for individuals with physical challenges

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Provide gathering areas and facilities for groups of 25 to 150 in key areas of the campus Provide dedicated classroom space Provide accessible routes to key gathering spaces Enhance spaces and programming for all youth (K-12) Increase accommodations for adult groups and small retreats

176

Overview Overall Campus Site Master Plan Although Hayes Arboretum has never undergone a formal master planning process, decades of thoughtful planning and intentional development have shaped the campus since Stanley Hayes’ vision for the proper ty began in 1915. Careful design and sensitive land planning has located roads, buildings, and other infrastruc ture in appropriate locations throughout the proper ty while protec ting the campus’ natural features, beauty, and sensitive habitats. The development pattern has established an enduring and for wardthinking campus framework that will carr y into the future. For these reasons, the overall campus master plan does not recommend substantial, struc tural changes to the campus, but rather strategic investments and inter ventions within previously developed, or impac ted areas of the campus to achieve the vision of the master plan and the potential of the arboretum.

The adjacent illustration reflec ts a refreshed overall campus master plan highlighting the focus areas discussed in the following sec tions. The focus areas include: • West Campus Center • East Entrance and Maintenance • Nor theast Trailhead • Southeast Trailhead • Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Additional recommendations for general site improvements, branding, staf fing, ar ts & culture, accessibility, outreach, education and programming, stewardship, and operations follow the focus area sec tions.

177

Overall Campus Architecture Aesthetic Spaces and zones within the campus are connec ted by architec tural features that create oppor tunities for cohesive campus experiences that enhance the charac ter of the arboretum. With a heritage of repurposing agrarian struc tures throughout the arboretum’s histor y, new architec ture should draw on these traditional forms as the foundation for a timeless design language rooted in its place. Simple, ef ficient rec tilinear volumes paired with shed, gable, and half-monitor roof forms reference regional barns and agricultural buildings while providing prac tical benefits—shielding interiors from sun, framing views of the landscape, and creating welcoming outdoor thresholds. Generous roof overhangs and patio spaces should strengthen the relationship between architec ture and nature, blurring the boundar y between indoors and out.

Exposed timber struc tural elements should be used to reinforce connec tions to the arboretum’s trees and the original nature center, introducing warmth, texture, and craf tsmanship. Relying primarily on wood also reduces embodied carbon and celebrates struc ture as an expression of beauty.

The material palette should complement these agrarian forms and timber elements while harmonizing with the existing arboretum architec ture. Corrugated metal siding, thermally modified wood, and expanses of glass provide oppor tunities for a timeless, resilient, lowmaintenance, and contemporar y composition.

These materials age gracefully over time, allowing the buildings to remain humble yet enduring presences within the landscape.

Finally, sustainable strategies should be integrated where both ef fec tive and feasible. Roofs should be oriented for current or future photovoltaic panels, while rainwater cisterns and gardens could reduce irrigation demands and stormwater runof f. Highper formance envelope assemblies can improve energy ef ficiency, while operable windows enable natural ventilation. Together, these measures ensure that the architec ture not only respec ts its agrarian lineage but also looks for ward with ecological responsibility.

Front entr y sign in 1963 (top lef t). Nature Center in 1995 (bot tom lef t). Arboretum forest (right)

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Specific architec tural recommendations are fur ther discussed within each focus areas.

178

CSX Railroad

3

man der Stre am

*

Sala

2

* Elks Rd

*

7

East Pavilion + Playscape

Classrooms + Gathering Space

1

*

Service Access

Hayes Arboretum Rd

4 5

Bird Viewing

Nature Center

*

No Tr East Entrance Ped. X-ing Gateway

12 10

*

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

*

14

M 8 13

S

Wetland

Gatew

11

Wetland

Kohl’s Gateway

179

Menards

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan September 19, 2025

0

50

100

200

300

MAP LEGEND

*

*

*

*

1

Butterfly Cottage

2

Morton Arch

3

Research Pond

4

Overlook

5

Woodland Chapel

6

Scott’s Pond

7

Springhouse

8

East Tunnel Access

9

Native American Mound

10

The Upness

11

Bird Sanctuary

12

Mildred S. Hayes Memorial

13

Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

14

Edible Woody Flora Collection

Swamp

Meadow

*

9

ortheast railhead 9

Nature Center (Expanded)

Meadow 6

Classroom and Gathering Space

Gravel Pit Rd.

n

er’s Ru

Culm

Administrative Building

Maintenance, Repair, & Deliveries Playscape Trailhead Parking Restroom

*

Southeast Trailhead

od Wo

s

D ide

Meadow

Shelter

Private Residence

Boardwalk Picnic Area

r.

StoryWalk Trail Auto Tour

way

* NORTH

Overall Campus Site Master Plan Rendering.

Public Art

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Meadow

180

Exsting & Proposed Building Analysis

181

182

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Building Program Analysis The proposed building and program additions outlined in the Master Plan are summarized in the adjacent table. Each existing and proposed struc ture is represented by an individual row, with the right-hand columns indicating the corresponding scope of work. These include areas to be removed (demolished), relocated, refreshed (primarily finish and light MEP work), renovated (refresh work along with wall modifications, heav y Mechanical, Elec trical, and Plumbing upgrades, and potential struc tural work), and added area (new construc tion).

A significant por tion of the added area consists of public program spaces within the classroom and gathering buildings, the nature center addition, and various pavilions. These improvements align with the goal of creating enhanced spaces for children, teens, and young adults, while also suppor ting oppor tunities to host larger events.

Another major por tion of the added program area includes back-of-house and maintenance spaces, which will enable the arboretum to ef fec tively ser ve and maintain the expanded site and building programs as the campus grows.

Overall, the new program area of 36,938 SF nearly doubles the existing 18,675 SF, with a primar y focus on providing new and improved public program elements while ensuring the arboretum has the necessar y ser vice infrastruc ture to suppor t and sustain these spaces into the future.

183

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Exsting & Proposed Building Analysis

184

Focus Areas West Campus Center - Overview Improvements within the West Campus Center focus on: • Enhancing the entr y sequence to the arboretum campus • Increasing accessibility to existing buildings and site amenities • Expanding oppor tunities to host school groups and gatherings • Enhancing programming oppor tunities • Improvements to pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and removing potential conflic ts between the two In consideration of these improvement goals, the design team considered multiple concept options.

Each concept included similar architec tural recommendations as noted below: •

•

185

New Classroom/Gathering Building ° Construc tion of a new building to accommodate three or four classrooms with a capacity of 25-30 each and a larger gathering room with a capacity of up to 150 people ° Blending of indoor/outdoor space ° Flexibility to separate or combine rooms depending on group size ° Phasing options to allow development over time Nature Center Renovations ° Addition to bring administration into the Nature Center, provide accessible restrooms, incorporate Hayes histor y, and provide an elevator to ser vice all floors of the building ° Updated exhibit space

•

•

•

Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex) ° Removal to allow for improved site lines, connec tivity, and/or replacement with an updated Paviion or site features Administration Building ° Renovation to improve accessibility and restore the agrarian aesthetic of the building ° Potential removal for new buildings or site features Museum Building ° Relocation of museum exhibits to Nature Center ° Adaptation of the building into a par t of the playscape

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Plan rendering of core campus improvements (top). Aerial perspec tive view looking towards Nature Center & Classroom+Gathering Space (bot tom).

186

West Campus Center Concept Development Framework Option 1: The first development concept removes the Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex) and replaces it with a new classroom building nestled into the landscape on the nor th and overlooking the playscape to the west. The concept assumes removal of the existing parking lot between the Nature Center and Administration Building to create a campus quadrangle/gathering lawn and reduce conflic t between automobiles and pedestrians, specifically children, travelling between the buildings and playscape. New parking is relocated to an expanded parking lot near the pollinator experience, and to an improved parking lot east of the Nature Center. Access to the auto tour is relocated east of the Nature Center to eliminate automobiles. An addition to the Nature Center is indicated on the southeast corner of the Nature Center to provide ADA access, administrative of fices, and improved exhibit space. In addition, the concept suggests a new arrival sequence from an entrance to the east via Hayes Arboretum Rd. Framework Option 2: The second development concept assumes removal of the Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex) and main parking lot, and replaces them with a new classroom/gathering building. This concept creates a direc t breezeway connec tion between the existing, main entrance to the Nature Center and the future classroom/gathering building.

Sited direc tly between the Nature Center and Administration Building, the classroom eliminates the oppor tunity to host outdoor gatherings between the struc tures and relocates all parking and auto tour access to the east side of the Nature Center. It also shif ts the primar y entr y sequence to the east via Hayes Arboretum Road. Similar to Concept 1, Concept 2 reorganizes the playscape with a new framework of accessible paths and intentional play and education zones.

187

Framework Option 3: The third development concept locates the classroom/gathering building east of the Nature Center and nor th of the parking lot in the approximate location of the existing solar panels and creates a direc t pedestrian connec tion to the Nature Center and Playscape to the west.

Concept 3 also removes the existing parking lot between the Nature Center, Turner Grey Meeting Room, and Administration Building, and repurposes the space as a large gathering lawn to suppor t outdoor programming and events. All vehicular and bus parking relocates to the parking lot east of the Nature Center and a new east entr y alignment provides access to the West Campus Center from Hayes Arboretum Rd. Concept 3 maintains the auto tour access on the west side of the Nature Center with the oppor tunity to shif t it east of the future classroom/gathering building in alignment with an existing ser vice/access road. Similar to Concepts 1 and 2, Concept 3 reorganizes the playscape with a new framework of accessible paths and intentional play and education zones.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Framework Option 1 (top). Framework Option 2 (middle). Framework Option 3 (bot tom).

188

West Campus Center - Preferred Concept - Classroom/Gathering & Nature Center Expansion The preferred concept for the West Campus Center is a refinement of Framework 3. Within the preferred concept, a new classroom/gathering building is located east of the Nature Center and nor th of the parking lot. As indicated in the plan enlargement, the buildings are comprised of two separate struc tures that can be phased in over time if needed. A more detailed description of the proposed buildings can be found on page 81. To the nor th of the classroom building, an outdoor classroom space ser ves as an extension of the interior education space and would provide oppor tunities for outdoor seating, dining, and programming.

The preferred concept indicates an expansion of the Nature Center to the east oriented towards the parking lot, classroom, and gathering building.

The expansion would provide a new primar y public entrance, administrative of fice space, ADA compliant restrooms, and elevator access to the upper floors of the existing Nature Center. A more detailed description of the Nature Center expansion can be found on the following pages.

Within the preferred concept, the existing parking lot east of the Nature Center is expanded to become the primar y parking lot and to provide additional parking for visitors and buses. The auto tour entrance is also relocated to the east side of the gathering building in alignment with the existing ser vice road and parking lot drive aisle.

The concept provides flexibility for the primar y entr y experience to continue operating from Elks Rd. on the west, or to shif t to the east from Hayes Arboretum Rd. in the future.

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Gathering Space

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Plan rendering of Classroom + Gathering Space and Nature Center expansion (top). Aerial perspec tive looking nor thwest towards Classroom + Gathering Space and Nature Center (bot tom).

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Classroom + Gathering Building (Interior) The 6,700 -square-foot classroom and assembly space is envisioned to be the crown jewel for the arboretum’s ambitious goal to provide community outreach and environmental education oppor tunities for visitors and guests.

The building will be the first new piece of architec ture construc ted on the campus as a par t of the arboretum’s master plan. The multifaceted building is planned to be a flexible and conditioned space for training, gatherings, workshops, and other special events and programs. The building will be separated into two enclosed struc tures joined by a unif ying exterior ADA-accessible deck.

The first struc ture will contain three smaller classrooms, gender-specific restrooms, a storage room, and a utility room. The classrooms will provide space for the arboretums current and lec tures, classes, and workshops. Additionally, these rooms will be available for local organizations and non-profit groups to reser ve for meetings.

Each classroom will be able to accommodate up to 30 occupants. The classrooms will feature expansive glass windows along the nor th facade that of fer panoramic views into the adjacent forest and a visual connec tion to nature. Two of the classrooms will be separated by an operable acoustic par tition. The par tition will allow these rooms to be combined into a larger learning space for 60 occupants. The third classroom will remain a single 30 -person space. Each of the genderspecific restrooms will feature four water closets or urinals, sinks, and common toiletr y hardware.

The storage room can be used to store janitorial supplies, tables and chairs, and other teaching exhibits. The utility room will be used to store the building’s mechanical equipment.

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The second enclosed struc ture will contain a larger Class 1 assembly space that can be occupied by up to 150 occupants for larger group lec tures, banquets, weddings, or meetings. The 2,500 -square-foot gathering room will be adjoined by warming kitchen, two unisex ADA-accessible restrooms, a storage room, a utility room, and an outdoor-facing room used to store volunteer equipment. Like the classroom struc ture, this assembly space will feature an expansive glass façade that provides a strong connec tion to nature with external views to the adjacent forest.

The interior spaces of the new classrooms and assembly room will reflec t a balance between func tional needs while also celebrating a connec tion to nature. Each interior space will feature a selec tion of materials that will reinforce the arboretum’s natural themes. Additionally, the design of interior spaces will prioritize the use of sustainable materials and best prac tices, including the use of low-or-no volatile organic compounds ( VOC) chemicals and finish, natural or recycled materials, energy-ef ficient fixtures and appliances, and passive daylighting and ventilation. The exterior aesthetic and material selec tion of the building will also seamlessly complement the adjacent wooded landscape.

The two primar y struc tures will be enclosed by a singular monoslope roof. A solar voltaic array will be installed on the roof to generate renewable energy for the facility. Runof f from the roof will be collec ted into two large above-ground steel cisterns. Non-potable grey water collec ted from the cisterns may be used to irrigate the adjacent plant beds or flush toilets within the building.

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Floorplan of Classroom+Gathering Space (top). Precedent imager y for Classroom + Gathering Space (middle). Perspec tive rendering of Classroom+Gathering Space (bot tom).

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Classroom + Gathering Building (Exterior) Siting the struc ture into the adjacent landscape will ensure the building will contextually fit into the arboretum’s existing forest vernacular and mitigate extensive site grading and tree removal.

Plant beds will be installed along the building’s foundation to provide a gentle transition between the architec ture and existing landscape. The beds will feature an assor tment of hardy shrubs, perennials and grasses native to Eastern Nor th America. The plant beds will not be irrigated.

An exterior learning laborator y will be located direc tly nor th of the proposed classrooms and gathering space. The laborator y will feature an amphitheater-type seating arrangement around an exterior whiteboard or digital screen. The space will be shared by multiple deciduous hardwood trees and accessible from the adjacent building by a series of stabilized crushed stone pathways.

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View looking east towards outdoor classroom from back porch of Classroom+Gathering Space (top). View looking south towards Classroom+Gathering Space (middle). View looking east towards outdoor classroom (bot tom).

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Nature Center Expansion The expansion includes a new three-level addition to the eastside of the existing Nature Center. The addition will include a new public entr y to the Nature Center from the east parking lot and propose east arboretum entrance on Hayes Arboretum Road. This addition enhances accessibility, expands restroom capacity, add additional exhibit space, and consolidates staf f of fices into a centralized suite.

The first (lower) level, aligned with the basement of the existing nature center, features a two-stor y entr y lobby and reception desk that provide a welcoming arrival, improved visitor information, and clear way finding. The addition wraps the south side of the building, housing a naturally daylit three-stor y stair and elevator core that improves ver tical circulation and accessibility throughout the facility. Restrooms are included on the two lower levels, addressing long-standing needs. Nor th of the lobby, a new of fice suite suppor ts eight open-of fice workstations, two private of fices, work and storage areas, and a meeting room.

Renovations within the existing nature center fur ther enhance the visitor experience. With of fices relocated to the first level of the addition, the original of fice space on the second (first floor) level can be transformed into a galler y dedicated to the arboretum and Hayes family. The galler y will host the ar tifac ts and interpretive signage currently located in the existing Hayes Museum building along with other newer exhibits and relics. Correspondingly, relocating the existing storage space found on the upper (second floor) mezzanine to other campus facilities allows for an expanded and refreshed exhibit space, bringing renewed vitality to the historic dair y barn struc ture. The construc tion of the 3,750 square foot lower ground floor, 1,750 square foot first floor, and 750 square foot upper mezzanine will provide an additional 6,250 square feet of usable space within the Nature Center.

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The envelope of the existing Nature Center will remain relatively unaltered to preser ve the overall historic charac ter of the facility. Key spaces – such as the entr y foyer, bird viewing room, and grand room – will remain unaltered. Additional upgrades to the elec trical and mechanical systems may be implemented to improve energy ef ficiency and make the most of natural ventilation. Other minor improvements or deferred maintenance projec ts may be implemented in the Nature Center as a par t of the new construc tion.

The exterior architec ture honors the original barn while introducing contemporar y elements. A flatroof canopy suppor ted by timber beams defines the new entr y, reducing glare in of fice areas and framing a welcoming threshold. Wood siding marks private zones, while expansive glazing creates transparency in the lobby and of fice suite.

Restroom and circulation volumes reference the materiality and scale of traditional grain silos, expressed as simple corrugated metal forms between glass walls. Signage on the east face of the restroom volume provides a clear, branded marker visible from the entr y drive, reinforcing the main arrival point.

The redesign of the east parking lot will ser vice both the Nature Center and Classroom and Gathering complexes. The existing parking lot will be retrofitted with a new asphalt overlay.

The parking lot will be oriented in a manner to mitigate circulation conflic ts between vehicle and pedestrian traf fic. New curbed medians will sof ten the extensive imper vious sur face of the parking lot with the planting of native hardwood shade trees and herbaceous understor y vegetation.

Stormwater runof f from the parking lot will be direc ted to curb turnouts within the curbed landscape median. The runof f will be cleansed by the biomass of the understor y plantings and allowed to infiltrate into the native subsoil over a shor t period of time. New ADA-accessible parking spaces along with larger 10x40’ parking spaces reser ved for bus parking will welcome a variety of dif ferent groups. Dark-sky compliant site lighting controlled by a photocell or timer will increase visibility and enhance safety within the parking lot during nightly hours.

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View looking west towards Nature Center Expansion entrance (top). Precendent image for the Nature Center Expansion (middle). Perspec tive rendering looking nor thwest towards Nature Center Expansion entrance (bot tom).

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Floorplan of Nature Center with Expansion, first floor.

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Floorplan of Nature Center with Expansion, second floor.

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West Campus Center Preferred Concept West Pavilion + Playscape The preferred concept for the playscape, west pavilion, and area of the west campus center west of the Nature Center is also a refinement of Framework 3. The concept removes the existing parking lot and auto tour access and repurposes the space as a new gathering and multi-purpose lawn. The lawn eliminates the potential conflic ts between automobiles and pedestrians and provides programmable space for outdoor education, programming, and events. Within the preferred concept, the existing Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex) is removed and replaced with a new West Pavilion to ser ve as a shelter, outdoor education space, and provide public restrooms. More information on the proposed West Pavilion can be found below. The space to the nor th of the pavilion becomes an extension of the pavilion, ser ving as an informal amphitheater and classroom centered around a fire place, or “council ring.”

West of the pavilion, the existing playscape is improved with a framework of new accessible paths linking the playscape and educational features. Nestled within the slopes, natural stone walls provide seating and play oppor tunities for families using the space. The playscape is fur ther defined into zones of play, with ages 2-5 play equipment located to the nor thwest and southwest, ages 5-12 play at the center, and ages 5-12, and above, to the nor theast. The nor thwest 2-5 play zone utilizes recently installed play equipment and adds features that include swings and climbing elements. The southwest 2-5 play zone repurposes the existing museum building in a children’s play house. Surrounded by an elevated deck onn the nor th and east sides, parents are able to view the children playing, and children are able to freely move in an out of the building, and from the upper and lower levels via slides, climbing nets, stairs, and additional play features.

The lower level contains age appropriate play elements, including relocated musical instruments from other areas of the playscape.

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The central 5-12 play area is comprised of more advanced climbing elements that are geared towards older children. Within the center of the space, a new water pump feature would provide water to a naturalized water feature, or mock stream bed, that kids can interac t with. The water feature would travel adjacent to the sand play area and culminate in the mud play/kitchen area. The edge of the water feature adjacent to the sand play area would be lined with natural stone to eliminate erosion and sand loss, and natural stones would provide stepping-stone oppor tunities across the water feature in key locations. The sand play area would continue to provide sand play oppor tunities, and both the mud play, and sand play areas, would feature ac tivity tables for seated ac tivities and imaginative play.

The nor theast, 5-12+ play area would contain the most advanced play features in the playscape, featuring tall towers and climbing features allowing kids to climb to greater heights and experience por tions of the tree canopy. The tower elements could be integrated with the existing wood decks and provide seating for parents and older children who prefer to just “hang out” and relax. The entire playscape area would feature movable chairs that encourage longer visits and family ac tivities.

The west end of the West Campus Center would feature an improved pollinator experience.

Improvements would include a slightly rotated butter fly cottage that would create space for a small outdoor classroom focused on pollinators and plants. The former greenhouse location would be repurposed with raised plant beds allowing children and individuals with disabilities to interac t with plant material at an elevated level.

The pollinator experience would be buf fered from the surrounding playscape by native pollinator plantings feature natural paths that encourage exploration. The planting would extend west towards the existing bee hives and over flow parking lot.

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Plan rendering of preferred concept for the playscape, West Pavilion, and gathering lawn (top). Aerial perspec tive looking nor thwest towards gathering lawn and West Pavilion (bot tom).

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Perspec tive rendering looking west towards amphitheater and playscape (top). View looking west towards mud kitchen (middle). View looking nor theast towards play towers (bot tom).

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Perspec tive rendering looking nor theast towards the amphitheater and West Pavilion (top). View looking east towards mud kitchen (middle). Aerial view looking southwest towards children’s interac tive playhouse (bot tom).

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West Pavilion The 2,330 -square-foot open-air pavilion will ser ve as an exterior gathering space for visitors the arboretum. Overlooking the playscape, the pavilion provides a centralized location for parents and caretakers to obser ve and monitor their children playing on the playscape. A 340 -squarefoot fully enclosed struc ture will be located beneath the canopy of the proposed pavilion.

The enclosed struc ture will include two ADAaccessible single occupant unisex restrooms and a utility closet. Each restroom will include an accessible toilet, sink, hardware and accessories.

Minimal heating components will be installed to prevent freezing of the plumbing and allow for the restrooms to be accessible year-round. However, the restrooms will not be fully conditioned.

The flooring of the pavilion and enclosed struc ture will be exposed concrete. The struc ture’s frame will be construc ted from a combination of mass timber and steel. The timber will be exposed to celebrate the use of natural materials that ef for tlessly fit within the existing arboretum’s aesthetic.

Ceiling-mounted lights, exterior fans, and a series of stationar y picnic tables and movable Adirondack chairs will provide a comfor table gathering space for individuals and large groups.

A wood-burning, stone-clad fireplace construc ted on the east side of the pavilion will provide a seasonal attrac tion.

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Floorplan of West Pavilion (top). Perspec tive rendering looking nor thwest towards West Pavilion (bot tom).

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East Entrance and Maintenance Improvements within the East Entrance and Maintenance zone focus on: • Relocating the east campus ser vice entrance to the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road • Enhancing the entr y sequence to the west campus and providing an improved gateway from Hayes Arboretum Road • Providing an additional point of automobile and pedestrian access to the west campus • Promoting improved access to the maintenance and ser vice yard for large truck and trailer traf fic • Providing additional suppor t facilities for daily arboretum maintenance and operations • Improving the sequence of operations for maintenance traf fic In consideration of these improvement goals, the design team considered two framework options for the maintenance yard suppor ted by multiple concept options. Each concept included similar architec tural recommendations as noted below: • Maintenance Building ° Construc tion of a new maintenance building featuring increased equipment storage, a loading dock, maintenance bay, ser vice and shop area, wash bay, equipment storage room, of fice space, and restroom. ° Multiple overhead doors for easy access and equipment moving ° Fully conditioned space • Vehicle Storage building • Construc tion of a new, three-sided storage building with capacity for nine full-size vehicles or multiple equipment attachments/ implements • Smaller, separated storage space for additional vehicles or smaller equipment

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East Entrance Framework The east entrance concept focuses on creating a grand boulevard entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road and shif ting the primar y entrance to the West Campus Center from Elks Rd. to Hayes Arboretum Rd. An entr y sequence from the east addresses several issues. One, it provides more exposure to the Hayes Mansion, the histor y, and legacy of the arboretum, two, an approach from the east provides a more prominent arrival to the Nature Center and proposed Classroom and Gathering Building in the West Campus Center, and three, mapping ser vices typically direc t traf fic to the existing maintenance entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road which causes confusion and an inability to access the campus. Shif ting the primar y entrance would address this issue.

This concept indicates removing the existing maintenance entrance and shif ting the entrance alignment nor th to the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road which provides the safest oppor tunity for an intersec tion due to visibility nor th and south. It also creates an oppor tunity to access the west campus in proximity of the Native American Mound and existing ser vice road. The concept considers both an at-grade, pedestrian crossing and an elevated pedestrian crossing to physically connec t the east and west sides of the campus. The concept indicates relocation of the existing maintenance facilities to another location, but they could be maintained in their current location.

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View looking west towards new entrance from Hayes Arboretum Road (top, with crosswalk) (bot tom, with bridge crossing).Plan of new entrance at Hayes Arboretum Road (middle).

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East Entrance and Maintenance Concept Development Maintenance Framework Option 1: The first development framework assumes maintaining the maintenance and operations func tions in their current location but considers multiple concept iterations for retaining or removing existing buildings, and future building locations.

Maintenance Framework Option 1 – Concept A Framework Option 1, Concept A assumes a new Maintenance Building replaces the existing shipping containers and hoop building storage.

The existing maintenance building and wood shop is maintained in their current locations.

The loading dock is located on the west side of the building so that large trucks can access the maintenance yard from the entrance to the nor th and the ser vice drive to the west, and then back into the dock. Trucks and ser vice vehicles exit the maintenance yard from the nor theast corner and back on to Hayes Arboretum Rd. Within the maintenance yard, space is reser ved for a fueling station and amendment and storage bins.

Maintenance Framework Option 1 – Concept B Framework Option 1, Concept B assumes the same general arrangement as Concept A, however, replaces the existing maintenance building with a new Vehicle Storage building. The Vehicle Storage Building is not as deep as the existing maintenance building, allowing for additional storage area to the south of the proposed Vehicle Storage Building within the footprint of the existing building. This development concept could occur with the development of the Maintenance Building, or as a subsequent phase to Concept A.

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Maintenance Framework Option 1 – Concept C Framework Option 1, Concept C assumes the same general arrangement as Concepts A and B, however, replaces both the existing maintenance and wood shop buildings with a new Vehicle Storage building. The Vehicle Storage Building would be more centrally located in the maintenance yard in Concept C, providing additional space for amendment bins and storage.

Maintenance Framework Option 1 – Concept D Framework Option 1, Concept D assumes a new Maintenance Building sited similarly to Concepts B and C, but locates the proposed Vehicle Storage Building at the southeast corner of the maintenance yard. This layout allows additional storage and dumpster access west of the proposed Vehicle Storage Building and removes the secondar y egress from the maintenance yard onto the new entr y drive. Within this concept, ser vice and deliver y vehicles would exit the maintenance yard from the same direc tion they entered. This arrangement reduces the overall amount of pavement and provides more oppor tunity to buf fer the maintenance area, but complicates semi-truck turning movements and increase potential conflic t between ser vice and deliver y vehicles.

East Boulevard Entrance

East Boulevard Entrance

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Maintenance Yard

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Plan renderings of the maintenance facilities Concept A (top lef t), Concept B (top right), Concept C (bot tom lef t), Concept D (bot tom right).

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Exisitng Maintenance Facility

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Maintenance Framework Option 2 The second maintenance framework relocates the maintenance facility to the existing home site south of the existing maintenance facility along Hayes Arboretum Rd. The concept focuses on the removal of maintenance ac tivity from the Hayes Mansion and proposed east entrance. Within the concept, the existing home and garage are demolished and a new Maintenance Building is construc ted in its place. The building site has limited depth in its current configuration because of the existing auto tour drive on the west, and Hayes Arboretum Road on the east. For that reason, a narrow maintenance yard is shown wrapping all sides of the Maintenance Building.

Maintenance Framework Option 2 – Concept A Framework Option 2, Concept A is a refinement to the framework plan. The concept assumes large trucks would enter from Hayes Arboretum Road, and drive past the nor theast corner of the proposed Maintenance Building before backing into the loading dock. When leaving, large trucks would need to drive onto the auto tour road, turn nor th, and exit out of the new east entr y to the nor th, or circle back around and exist from the maintenance yard entrance. This concept attaches the Vehicle Storage building to the west side of the proposed Maintenance Building. The maintenance yard surrounds the buildings with several options for amendment bins, storage, and a fueling station. In addition, dedicated parking spaces are shown on the south side of the proposed buildings and nor th of the maintenance area entrance.

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Conceptual diagram of relocated maintenance facilities Option 2 - Concept A (lef t). Plan rendering of relocated maintenance facilities Option 2 - Concept A (right).

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East Entrance and Maintenance – Preferred Concept The preferred concept for the east entrance and maintenance area is a combination of Maintenance Framework Option 1 – Concept A and the East Entrance framework. The concept establishes a new primar y entrance nor th of the existing maintenance entrance at the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road aligned with a new entrance to the west campus. New gateway signs frame the entrance to the arboretum and security gates provide an oppor tunity to secure the campus outside of normal operating hours. Entering the campus, the roadway is separated by a central median that creates a planted, boulevard entr y experience. The roadway is widened and improved from Hayes Arboretum Road east to the West Campus Center. A multi-use path, separated by a generous tree lawn with way finding signage and lighting, follows the new entr y drive and improved roadway providing a pedestrian connec tion to the West Campus Center and Elks Road on the west.

To improve connec tivity between the east and west campus, a new multi-use paved pathway will lead from the west campus to the new Nor theast Trailhead. The shor t-term solution for crossing Hayes Arboretum Road assumes an atgrade crossing with a rapid flashing beacon, a pedestrian-ac tivated traf fic control device that uses flashing lights to aler t drivers to pedestrians in the at-grade crossing. The long-term solutions indicates an overhead pedestrian crossing that could also ser ve as a gateway to the arboretum.

The overhead crossing would be architec turally unique and visually prominent for vehicles travelling along Hayes Arboretum Rd.

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Proposed renderings of the overhead crossing are illustrated within the east entrance and maintenance sec tion. Within the area of the nor theast trailhead and east campus, the 8-to10 -foot wide multi-use path will navigate near the Native American Mound and terminate at the pavilion. Access to the Yellow, Blue, and Orange Trails will begin at the terminus of the multi-use trail.

The maintenance yard is separated from the new east entrance by a bermed and heavily planted landscape buf fer to screen it from view. The existing Maintenance Building and Wood Shop are maintained in perpetuity; however a new Vehicle Storage Building can be added in the future and replace the existing maintenance building if needed. A new maintenance building is located in the current location of shipping containers and hoop building storage. Large trucks and deliveries will access the maintenance yard from the new entr y drive and an improved and widened sec tion of ser vice road to the west.

Within the maintenance yard, a semi-truck would pull for ward and then back into the loading dock or garage bays. Trucks and ser vice vehicles exit the maintenance yard via an east egress drive. A fuel station, bin storage, and dumpster access are located on the perimeter of the maintenance yard.

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Plan rendering of maintenance facilit y (top). Precedent imager y of maintenance facilit y (bot tom).

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Amendment Bins/Storage

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Floorplans for maintenance facilities.

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Aerial perspec tive of East Entrance with pedestrian bridge (top). Aerial perspec tive of East Entrance with pedestrian crosswalk (bot tom).

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Northast Trailhead - Overview The Nor theast Trailhead is a new zone and focus area for the Hayes Arboretum campus. The intent of this zone is to provide an additional trailhead on the east side of the east campus focusing on: • Creating an additional, physical connec tion between the east and west campus for personal automobiles, school buses, and pedestrians that is focused on creating a safe intersec tion along Hayes Arboretum Road • Providing additional exposure, and enhancing connec tivity to, amenities on the east campus such as the Native American Mound • Developing a gateway to arboretum from Hayes Arboretum Road • Providing additional shelter and programming oppor tunities for the nor th half of the east campus In consideration of these improvement goals, the design team considered one framework option for the nor theast trailhead suppor ted by multiple concept options. Each concept included a recommendation for a new pavilion. The pavilion is intended to be in the same aesthetic and architec tural family as other pavilions on campus, but would be open air without any restrooms. The flooring of the pavilion and enclosed struc ture will be exposed concrete. The struc ture’s frame will be construc ted from a combination of mass timber and steel. The timber will be exposed to celebrate the use of natural materials that ef for tlessly fit within the existing arboretum’s aesthetic. It is unknown at this time if the Nor theast Trailhead would have elec tricity or not, but the roof of the shelter could be outfitted with solar panels used to provide supplemental lighting and elec tricity in the shelter if needed.

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Plan rendering of the nor theast trailhead (top). Conceptual diagram of nor theast trailhead (bot tom).

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Northeast Trailhead – Concept Development Northeast Trailhead Framework: The development framework for the Nor theast Trailhead focuses on establishing automobile and pedestrian access to the east campus in alignment with the proposed east entrance improvements.

Within the east campus, the vehicular roadway terminates into parking areas for buses and automobiles. A new shelter is provided in proximity of the road to suppor t programming and trails connec t into the existing east campus trail system. The Native American Mound becomes a focal element for viewing and future educational programming.

Northeast Trailhead Framework – Concept A Af ter entering the east campus, Concept A maintains the new vehicular access as a one-way loop road that travels around a central parking area and green space. A multi-use path with an at-grade pedestrian crossing over Hayes Arboretum Road provides a physical pedestrian connec tion between the west and east halves of the campus. Parking is configured as 60 -degree angle parking on the south side of the central green space and as parallel parking on the nor th side of the central green space. The parallel parking accommodates up to four bus spaces assuming the buses locate across two vehicle parking spaces. The shelter is located in close proximity of the new entrance, Hayes Arboretum Road, and the Native American Mound.

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Northeast Trailhead Framework – Concept B Concept B maintains a two-way road into the campus that re-aligns with an existing ser vice drive east of the intersec tion and terminates in a cul-desac, or traf fic circle. Small perpendicular parking lots are located adjacent to the new entr y road and parallel parking spaces are provided along the perimeter of the cul-de-sac. The parallel parking spaces can accommodate multiple buses who would temporarily park across two automobile spaces. This concept places the shelter fur ther interior to the east campus to remove it from Hayes Arboretum, push it fur ther into the woods, and buf fer it from the Native American Mound.

Similar to Concept A, a new multi-use path with an at-graded pedestrian crossing over Hayes Arboretum Road provides a physical connec tion between the west and east halves of the campus.

Northeast Trailhead Framework – Concept C Concept C is a slight modification to Concept B. Concept C indicates a dedicated bus parking lot for up to four buses on the west side of the cul-de-sac. This concept provides easier bus circulation but creates more roadway paving and removes parallel parking spaces from the cul-desac. All other improvements are indicated the same as Concept B.

Native American Mound

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Open Air Shelter Bus Parking Bioswale Parking

Native American Mound

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Bioswale

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Plan rendering of the nor theast trailhead Concept A (top), Concept B (middle), and Concept C (bot tom).

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Northeast Trailhead Preferred Concept The preferred concept is a refinement of Concept B. The concept proposes a new open-air shelter, parking, and trailhead on the east side of Hayes Arboretum Drive across from the proposed east entrance. The space is currently charac terized by a natural glade with a few mature shade trees distributed throughout an open lawn area.

Remnants of the Native American mound establish the prominent feature and a gravel ser vice drive circumnavigates the south and east edge of the forest opening. Construc tion of new infrastruc ture in this relatively open area is preferred since it will not require significant disturbance to the existing forest. The dappled natural sunlight that shines through the surrounding tree canopy onto the lawn area creates an ideal location for picnics and leisurely recreation ac tivities.

A new nor thbound right turn lane and entr y drive will allow visitors to exit from Hayes Arboretum Road into a small parking lot. The paved parking lot will feature a single aisle of parking. The aisle will be stacked on both sides with a bay of 3- 4 perpendicular parking spaces. One of the parking spaces will be designated for ADA parking.

The parking lot driveway will lead fur ther into the site to a singular cul-de-sac and drop-of f zone. It is anticipated that the Nor theast Trailhead will be frequently visited and occupied by education and school groups. The drop of f zone will be designed in a manner to accommodate one or more school buses. The cul-de-sac and drop-of f zone will be designed to accommodate larger passenger vans and school buses.

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A paved and accessible path will connec t the drop-of f zone to a new open-air picnic shelter.

A concrete slab with movable picnic tables will be located under the roof of the 1,800 -squarefoot picnic shelter. The shelter will be sized to accommodate field trip classes, family gatherings, and other small group events.

Materials and detailing of the pavilion will match the architec tural charac ter of the existing and proposed buildings on the arboretum’s campus.

Elec trical power may be ran to the pavilion for ceiling-mounted exterior lighting and power receptacles.

In an ef for t to increase awareness of the land’s indigenous heritage, new interpretive signage will be installed along the side of the multi-use trail.

The signage will provide additional information about the existing Native American Mound and the associated Lenape lifestyle. The lawn areas within the glade will remain relatively maintained (mowed) to provide larger spaces for picnicking, recreation, and wandering. However, smaller pockets of native prairie plantings will also be installed in underutilizes or transitional spaces within the glade to create additional habitat for pollinators.

Bus Parking Bioswale Parking

Plan rendering of nor theast trailhead preferred concept (top). Aerial perspec tive looking nor theast towards the mound and shelter (middle). View looking west towards shelter, mound, and east entrance (bot tom).

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Southeast Trailhead + East Pavilion - Overview Improvements within the Southeast Trailhead focus on: • Developing a formal trailhead for visitors to the east campus and users of the east campus trail system • Improving the parking lot to increase parking capacity, providing accessible parking, and ser vice school buses • Providing an east campus shelter to host small classes • Providing an east campus restroom for users of the east campus trail system In consideration of these improvement goals, the design team considered one framework option for the southeast trailhead suppor ted by multiple concept options that explored various parking lot configurations. Each concept included a recommendation for a new pavilion. The pavilion is intended to be in the same aesthetic and architec tural family as other pavilions on campus and would be ver y similar to the west campus pavilion.

Southeast Trailhead – Concept Development Southeast Trailhead Framework: The development framework for the Southeast Trailhead focuses on establishing a more formal trailhead experience. Recommendations include parking lot expansion and improvements to accommodate additional parking and school buses. In addition, a new pavilion and restroom are recommended to ser vice east campus users and school groups. A formal trailhead with additional signage are recommended at the entrance to the east campus trail system and a new Hayes Arboretum gateway is proposed near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive.

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Southeast Trailhead Framework – Concept A Concept A considers expansion and paving of the existing parking lot and the addition of a new bioswale within the center of the parking lot. While buses can access the parking lot, bus parking would be limited to the edges of the entr y drive and adjacent to the proposed trailhead and pavilion. The pavilion is sited nor th of the parking lot and features an open air shelter with an enclosed restroom struc ture. Bike parking, and a bike repair station, are also shown adjacent to the shelter. A new trailhead is located east of the pavilion and parking lot that ser ves as a gateway to visitors of the east campus. A new campus gateway sign is indicated near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive.

Southeast Trailhead Framework – Concept B Concept B is similar to Concept A, but removes the central parking lot bioswale and replaces it with ten oversized, pass-through angle parking spaces. This concept accommodates up to five bus parking spaces where each bus would park across two of the angle parking spaces and then exit back onto the parking lot drive aisle and Hayes Arboretum Road. The remainder of Concept B is identical to Concept A. Southeast Trailhead Framework – Concept C Concept C is a hybrid of Concept A and Concept B that maintains a small, central bioswale, with eight oversized, pass-through angle parking spaces that could accommodate up to four buses. This parking lot configuration is larger in sur face area than the previous two concepts. The remainder of Concept C is identical to Concept A and Concept B.

Hayes Arboretum Road Gateway Marker

Parking Rain Garden

Bike Parking Restroom and Pavilion Trailhead

Hayes Arboretum Road

Parking Rain Garden

Gateway Marker

Parking Rain Garden Bus Parking

Bus Parking Bike Parking

Bike Parking

Restroom and Pavilion

Restroom and Pavilion

Trailhead

Trailhead

Rendered plan of southeast trailhead (top). Conceptual diagram of southeast trailhead (middle lef t). Rendered plan of southeast trailhead Concept A (middle right), Concept B (bot tom lef t), and Concept C (bot tom right).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Gateway Marker

Hayes Arboretum Road

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Southeast Trailhead – Preferred Concept The preferred concept is a refinement of Concept B. Improvements to the southeast trailhead feature several necessar y infrastruc ture upgrades to provide a more welcoming environment for guests and visitors.

Essential to the construc tion of the trailhead is a 2,330 -square-foot open-air pavilion. This shelter would ser ve as a signature landmark on the east side of the arboretum campus. Thoughtful orientation of the pavilion will provide scenic and panoramic views towards the existing meadow landscape. Fur thermore, the architec tural charac ter of the pavilion’s mass timber frame and exposed columns, minimal ornamentation, and monoslope roof will complement the natural setting of the arboretum.

Additionally, a small 270 -square-foot fully enclosed struc ture would reside under the pavilion’s canopy and suppor t two ADA-accessible single occupant unisex public restrooms. Each restroom will include an accessible toilet, sink, hardware and accessories. Minimal heating components will be installed to prevent freezing of the plumbing and allow for the restrooms to be accessible year-round. However, the restrooms will not be fully conditioned.

A 78-square-foot utility room attached to one side of the restroom will house the mechanical and plumbing equipment required for the restroom. In addition, a 270 -square-foot enclosed storage room may be built as an optional facility on the opposite side of the pavilion to provide additional storage space for maintenance tools, restroom supplies, or programming materials.

This multi-purpose pavilion would provide shade and several basic amenities for visitors and daily users. Two rows of picnic tables will be situated below the pavilion’s canopy to provide a place of respite for trail users in addition to a much-

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needed gathering space for larger tour groups on the east side of the arboretum campus. A large over view map of the arboretum will be mounted to the side of the restroom to provide navigation and way finding aid for visitors. Site furnishings – including a drinking fountain, litter and recycling receptacles, bike parking, and a bike repair station – would provide basic amenities for arboretum visitors. A new freestanding kiosk located near the beginning of the hiking trail would display the arboretum’s rules, upcoming programming oppor tunities, and other interpretive information.

Water and elec trical ser vice points will be installed within the right-of-way at Hayes Arboretum Road to suppor t future connec tions for the proposed pavilion and accompanying public restrooms.

Additionally, the existing gravel parking lot would be paved with asphalt to provide a smooth and accessible parking sur face. Each individual parking space would be striped, including required ADA parking spaces. The large sur face area of imper vious pavement would be juxtaposed to several planted and curbed medians. The medians would be planted with larger shade trees and native understor y vegetation to mitigate the urban heat island caused by the darker colored pavement sur face.

A slightly depressed rain garden planted with native forbs and grasses separates the parking lot from the pavilion. The rain garden will collec t rainwater runof f and filter pollutants from the parking lot. A large, galvanized steel rainwater har vesting cistern located south of the existing pavilion will collec t runof f from the pavilion’s roof.

This grey water may be collec ted and used to as non-potable irrigation of vegetation on the east side of the arboretum. Additionally, the cistern provides an educational oppor tunity to teach park guests about the natural water cycle.

Gateway Marker Hayes Arboretum Road Parking Rain Garden Bus Parking Bike Parking

Trailhead

Plan rendering of southeast trailhead preferred concept (lef t).

View looking nor theast towards East Pavilion, comfor t station, and raingarden (middle). View looking southwest towards East Pavilion and East Tunnel (bot tom).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Restroom and Pavilion

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Floorplan of the East Pavilion with optional storage area (not shown in rendering).

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Aerial perspec tive looking nor theast towards East Pavilion (top). Precedent imager y for East Pavilion (middle). View looking nor th towards gateway marker (bot tom).

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain - Overview Improvements within the Historic Landscape/ Legacy zone focus on the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain. Specific recommendations center on: • Emphasizing the connec tion between the Hayes Mansion (Upness) and the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain.

• Enhancing the fountain experience to create a more marketable location for hosting events and ac tivities • Providing physical and visual connec tions between the fountain, East Trailhead, and Woody Plant Preser ve • Increasing the accessibility of the fountain from the auto tour drive • Providing color ful perennials and to enhance the fountain aesthetic • Implementing an ornamental tree grove that could also ser ve as food produc tion and suppor t educational programming In consideration of these improvement goals, the design team considered one framework option for the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain suppor ted by two concept options.

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain – Concept Development Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Framework: In keeping with the formality of the fountain and Hayes Mansion (Upness), and the pastoral landscape of the early 20th centur y, the fountain framework centers around a strong central axis and symmetr y between the fountain and Upness.

An arrival forecour t is located adjacent to the auto tour drive and a series of walks connec t the forecour t and auto tour drive to the fountain.

The fountain is surrounded by new pavement to enhance accessibility and it is anchored by a new pergola and pavilion on the south. Additional walks connec t the fountain to east and west.

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Framework – Concept A Concept A includes a large arrival forecour t with formal perennial beds and garden-style walks through the plant beds. Public ar t is indicated on either side of a a strong central walk that extends nor th/south providing a direc t connec tion between the forecour t and the fountain to the south. Immediately south of the forecour t, a raised belvedere overlooks the formal lawn and fountain to the south. The lawn is divided into four panels that can accommodate seated gathering and programmed events. Two perimeter sidewalks on the east and west sides provide secondar y connec tions to the fountain framing views between the fountain and Upness. A fountain cour t separated into four quadrants surrounds the fountain containing formal perennial and shrub plantings. Seating and a pavilion anchor the south end of the fountain providing shaded seating and an architec tural backdrop.

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Framework – Concept B Concept B is identical to Concept A except for the arrival forecour t. The arrival forecour t in Concept B simplifies the layout and enlarges the central plant bed. Public ar t is indicated in the center of the plant bed on direc t axis with Upness to the nor th, and the fountain to the south.

Arrival

Parking Sculptures

Open Space + Seating

Food Forest

Plaza

Food Forest Plaza

Pergolas

Plan rendering of fountain (top). Conceptual diagram for fountain area (bot tom lef t). Plan rendering of preferred concept for fountain enhancements (bot tom right).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Fountain

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Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain - Preferred Concept The preferred concept is a refinement of Concept B. Improvements to the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain aim to bring greater prominence and recognition of this unique arboretum landmark.

Prac tical improvements to the fountain’s mechanical system and water nozzles will be provided. A new brick paved plaza construc ted around the fountain will encourage intimate and close interac tions with the upgraded fountain.

The plaza will be separated into four separate quadrants by formal plant beds. These beds will be planted with a series of native and nonnative perennials, shrubs, and ornamental trees to provide multi-seasonal interest. A new wooden trellis struc ture will be construc ted on the southside of the plaza to provide a visual backdrop for the fountain when viewed from the nor th. A series of ornate park benches will be installed beneath the trellis to provide seating oppor tunities for guests who want to linger and enjoy the calming af fec t of the fountain.

Rows of ornamental trees will be planted in a formal arrangement on each side of the per formance lawn to create a grove of canopy cover. Trees species will be purposefully selec ted for these groves to expand the arboretum’s curated species collec tion. Examples of tree selec tion may include a conifer collec tion, flowering ornamentals, or an edible fruit forest.

New accessible pathways will lead to the fountain from other iconic spaces in the arboretum.

Specifically, new connec tions will be provided between the fountain, Native Woody Plant Preser ve, and east campus tunnel.

A large, mowed per formance lawn space will be construc ted direc tly nor th of the fountain. This lawn area will be maintained to allow for mediumsize group gatherings during concer ts, festivals, or other group gatherings.

A new arrival forecour t will be construc ted between the per formance lawn and existing auto tour drive. The plaza will feature a large plant bed planted with a series of color ful plants. The plant bed also provides an oppor tunity for the installation of public ar t. Selec tion of the ar twork will be at the discretion of the SWHRFI. However, the ar twork shall compliment the space with a formal and classical design.

Precedent imager y for pergola.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Aerial perspec tive view looking south towards fountain (top lef t). Precendent imager y for fountain (top right).

View looking south towards fountain (middle). View looking nor th from pergola towards fountain (bot tom).

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Site Improvements Site Fencing Erec tion of fencing may be required from time to time to restric t public access to unauthorized spaces, establish clear boundaries or delineations between spaces, protec t people, or other wise enhance the visual appeal of the landscape. A single fence design, comprised of a two-rail split rail with low-profile cattle panels, should be utilized across the arboretum campus to unif y the landscape. Existing fences found within the arboretum that do not comply with this aesthetic shall be removed and replaced with the standard style over time.

Additional Shelters Smaller pre-engineered open-air park shelters are planned to be installed at distinc t locations on the east campus. These shelters will be placed at a regular ½-mile radius inter val along existing trail routes and ser ve a resting spots or places of refuge during inclement weather. The steel framed monoslope roof struc tures will carr y a similar architec ture charac ter to the larger custom designed East and West Pavilions. Additional way finding signage or interpretive panels may be af fixed within the footprint of the shelter. Two to three park benches or picnic tables will be installed below the shelters on a concrete slab.

No elec trical power will be provided to these struc tures.

Trail Improvements Beyond new shelters in proximity of trails, additional trail recommendations include a unified system of trail signage. Signage should be consistent in design charac ter and branding, and it should denote the trail designation and distance travelled. Additional information may include level of dif ficulty, trail features, and unique amenities. Additional interpretive signage should 231

also be placed along the trail system describing unique campus features and educating trail users regarding natural systems and process occurring throughout the campus.

Additional benches and litter receptacles should also be provided at regular inter vals along the trails. A consistent family of site furnishings sensitive to the arboretum’s charac ter should be selec ted and used throughout the campus.

Additionally, strategic sec tions of trail should be paved to provide ADA compliant paths. Trail sec tions considered for pavement should: • Connec t to accessible parking spaces and other accessible features • Provide running slopes less than 5% and cross slopes less than 2% • Provide paved widths of at least five feet or frequent passing spaces • Provide turn-a-rounds at the ends of accessible paths, or be developed as a loop to allow the trail user to return to the point of beginning • Address areas prone to erosion

Drainage Improvements Typical of any large campus, several drainage issues and erosion prone areas exist throughout the campus. These should be evaluated and given levels of priority to be addressed. Depending on the situation, multiple solutions may be considered. These could include, among others: • Drainage tile • Rip rap • Gabion wall/baskets • Retaining walls • Geo-grid, cells, fabrics, or tiles • Coir logs • Erosion control blankets

Springhouse Enhancements

Precedent images for fencing (lef t), spring house (top), trail shelters (middle), and boardwalk (bot tom).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The Springhouse provides a unique experience within the arboretum at the origin of Salamander Stream. Additional improvements to the location may include interpretive signage related to the water feature, larger watershed, unique habitat, and previous use as a swimming pool. The location should also be considered for future public ar t.

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Site Improvements Utility Improvements Future expansion of the Arboretum’s facilities should include upgrades to the existing utilities to ensure improvements are suppor ted by good infrastruc ture. The initial phases of the expansion will focus on improvements near the Nature Center, Annex, and Administration buildings. To suppor t this expansion the major utility upgrades recommended are replacement of the water and sewer lines ser ving the area. The ser vice lines should meet the current separation requirements and be construc ted using modern materials.

Additional upgrades to suppor t the improvements may include updates to the gas and elec trical ser vice.

Replacement of the water and sewer lines will require ear th disturbance for open trenching to place new lines. Depending on proposed routing, open trenching could have negative impac ts on trees in the area. To prevent damage to the tree root system it is recommended that air-powered excavation spade is utilized to expose the tree roots, allowing for the roots to be properly trimmed and treated.

The new water and sewer lines should be sized to provide capacity for the full Master Plan buildout of the area. Water and sewer sizing will be driven by the expec ted use and occupancy capacity of the buildings. Planning for the pipe sizing should account for the maximum building out and usage.

Upgrades to gas and elec tricity to suppor t the expansion will be based upon the building’s mechanical systems and desired use of the spaces.

Once the gas and power needs of the buildings are determined the design team will need to coordinate with each utility to determine existing capacity and upgrades required. Typically, utilities will provide upgrades of their systems to the 233

ser vice meters if the expec ted ser vice usage is suf ficient to justif y their upgrade costs.

It is recommended that future elec trical upgrades are located below ground to provide protec tion to the ser vices from storm damage and to remove the visual clutter overhead lines create. Typically, underground elec trical ser vice installation costs are placed on the proper ty owner since underground installation is significantly more expensive than overhead lines. Unlike the water and sewer installation, elec trical and gas upgrades can be per formed with trenchless installation methods. Typically, trenchless methods limit negative impac ts to trees in the area but that can be dependent upon the number of conduits and installation depth. Care should be taken to ensure the installation depth is below the critical roots zone of the impac ted trees.

Buildings on the east side of the proper ty, west of Hayes Arboretum Road, are ser viced by public water and sanitar y sewer. Both systems will need to be evaluated to confirm their ability to suppor t existing and future development outlined in the master plan which could include wash bays and significant increases in water use and wastewater discharge.

The elec trical pole line along Hayes Arboretum Road appears to be single phase. This will limit the power available to the buildings to 120/240V without major upgrades to the utility’s facilities along the road. It appears the nearest 3-phase is at the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive. Depending on the maintenance building’s needs the current power supply may be suf ficient, but consideration should be given to future use of elec trically/batter y powered equipment and large motors.

Proposed future improvements at the East Trail Head will require sewer and water connec tions.

Both ser vices are currently available within the existing gravel parking area. A single-phase transformer is present on the west side of Hayes Arboretum Road near the existing trailhead entrance to provide the power needs for the facility.

Renewable Energy The arboretum already produces some energy on-site using solar panels near the Nature Center.

While the wooded environment of the arboretum limits the oppor tunity for large solar fields, solar panels may also be considered on future trail shelters in open areas where sunlight is readily available. These could be used to provide supplemental lighting in strategic locations. Other renewable energy considerations may include geothermal heating system upgrades as facilities are renovated, or new facilities are construc ted.

Deferred Building and Facility Maintenance Deferred building and facility maintenance is an ongoing issue for any large campus with multiple improvements and physical facilities.

Determined as a par t of annual budgeting, the campus should develop a deferred maintenance, or capital improvement plan, to schedule and fund projec ts and renovations. Priority should be given to addressing needs for facilities that are intended to be maintained long-term. For example, improvements to the Administration Building or Nature Center may take precedent over improvement to the Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex).

Auto Tour Improvements

Images of springhouse (lef t), solar panels (top right), and auto tour (bot tom right).

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The auto tour is a beloved amenity within the west campus, however, many users have requested bump-outs to allow faster moving vehicles to safely pass slower moving vehicles at regular inter vals. Pavement bump-outs should be a minimum of ten feet wide and thir ty feet long to allow for the transition onto, and of f of, the auto tour.

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Logo Refresh Overview

Concept 1

In celebration of 60 years of operation and completion of their first of ficial master plan, Hayes Arboretum collaborated with the design team on a refreshed logo to celebrate the next chapter in their evolution. The design team reviewed peer organizations across the countr y and completed market research. Three options for an updated logo were reviewed and considered. Each option maintained the Hayes Arboretum name and centered around a graphic concept focused on leaves.

Concept 1 is an evolution of the existing logo, modif ying the standard font and updating the oak, tulip, and maple leaf cluster that ser ve as the graphic element of the logo. In Concept 1, the Hayes Arboretum name appears to the right of the logo.

H ayes Ar bore tum Concept 2

Concept 2 is a more significant depar ture from the existing logo, enlarging the leaf symbol and placing it within a shielded framework. In Concept 2, the Hayes Arboretum name appears to the right of the logo.

Concept 3 is an evolution of Concept 1, separating the leaves into individual elements and spacing them horizontally apar t from one another in a stylized graphic format. In Concept 3, the Hayes Arboretum name appears below the graphic logo.

Concept 3 was selec ted as the preferred concept and was advanced to include additional logo iterations, including full color and monochromatic versions.

A secondar y badge also provides additional branding oppor tunity and additional leaves have been developed for use in special circumstances.

Examples of the logo in use were illustrated on dif ferent forms of collateral including t-shir ts and brochures. A full brand guide for how to use the logo was developed and is included as Appendix 3 of the master plan repor t.

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H ayes Ar boretum Concept 3

Staffing Overview The current staf f at Hayes Arboretum is centralized around the leadership of the Executive Direc tor.

The five full-time and seven par t-time staf f members are responsible for an assor tment of daily tasks and responsibilities.

The employment profiles of several peer arboreta and botanic gardens were evaluated to identif y recurring key personnel among a majority of the study groups, and to identif y strengths and shor tcomings in Hayes Arboretum’s current staf fing system. The continuous annual grow th in visitation to the arboretum, along with the anticipated expansion of the arboretum’s facilities, will almost cer tainly require additional staf f members.

The peer institutions studied for this repor t shared a common theme of showcasing the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity through education, research, and conser vation. All of the institutions were located within the Midwest but varied in size and scope.

The staf f matrix found on the following page provides a guidebook for expanding the staf f and ser vices of fered by the arboretum. It is recommended that positions be filled on an asneeded basis and as additional revenue and funding become available.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

A proposed staf fing organization char t was developed based on the forecasted grow th and expansion of the arboretum. The proposed staf f organization is built on the current management system and introduces several new roles and positions. The master plan suggests reorganizing the staf f into four main depar tments (facilities, membership, education & research, philanthropy), each with a depar tment leader who works closely with the Executive Direc tor.

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Leadership Executive Direc tor The Executive Direc tor should continue to lead the daily operations of the arboretum and while simultaneously ensuring the mission of the arboretum is fulfilled. The Executive Direc tor shall oversee finances, manage staf f, work with the SWHRFI board of direc tors to implement strategic plan, lead capital campaigns and projec ts, and The Executive Direc tor will ser ve as the spokesperson and ambassador for the organization while building collaborative relationships with local and regional par tners to aid in the development of the organization’s mission and goals. The Executive direc tor will work to diversif y employment and revenue streams.

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Directors Additional staf f would be ordered into four new depar tments: Facilities and Grounds, Operations, Programming, and Philanthropy and Advancement.

Each depar tment would be managed by a direc tor and repor t direc tly to the Executive Direc tor.

Executive Assistant Establishing the role of an Executive Assistant may be required as the continued grow th of the arboretum forces additional tasks and responsibilities on the Executive Direc tor. The Executive Assistant will provide crucial suppor t to the Executive Direc tor and Direc tors by managing administrative tasks, coordinating meetings and schedules, overseeing communications, ser ving as the recording secretar y for the COB and SWHRFI boards, and overseeing daily logistics so that the Executive Direc tors can focus on strategic priorities. The administrative assistant would work direc tly with the Executive Direc tor in the administrative of fices.

Facilities and Grounds The Facilities Team is responsible for maintaining the physical features of the campus, including buildings, grounds, and equipment.

Custodian The Custodian will per form daily tasks to maintain the physical appearance and sanitation of the arboretum’s facilities. Task may include sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms; emptying trash; inventor y, order, and receive supplies when needed; per forming routine maintenance; and monitoring buildings and grounds for safety hazards.

Horticulturist & Forestry Land Manager The Hor ticulturist and Forestr y Land Manager are two new positions created to advance the preser vation of diverse habitats and landscapes found within the arboretum.

The hor ticulturist will ser ve as the primar y land care manager for the arboretum’s formal woody plant collec tions, including the Native Woody Plant Preser ve. The Hor ticulturist will provide daily plant care and maintenance, including planting, pruning, watering, and mulching. The Hor ticulturist will monitor and assess the health of both woody and herbaceous plants. The Hor ticulturist will create pest management plans

to tackle pests, diseases, and other botanical issues. The Hor ticulturist should hold a chemical application license. The Hor ticulturist may also gather and analyze data to establish a database of the arboretum’s tree collec tion.

The Hor ticulturist will work closely with volunteers and other laborers to tend to formal plant beds located near the Nature Center, Administration Building, and Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain.

The Hor ticulturist may also work with the Programming direc tor and naturalists to lead tours, give presentations, teach classes, and write ar ticles or content for garden signs to educate the public.

In contrast, the Forestr y Land Manager’s primar y responsibility is to manage and preser ve the forest ecosystem. The primar y tasks of the Forest Land Manager may be to administer restoration planting ef for ts, cut and remove dead or decaying trees, maintain trails, and assist with research from par tnering organizations. The Forestr y Land Manager will also work closely with volunteers to help manage invasive species on the campus.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Facilities Director The Facilities Direc tor will be responsible for managing the arboretum’s physical infrastruc ture by ensuring buildings, equipment, and grounds are safe and well-maintained. Key responsibilities include: Scheduling and overseeing daily care of the arboretum grounds Overseeing maintenance, repairs, and renovations to facilities Creating and managing the facilities budget, monitoring expenses, and identif ying cost-saving oppor tunities.

Managing deliveries and vendors Creating a safe and func tional environment that complies with all codes and requirements Collaborating with the Executive Direc tor to plan for future needs, such as new construc tion or renovations

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The position of the Forest Land Manager may be a grant-suppor ted role shared between multiple organizations, such as Hayes Arboretum, Cope Environmental Center, and the Red-tail Land Conser vancy. In this role, the ISA-cer tified Forestr y Land Manager will be responsible for expanding community forestr y education programs and outreach initiatives. The Forestr y Land Manager may help lead Arbor Day tree planting programs, provide tree care consultation to homeowners, and provide educational suppor t for tree-related programs.

Grounds Manager The Grounds Manager will work closely with the Hor ticulturist to maintain the arboretum’s formal grounds. Tasks may include mowing and trimming lawns, rinsing and cleaning sidewalks, operating of the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain, emptying trash cans, and per forming routine maintenance.

The Grounds Manager will super vise a crew of one or more field technicians.

Field Technicians Field Technicians will assist the Grounds Manager with daily tasks. Field Technicians will be required to per form manual tasks such as weeding, watering, mowing, trimming, and mulching.

Mechanic A mechanic may be a full-time or contrac ted position. The mechanic will per form maintenance and repairs to vehicles, machines, and equipment; per form preventative maintenance to equipment; maintain inventor y and order par ts; and maintain a detailed ser vice log of all maintenance per formed.

Operations The Operations team suppor ts daily financial and logistic ac tivities.

Director of Operations The Direc tor of Operations oversees a company’s day-to-day operations to ensure ef ficiency, produc tivity, and profitability by managing procedures, budgets, and teams.

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Financial Manager The Financial Manager oversees all financial transac tions completed by the organization.

Customer Service Associate The Customer Ser vice Associate will ser ve as the initial point of contac t for customer inquiries. The Customer Ser vice Associate will attempt to field and troubleshoot visitors’ questions and concerns.

The Associate may address questions in person, over the phone, or through the arboretum’s website. The Customer Ser vice Associate’s workspace will be located at the welcome desk in the new Nature Center Addition. The Associate will be the first point of contac t for most guests who visit the arboretum. Additional responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and managing the computer system for reser vations and registrations.

Events and Sales Manager The Events and Sales Manager is responsible for managing reser vations of the facilities, coordinating with clients and vendors, handling logistics, promoting events, and ensuring all ac tivities align with the arboretum’s mission and values. The manager will work with local community groups to reser ve space in the arboretum for weekly, monthly, or annual meetings.

Event Specialist The Event Specialist will assist the Events and Sales Manager with various tasks to ensure the successful implementation of events.

Intern Interns can play critical suppor t roles within the Programming depar tment. Interns may help schedule events, build relationships with visitors, and assist with financial recordkeeping.

Program Guided by the Direc tor of Programs, the Program team will work to develop and implement programs and educational content that advance the arboretum’s mission to connec t people with nature.

Director of Programs The Direc tor of Programs is a full-time position.

This direc tor will be responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing all education and public programs such as classes, tours, lec tures, and camps. Key responsibilities will include: • Collaborating with the interpretive naturalists to develop new classes and programs • Strategically plan programs to attrac t new and diverse audiences • Manage the budget for all education programs and ac tivities • Super vise visitor experience and customer ser vice

Additionally, the Senior Interpretive Naturalist will be responsible for training and overseeing the progress of other interpretive naturalists.

Senior Interpretive Naturalist The Senior Interpretive Naturalist will be responsible for developing curriculum and leading educational programs, workshops, and tours through the arboretum. The Senior Interpretive Naturalist will work closely with the Program Coordinator to plan, schedule, and implement classes, workshops, and special events. In addition, the Senior Interpretive Naturalist will: • Create lesson plans for school field trips • Design and build new exhibits to be displayed in the Nature Center • Engage with the public by answering questions and sharing knowledge about the arboretum’s flora, fauna, and cultural histor y • Promote events and volunteer ac tivities • Assist with the training and super vision of seasonal education volunteers and interns

Program Coordinator The Program Coordinator will be responsible for planning and implementing larger events at the arboretum. The program coordinator will be responsible for: • Developing and managing program schedules, creating timelines, and coordinating ac tivities and events • Developing and monitoring program budgets, tracking expenditures, and helping with funding requests • Super vising suppor t staf f and volunteers and coordinating work assignments • Maintaining and organizing program records and files; preparing repor ts • Scheduling program, field trips, and other internal events

Interpretive Naturalist The interpretive Naturalist will work closely with the Senior Interpretive Naturalist to codevelop and execute educational programs.

The Interpretive Naturalist may assist the Senior Interpretive Naturalist in teaching classes and leading tours. They may also present programs independently of the Senior Interpretive Naturalist. The interpretive naturalist may assist with the development and design of new exhibits.

Intern/Volunteer Several seasonal or temporar y internship oppor tunities may be available. Interns may be required to help the Program Direc tor organize and oversee programs, develop exhibits, or assist with the preparation and presentation of lesson plans to school groups, tour groups, or other visitors.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Project Manager The Projec t Manager will assist the Program Coordinator in implementing special events and programs.

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Curator of Collections and Exhibits The Curator of Collec tions and Exhibits is a new role. The curator will manage and care for the collec tion of historical ar tifac ts, planning and organizing special exhibits, conduc ting research, and educating the public through exhibits, tours, and lec tures. This individual will work closely with the Senior and Junior Interpretive Naturalists to develop new content for exhibits housed in the Nature Center.

The position would also be responsible for coordinating with community par tners – such as the Richmond Ar t Museum, Earlham College, and Wayne County Historical Society – to procure and display loaned historical or cultural collec tions on the arboretum campus. The Curator may also communicate and work with local or national ar ts to procure permanent or shor t-term ar t installations for the arboretum. The Curator will also collaborate with the Richmond Public Librar y to make selec tions of books to be featured on the Stor yWalk® Trail. The Curator will also compile data and maintain the arboretum’s of ficial ar tifac ts, records, and photographs.

Tinkergarten Instructor The role of the Tinkergar ten Instruc tor would remain relatively the same as the current position.

The instruc tor will be responsible for developing daily lesson plans, leading engagement with the students, training Tinkergar ten volunteers, and keeping a detailed record of registration.

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Outreach Guided by the Direc tor of Philanthropy and Advancement, the Outreach team will focus on engagement with suppor ters, donors, and community members.

Director of Philanthropy and Advancement The Direc tor of Philanthropy and Advancement will develop and implement fundraising strategies, manage donor relations, and lead staf f to meet the goals for the organization. The Direc tor may write and lead ef for ts to secure grant funds. Additional responsibilities include: • Collaborate with the Events Manager to plan and implement fundraising events to engage donors • Collaborate on communication strategies to suppor t fundraising ef for ts • Work closely with the SWHRFI and COB boards to build a culture of philanthropy Communications Officer The Communications Of ficer manages public relations, marketing, and the organization’s internal and external messages. The of ficer work to present the organization in a positive light by developing and implementing communication strategies. Key responsibilities include: • Writing and editing materials for internal and external audiences • Creating content for the arboretum’s social media platforms, newsletter, and press releases • Tracking data and repor ting on the success of outreach campaigns • Building and maintaining relationships with media, suppor ters, and other stakeholders Communications Intern One or more interns may be hired to assist the Communication Of ficer with a variety of tasks such as creating content for social media, writing material, and managing social media platforms.

Interns may have previous experience with communications, graphic design, and writing.

Community Outreach Manager The community Outreach Manager will assist with building and maintaining relationships between the arboretum and the community. The community outreach manager will: • Plan and execute community events and programs, such as BioBlitz and Citizen Science projec ts • Assist the Direc tor of Philanthropy in developing fundraising campaigns • Plan and implement of f-site education programs in the surrounding community • Assist with marketing ef for ts Volunteer Coordinator The volunteer coordinator will work closely with the Community Outreach Manager to train, schedule, and manage volunteers to ensure they ef fec tively contribute to the arboretum’s mission and goals. The Volunteer Coordinator will develop volunteer workdays to remove invasive species, plant trees, and maintain the trails in the arboretum. Additionally, the Volunteer Coordinator will recruit and train volunteers to aid with larger programs and events such as the annual Ear th Day Celebration.

Contract Positions Additional professionals may be needed from time to time to suppor t the successful operations of the arboretum. These positions would not require a full-time staf f member and could be outsourced to a third par ty.

Security Officers Initially, security of ficers should be hired for larger events and special programs on a temporar y basis.

As the arboretum continues to grow, contrac ted full-time of ficers may be necessar y to monitor the and facilities during normal business hours and af ter hours. Security of ficers will patrol the campus and respond to incidents when required.

The security of ficer may require the use of an arboretum-owned transpor tation vehicle, such as a golf car t or AT V, to quickly respond to an incident.

Human Resource Officer The arboretum may elec t to develop a long-term contrac t with a company to provide professional human resource ser vices on an as-needed basis.

The Human Resource Of ficer (HRO) would lead staf f recruitment and hiring processes, administer on-boarding procedures, handle employee grievances, and monitor staf f per formance. A shared workspace within the Administration Building may be required to provide meeting space for the HRO, when necessar y to visit the site.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Membership Manager The Membership Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships between the arboretum and its members. The primar y responsibility of the Membership Manager will be to recruit, retain, and engage members. Key responsibilities include: • Ser ving as the primar y point of contac t for members, responding to inquiries and ensuring member satisfac tion • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of donors and prospec tive suppor ters • Assisting with marketing ef for ts • Plan and execute membership-related events and programs • Analyzing data to repor t on membership grow th

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Arts & Culture Overview Incorporation of public ar t throughout the Hayes Arboretum campus is recommended as a way of increasing visual interest and visitation throughout the campus. Ar twork can be designed as permanent installations, or as rotating pieces that change seasonally or af ter a specific amount of time. Public ar t presents an oppor tunity to develop new, or strengthen existing, relationships with local institutions and individuals including the Richmond Ar t Museum, Earlham College, and local ar tists. Once installed, public ar t can be used to suppor t additional programming including public ar t classes and juried ar t exhibits, among others.

Local ar ts and culture can also suppor t arboretum visitation through programmed events that might include hor ticultural and botanical displays, or concer ts and per formances. These additional programming oppor tunities help increase the community’s personal connec tion to the arboretum and long-term financial suppor t.

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Accessibility Overview Accessibility is a broad term that can refer to many things, including physical access, and social and economic access. Hayes Arboretum is already taking steps towards making the campus more physically accessible through strategic investments in ramps, paved walks, and new restrooms. Due to the nature of the campus and the arboretum’s mission, continued investment in accessibility enhancements will remain a priority, and a challenge, for the campus. Beyond the specific accessibility recommendations previously discussed in the master plan, additional recommendations to enhance accessibility and promote inclusivity are: • Developing one, or multiple, pave loop trails for individuals with mobility issues • Improving and construc ting boardwalks in strategic location like Scott’s Pond and the Research Pond • Purchasing an all-terrain mobility scooter or wheelchair that can be checked out by visitors with a mobility issue • Investing in RightHear technology that uses smar tphone apps and strategically placed beacons to provide audio descriptions for blind and visually impaired individuals while navigating public spaces • Investing in KultureCity sensor y bags which provide items to help individuals with sensor y needs manage sensor y over-load • Construc ting accessible restrooms in public facilities and in strategic locations throughout the campus that provide ADA compliance, unisex options, and family restrooms • Installing a communication board near the playscape for children with communication challenges • Incorporating inclusive play features into the playscape • Purchasing and installing tac tile maps and way finding signs in strategic locations throughout the campus, including the Nature Center and trailhead locations 245

• Providing free and reduced fees for special events, programs, and classes to individuals and families who qualif y • Coordinating with Rose City Transit on public transpor tation to the arboretum • Developing pedestrian connec tions to surrounding neighborhoods, commercial areas, and Glen Miller Park

Outreach Overview

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Outreach is a critical element to the long-term success of the arboretum that helps build a personal connec tion between the arboretum and its patrons. Outreach takes multiple forms, but specific outreach recommendations include: • Purchasing new branded merchandise and collateral to be shared with the public • Purchasing and programming a new mobile learning lab that can be used for of f-site programming at community events and with school groups, youth organizations, and other philanthropic organizations • Increasing par ticipation in local and regional community events including community festivals, farmer’s markets, , and holiday gatherings, among others • Par ticipating in thought leadership events at regional conferences to share the knowledge of the Hayes Arboretum staf f and building name recognition for the arboretum

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Education & Programming Overview Education and programming are a core aspec t of the arboretum’s mission that has led to the arboretum’s success since its inception. The community appreciates the programming that is provided and the welcoming staf f that are involved. Future recommendations for enhancing the arboretum’s programming include: • Expanding programming oppor tunities for adolescents and adults with a potential focus on green industries and internships • Of fering additional training classes focused on plant propagation, tree management, and general plant knowledge • Sponsoring programs focused on ar ts and craf ts • Enhancing outreach to regional school systems beyond the arboretum’s typical ser vice area • Establishing regional attrac tions through recurring seasonal events that bring families to the arboretum

Recommendations • Most programs are reused year af ter year.

There is a need for new and fresh ideas.

• Most educational programs of fer introduc tor y content. The arboretum lacks programs with more extensive training and content.

• Most programs are focused on children and family content. Lack of content for older children and adolescents • Need more demonstration workshops • Limited programming in the winter

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Stewardship, Research, & Sustainability Stewardship, research, and sustainability focus on leading by example. To promote the arboretum’s mission and core values, the arboretum should consider the following initiatives.

Stewardship & Research • Expanding volunteer-led invasive species management initiatives • Developing a long-range invasive species management plan • Strengthening par tnerships with allied organizations including NRCS, USDA Forest Ser vices, Purdue, etc.

• Planning for forest succession and continuing to reforest the arboretum • Identif ying threatened flora and fauna species and developing an education and protec tion plan • Developing on-campus seed banks, food forests, species collec tions, and tree/research plots

Sustainability • Incorporating sustainable materials in all future renovations and new construc tion • Integrating clean, renewable energy and becoming a net-neutral campus that is selfreliant • Commissioning and monitoring energy use and consumption of all new facilities • Collec ting, har vesting, and reusing rainwater from buildings • Utilizing materials that sequester carbon • Taking advantage of passive heating and ventilation • Utilizing natural daylight whenever possible • Sourcing materials regionally • Purchasing hybrid and elec tic vehicles • Continue to plant more trees

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Overview

248

Operations Overview Many furnishings and pieces of equipment are critical to the daily operations of the arboretum.

Based on discussions with the staf f, specific nearterm arboretum needs include: • Video conference equipment • Laptops and tablets for staf f • High-capacity printer • Interior furnishings for the classroom and Nature Center • Additional site furnishings including park benches, dog waste bins, litter receptacles, and dog waste stations • Tree inventor y and GIS data sof tware • Tracked skid loader • New tram trailer • 3-row passenger golf car t • 4-passeneger UT V • Company vehicles • Maintenance equipment

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Organizational Leadership

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Transition from an Arbnet Level II to a Level IVaccredited arboretum.

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Implementation

252

Overview & Focus Areas Chapter Overview

Focus Areas & Phasing

The following chapter discusses the next steps for implementing the recommendations of the master plan. The chapter begins with a review of anticipated costs and proposed phasing associated with the focus area recommendations.

This sec tion is followed by an implementation matrix that breaks each of the additional recommendations down by their respec tive categor y and assigns a priority, timeline for implementation, magnitude of cost, and location of improvement within the arboretum. The chapter ends with a description of potential funding sources that may be used towards implementing the recommendations of the master plan.

As discussed in the previous chapter, the master plan provides detailed recommendations for five focus areas that include: • West Campus Center • East Entrance and Maintenance • Nor theast Trailhead • Southeast Trailhead • Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

Phasing Description In general each focus area represents a phase with an accompanying cost opinion and assumed phase assignment, however, due to the scale and magnitude of the recommendations within the West Campus Center and the assumption that some sub-phases of the West Campus Center will be lower priority than other focus areas, the West Campus Center is broken down in multiple subphases. The sub-phases within the west campus center include: • West Campus Center – Central Play • West Campus Center – Classroom + Gathering Building • West Campus Center – Pollinator • West Campus Center - Pavilion • West Campus Center – Nature Center • West Campus Center – West Entr y • West Campus Center – Gas Station Play Similarly, the East Entrance and Maintenance focus area is broken down into sub-phases that include: • East Entrance • Road Connec tor • Maintenance

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Cost Assumptions Architec tural cost opinions are based on an average square footage cost ranges for similar, publicly bid struc tures. Site costs are based on average unit prices and recent public bid histories.

Each cost opinion includes general requirements that a projec t owner can expec t to pay to a contrac tor during the procurement and construc tion process. These costs assume: 1% mobilization/demobilization; 3% temporar y facilities; 1% construc tion layout /staking; 8% equipment /overhead/site super vision/ administration; 5% construc tion contingency; escalation; and 1% insurance and bonding.

The cost opinions are intended to be conser vative and costs may var y depending on the method of procurement and unknown site and design variables. Additionally, the proposed phasing is generally based on campus need, logical construc tion sequencing, and the priorities of Hayes Arboretum. As time progresses, priorities and funding oppor tunities may change, and the order of phasing may need to adjust.

Interpretive signage at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center in Quechee, V T

Tac tile interpretive trail signage at the Schöneberg Nature Park in Berlin, Germany

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The escalation accounts for anticipated annual inflation. Historically inflation has averaged 3- 4% per year and the cost opinions assume an escalation rate based on the anticipated year of construc tion star ting from 2025. For example, a projec t anticipated to be construc ted in 2026 assumes 3% escalation whereas a projec t anticipated to be construc ted in 2035 assumes 30% escalation. The cost opinions also include typical “sof t costs” for design and pre-construc tion work which include the following items: 15% design contingency; 9% design fees; 1% projec t management and owners representative fees; .5% legal accounting, administration, permit fees, and insurance; .25% for topographic and boundar y sur vey; and .25% for geotechnical investigation ser vices.

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Focus Area Phasing Diagram The following sec tion provides a general description of each focus area phase and its cost opinion. A summar y of the cost opinions and an overall phasing diagram are shown on the right. Detailed cost opinions can be found in Appendix 2.

C

K

A L

E J

Costing Area A

Central Play

$2,323,413.50

B

Classroom +Gathering

$9,523,720.80

C

Pollinator

D

East Trailhead

$2,434,705.50

E

West Campus Pavilion

$2,125,368.00

F

East Entrance

$2,494,418.70

G

Road Connec tor

$761,122.00

H

Maintenance

$4,852,388.00

I

Nor theast Trailhead

$1,494,990.00

J

Nature Center

$6,688,080.00

K

West Entr y

$267,504.00

L

Gas Station Play

$437,346.00

M

Brice E. Hayes Fountain Improvements

$1,129,842.00

Total 255

Cost

$131,010.00

$32,194,795.70

F

D

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

B

G

I

H

M

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Focus Area Detailed Descriptions

A

B

Phase A - West Campus Center: Central Play

Phase B – West Campus Center: Classroom + Gathering Buildings

Cost: $2,323,413.50

Cost: $7,054,608.00

The arboretum is investing in the playscape on an annual basis and has allocated funding towards the continued improvement of the playscape.

With that in mind, the first phase of improvements addresses the central play area. Phase A assumes: the fine grading of the playscape; construc tion of the accessible path system and boardwalks that connec t play features; site walls and seating elements; the water and sand play areas, all of the play equipment in the ages 2-5, 5-12, and 5-12+ play zones; site furnishings; and landscaping. It should be noted that the cost of the Central Play area could var y greatly depending on the final play equipment that is selec ted and that Phase A will likely occur in additional sub-phases as money is appropriated to purchase and install individual pieces of play equipment over time.

As noted throughout the master planning process, Hayes Arboretum needs classroom and gathering space to accommodate educational programming and school groups who frequently

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attend education sessions. For that reason, Phase B focuses on the construc tion of the proposed classroom and gathering buildings. The cost for this phase of work assumes approximately $4.1 million in building costs and the remainder includes utility infrastruc ture costs, improvements to the parking lot south of the buildings, and relocation of the existing auto tour. The utility infrastruc ture costs assume the reconstruc tion of water and sanitar y mains from the south proper ty line that will provide utilities for all future phases of the West Campus Center. Pursuit of sustainable building cer tifications including LEED or Living Building Challenge is estimated to elevate the value of the classroom and gathering buildings to approximately $9.5 million. Since the classroom and gathering buildings are envisioned as two separate struc tures connec ted by a deck, this phase can be broken into additional phases where one building is construc ted and the second building is phased in later. If the buildings are construc ted separately, they should undergo initial design together to ensure they are well coordinated in the future.

C

D

Phase C – West Campus Center: Pollinator

Phase D – Southeast Trailhead

Cost: $131,010.00

Phase D focuses on improvements to the existing trailhead near the intersec tion of Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive. The trailhead and east campus trail system receive significant use, but the trailhead needs additional investment to better accommodate school buses and host school groups. Additionally, trail users frequently request public restrooms in the east campus. To best ser ve the visitor’s needs, improvements to the southeast trailhead area recommended as Phase D. The costs for southeast trailhead assume the construc tion of a new $1.1 million pavilion that includes public restrooms. Additional improvements include the expansion and paving of the parking lot, extension of primar y utilities to ser vice the restrooms, gateway signage, lighting, and new site furnishings. .

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Phases A and B will likely take significant resources and fundraising to design and construc t.

Following these phases, a smaller scope phase is recommended prior to beginning another significant fundraising campaign. Phase C focuses on improvements to the pollinator experience which are relatively modest improvements and costs when compared to other focus area phases.

Phase C includes costs for adjusting the butter fly cottage location, planting additional native plantings, construc ting raised plant beds in the former green house location, and construc tion of new concrete sidewalks and crushed stone paths..

Cost: $2,434,705.50

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E

Phase E – West Campus Center: West Campus Pavilion

Phase F – East Entrance

Cost: $2,125,368.00

During construc tion of the classroom and gathering buildings, it is assumed that the majority of construc tion traf fic will access the construc tion site from the existing east entrance to maintain the Elks Rd. entrance free from construc tion traf fic and open to the general public. Construc tion traf fic will likely have an impac t on the existing east entrance and the road connec ting the West Campus Center to the east entrance. Once the classroom and gathering buildings are complete, construc tion of the new east entrance may be completed to address any damage created during construc tion ac tivity. The $2.5 million cost of the east entrance assumes construc tion of the new curb cut at the high point of Hayes Arboretum Road, road construc tion to connec t Hayes Arboretum Road west into the auto tour drive and construc tion of the central median and multiuse path. Also included in the cost are a new pedestrian crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon over Hayes Arboretum Road and connec ting into the East Campus. The overhead pedestrian connec tor could be construc ted as a par t of this phase, or as a future phase, and is included as an alternate in the cost estimate. It is estimated to cost approximately $1.8 million. Additional alternates in the east entrance phase include new gateway signage at the Hayes Arboretum Road intersec tion for an estimated cost of $25,000 and new lighting along a por tion of the new east entrance for a cost of $40,000.

Completion of the classroom and gathering buildings in Phase B will fulfill the meeting space needs of the arboretum and the Turner Grey Meeting Room (Annex) will be able to be removed if desired. Once removed, the new West Campus Pavilion can be construc ted in its place as Phase E. The costs for the west campus pavilion assumes a $1.1 million open air pavilion with two unisex restrooms and an outdoor fire place. It also assumes the extension of primar y utilities to the pavilion, development of the adjacent site pavements, terraced stone walls to the nor th, and outdoor classroom/council ring to the nor th.

259

F

Cost: $2,494,418.70

H

G

Phase G – Road Connector

Phase H – Maintenance

Cost: $761,122.00

Cost: $4,852,388.00

This phase is a sub phase to the east entrance. It assumes roadway improvements to the existing por tion of the auto tour road that connec ts the Hayes Mansion and new East Entrance to the West Campus Center and main parking lot. The assumes widening the road to two full travel lanes and milling and resur facing the entire road to address any damage caused by construc tion traf fic during the construc tion of the classroom and gathering buildings. The cost also assumes drainage improvements and construc tion of a multi-use path connec ting the East Entrance to the West Campus Center.

Depending on the level of priority for the arboretum, improvements to the maintenance area could occur prior to, concurrent with, or following the east entrance improvements. Costs associated with this phase of work include a new maintenance building valued at $1.8 million and an alternate vehicle storage building valued at $740,000.

Site improvements are assumed to include the removal of the existing east entrance, extension of new utilities to the maintenance buildings, new maintenance yard pavement, storage bins, and a fueling station. Also included in the costs are tree and landscaping plantings, and an ear then berm to buf fer the maintenance area from Hayes Arboretum Road and the recently construc ted east entrance. The ear then berm can likely utilize soil excavated from the new maintenance buildings and east entrance improvements.

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J

I

Phase I – Northeast Trailhead Cost: $1,494,990.00 This phase of work assumes construc tion of the nor theast trailhead to provide visitor and bus access to the nor thern extents of the east half of the campus. The costs include a new $500,000 open air pavilion without restrooms or major utilities. Site work costs assume the extension of a new roadway and associated parking from the recently completed east entrance into the east campus and the terminating cul-de-sac. It also assumes bike racks, site furnishings, and signage near the pavilion. An extension of the multi-use path from the west campus to the cul-de-sac, and connec ting to the existing trail system is also included in the costs. Landscaping to address site disturbance and minor tree plantings are included as well.

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Phase J – West Campus Center: Nature Center Cost: $6,688,080.00 Renovations to the Nature Center are assumed to be at least ten years away based on the priorities for new classroom and gathering space, and other campus improvements. The work of this phase assumes nearly $4.2 million in Nature Center renovations to include the previously described addition, stair and elevator tower, and existing building renovations. Also included the overall costs are approximately $2.5 million in optional green building cer tification upgrades. The costs assume a contrac tor will enter the arboretum from the Elks Road entrance and stage construc tion in the existing parking lot west of the Nature Center, likely damaging it during the course of construc tion. Site work costs assume the removal of the existing parking lot and construc tion of the central gathering lawn. Site costs also assume reconstruc tion of the drive around the south end of the Nature Center and west to the west side of the Administration Building to accommodate the existing parking lot removal and Nature Center addition. Site costs assume a new parking bay along the nor th side of the reconfigured drive, sidewalks surrounding the gathering lawn, and a new entr y plaza with site furnishings on the east side of the Nature Center..

L K

Phase K – West Campus Center: West Entr y

Phase L – West Campus Center: Gas Station Play

Cost: $267,504.00

Cost: $437,346.00

As noted above, renovations to the Nature Center assume contrac tors will enter the arboretum from the Elks Road entrance damaging the entr y drive during construc tion. This phase of construc tion assumes the reconstruc tion and widening of the entr y drive following the Nature Center renovation to two lanes, and expansion of the existing over flow parking lot near the bee hives. Additional costs include construc tion of a new multi-use path connec ting to Elks Rd., new gateway signage at the Elks Road entrance, and minor drainage improvements. Completion of the multi-use path during this phase will provide a complete connec tion through the west half of the campus connec ting Elks Road to Hayes Arboretum Road. It would be assumed the City of Richmond would improve paths along Elks Road to provide an enhanced trail connec tion between Glen Miller Park and Hayes Arboretum.

Completion of the Nature Center renovation creates the oppor tunity to relocate the Hayes Museum to exhibition space within the Nature Center. Once completed, the existing museum, a historic gas station, can be re-purposed as an extension of the playscape. Costs assume renovations to the existing building, construc tion of an elevated deck to wrap the nor th and east sides of the building, and new site furnishings.

Additional site costs include creation of a lower play terrace below the deck, relocation of musical elements to the lower terrace, and new play equipment, including slides and nets that connec t to the upper deck. Additional costs assume landscape improvements, minor tree planting, and minor drainage improvements.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

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262

M

Phase M – Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain Improvements Cost: $1,129,842.00 The Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain ser ves as an extension of the Hayes Mansion (Upness) landscape and provides oppor tunities to host additional public and private events, potentially ser ving as a revenue generating space for the arboretum. Currently low on the priority list and assumed to be more than fif teen years away, work of this phase includes mechanical upgrades to the fountain and utility upgrades for water and elec trical ser vice, as well as drainage. Additional work of this phase includes the construc tion of a new arrival forecour t, concrete walks connec ting the auto tour drive to the fountain, brick pavements surrounding the fountain, new shade struc tures on the south side of the fountain, parking improvements along the auto tour drive, and new perennial beds and ornamental tree groves. Additional improvements include selec tive tree clearing and construc tion of paths connec ting to the Woody Nature Preser ve and east campus pedestrian tunnel.

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Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Summer herb garden near the Hayes Museum

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Implementation Matrix Recommendations and Action Plan No.

Description

Priority (low, med., high)

Timeline

Cost ($, $$, $$$)

Funding Source

Branding 1

Implement new logo design. Update collateral, stationary, and marketing materials.

2

High

Ongoing

$$

Revenue

Install new trail wayfinding signage that includes trail identification labels, maps, and other markers.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Fundraising, Revenue

3

Install new trail wayfinding signage that includes trail identification labels, maps, and other markers.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Fundraising, Revenue

4

Install additional interpretive signage at various areas throughout campus.

Low

Proposed

$

Fundraising, Revenue

Outreach 4

Purchase new mobile learning lab trailer.

Low

Proposed

$$

Donor, Revenue, Grant

5

Hire an Outreach Coordinator.

Low

Proposed

$$

Fundraising, Revenue

Equipment 6

Purchase new Tram Trailer Towable People Mover

High

Ongoing

$$

Donor, Revenue

7

Purchase a fleet of new Honda CRV vehicles for staff use

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

8

Purchase Xerox 7225 Printer

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue

9

Purchase ‘used’ CAT 279 Tracked Loader

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

10

Purchase 4-passenger UTV

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue, Grant

Site Improvements

265

11

Plant bareroot tree whips within the existing forest ecosystem.

High

Ongoing

$$

Revenue

12

Perform routine trail maintenance. Stabilize trail surfaces.

High

Ongoing

$

Revenue

13

Install barrier fencing to guide or restrict access to strategic areas in the arboretum. Update existing fencing to new design standard.

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue

14

Apply new chip-seal surface layer to the RLMF Auto Tour. Patch large potholes and depressed areas.

Low

Proposed

$$$

Revenue

15

Construct a new pavement bump-out and passing zones near the Morton Arch on the RLMF Auto Tour.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

16

Construct a new pavement bump-out and passing zones near the Springhouse on the RLMF Auto Tour.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

17

Place picnic tables and litter receptacles to create a picnic area near the Woodland Chapel parking area.

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue

18

Place picnic tables and litter receptacles to create a picnic area near the Paul C. McClure Woody Plant Preserve parking area.

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue

19

Perform preventative cleaning and restoration measures on the Morton Arch.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

20

Construct new open-air park shelters at intervals along the East Campus trails.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Donor

21

Stabilize the trail leading from the East Trailhead to the Hayes Arboretum Road tunnel. Provide erosion control and drainage measures to mitigate muddy trail conditions.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

22

Plant balled-and-burlapped trees at strategic locations on the campus.

Medium

Ongoing

$$

Revenue

23

Construction a new accessible boardwalk along the Research Pond.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

Recommendations and Action Plan No.

Description

Priority (low, med., high)

Timeline

Cost ($, $$, $$$)

Funding Source

Invasive Species Management 24

Remove invasive plant species from high-profile areas (e.g. near Nature Center, Woodland Chapel, etc.) within the arboretum.

High

Ongoing

$

Revenue, Volunteers

25

Prioritize and remove invasive plant species along the forest edge and property boundaries.

High

Ongoing

$

Revenue, Volunteers

26

Remove invasive plant species from the arboretum-owned woodlot directly west of Dick’s Sporting Goods and US 40.

High

Proposed

$

Revenue, Volunteers

27

Perform controlled burn or strip disking in all pollinator meadows and native prairie areas to manage wood invasive plant species.

High

Proposed

$

Grant

28

Develop a long-term contract with a professional ecological restoration firm to manage and mitigate invasive plant species.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant

High

Proposed

$$

Grant, Revenue Revenue

Accessibility 29

Purchase equipment and a subscription to an auditory navigation application (e.g. Right Hear) for visitor use.

30

Construction 1/4-mile paved and accessible loop trail

Medium

Proposed

$$$

31

Purchase one (1) trail mobility/adaptive equipment scooter

Medium

Proposed

$

Donor, Grant

32

Purchase and install a non-verbal communication board near the Nature Explorer Playscape.

Low

Proposed

$

Grant, Donor, Revenue

33

Install tactile wayfinding and interpretive signage for visually impaired guests and visitors.

Low

Proposed

SS

Grant, Donor, Revenue

34

Hire a Custodian.

High

Proposed

$$

Revenue

35

Hire an additional interpretive naturalist.

High

Proposed

$$

Revenue

36

Hire a Director of Membership.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

37

Hire a Horticulturist.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

38

Hire a Marketing intern.

Low

Proposed

$$

Grant

39

Hire a Natural Resource intern.

Low

Proposed

$$

Grant

40

Hire a Project Manager.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

41

Hire a Volunteer Coordinator.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

42

Hire one or more Field Technicians.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue

43

Hire a Business Administrator / Finance Manager.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

44

Hire a Communications Officer.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

45

Hire a Customer Service Associate.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

46

Hire a Director of Programming.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

47

Hire a Forestry Land Manager.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant

48

Hire a mechanic.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

49

Hire an Events & Sales Manager.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

50

Hire an Events Specialist.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Revenue

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Staffing

266

Recommendations and Action Plan No.

Description

Priority (low, med., high)

Timeline

Cost ($, $$, $$$)

Funding Source

Facilities 51

Construct a new Classroom and Assembly building.

High

Proposed

$$

Donor, Grant

52

Install new playground equipment and features to expand the nature-based play experience. Purchase and install new playground equipment.

High

Ongoing

$$

Donor, Grant

53

Construct a new East campus entry.

Low

Proposed

54

Construct a new Northeast Trailhead parking lot.

Low

Proposed

$$

Grant, Revenue

55

Construct a new Northeast Trailhead Pavilion.

Low

Proposed

$$

Donor, Grant

56

Acquire and install new public art on the arboretum campus.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant

57

Construct a new East Trailhead parking lot.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant

58

Construct a new East Trailhead Pavilion.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Donor, Grant

59

Construct a new Nature Center Addition.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Donor, Grant

60

Construct a new West Pavilion.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Donor, Grant

61

Construct additional site improvements adjacent to the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant, Revenue

62

Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) and a new pedestrian crosswalk along Hayes Arboretum Road.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant

63

Renovate the Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain.

Medium

Proposed

$$

Grant, Revenue

64

Construct new maintenance facility.

Low

Proposed

$$$

Donor, Revenue

65

Achieve net zero or net netagtive energy consumption by installing additional photo-voltaic panels, geothermal heating, and other alternative green energy sources.

Low

Proposed

$$$

Grant, Revenue

Donor, Grant

Programming 66

Update existing Nature Center exhibits with new graphics and information.

High

Ongoing

$$

Grants, Revenue, Donors

67

Create new education curriculum and recreation opportunities focused on older children, adolescents, and teens.

High

Proposed

$

Grants

68

Plan and develop for large, seasonal festival and events.

High

Proposed

$$

Donors, Sponsors

69

Increase the amount of training, education classes, and hands-on workshops offered to the public.

Medium

Proposed

$

Revenue, Sponsors

Art & Culture

267

70

Install additional, permanent sculptures and artwork on the arboretum campus.

Medium

Proposed

$$$

Donors, Grants

71

Plan and implement additonal seasonal art exhibits, including workshops and seminars. Collaborate with other local art and culture agencies, including the Richmond Art Museum and Earlham College.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue, Sponsorship

72

Plan and implement seasonal botanical and horticulture displays.

Low

Proposed

$$

Revenue, Sponsorship

73

Implement additional public art classes.

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue

74

Host annual juried art exhibits.

Low

Proposed

$

Revenue, Sponsorhip

75

Plan and implement public concerts and performances within the arboretum. Collaborate with other organizations and groups such as the Richmond-Wayne Co. Schools and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

Low

Proposed

$$

Donors, Grants, Revenue, Sponsorship

Grant Opportunities Overview The projec ts in the master plan represent a large vision to implement over the next fif teen years.

Funding them will require creative fundraising strategies and come from multiple sources. These will likely include funds from the annual operating budget, fundraising campaigns, donations, and grants among others. The following includes a variety of grant oppor tunities that fund dif ferent types of construc tion and programming projec ts.

GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant, administered by KidsGardening, aims to expand youth garden programs across the United States. In 2025, the program will award a total of $100,000, with 170 recipients receiving $500 each. The Plus Specialty Award will of fer an additional $1000 to 5 programs with greater funding needs due to financial, environmental, safety, health, and regulation challenges. The Pride Specialty Award will of fer an additional $1000 to 5 programs which ser ve mostly LGBTQ+ youth. The Equity Specialty Award will of fer an additional $1000 to 5 programs which ser ve mostly youth of color. There is no matching requirement for applicants. The application period for 2025 was open from Januar y 6 to Januar y 31, 2025. The grant is not currently open for application.

Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund The Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund, administered by the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), suppor ts nature-based educational experiences for youth, par ticularly those with limited access to outdoor oppor tunities. The fund has awarded grants totaling approximately $4,500 annually, benefiting over 2,700 youths since its inception. There is no matching requirement for applicants. The application period for 2025 is currently open, and the application deadline is December 31, 2025.

Applications can be submitted via email to youth@ inpaws.org.

INPS Biodiversity Grant The INPS Biodiversity Grants, administered by the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS), suppor t projec ts that align with the organization’s mission to promote the appreciation, preser vation, scientific study, and use of plants native to Indiana. Grants are awarded in two categories: Demonstration Garden and Land Management and Conser vation. Award amounts range from $400 to $2,000, with funds disbursed upon completion of the projec t and submission of a final repor t. There is no matching requirement for applicants. The application period for 2026 opens on Januar y 1, 2026, and closes on Februar y 1, 2026.

The Youth Garden Grant, administered by KidsGardening, is a longstanding program that suppor ts school and youth educational garden projec ts nationwide. In 2025, the grant awarded $500 in funding and a box of gardening supplies valued at $1,000 to 50 programs. There is no matching requirement for applicants. The application period for 2025 was open until December 13, 2024, and the grant is currently not accepting applications, as the program is closed.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Youth Garden Grant

268

Pollinator Partnership Grant The Pollinator Par tnership Grants, administered by the Pollinator Par tnership, suppor t various initiatives aimed at enhancing pollinator health and conser vation. Funding amounts and match requirements var y depending on the specific grant program, of which there are 5: 1. Honey Bee Health Improvement Projec t focuses on suppor ting innovative work in one or more priority research areas, which are listed on their website. The 2025 application window is closed.

The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead located in Bloomington, MN features a pre-engineered public restroom, bike parking, and shaded seating.

2. The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship provides funding to graduate students studying the causes of pollinator decline, with awards up to $4,000. The 2025 application window is now closed, as of Januar y 17, 2025.

3. The Call for Research Proposals Related to Imperiled Bombus Conser vation seeks proposals for research related to improving the recover y and persistence of imperiled Bombus species. The 2025 grant session is now closed.

4. The Lepidoptera Conser vation Grant seeks to build more knowledge and understanding of the crucial role lepidoptera play in our ecosystems and help to preser ve this connec tion. Their 2025 application window is now closed.

Prairie plants provide a variet y of ecosystem ser vices and at trac t many vital pollinator insec ts.

269

5. The Native Wildflower Seed Grant, with P2 and Toyota Motor Nor th America, will provide free supplemental native wildflower seed to assist large-scale habitat projec ts. Must have a 10 -acre or larger area of “shovel ready” space that will implement pollinator habitat enhancement ac tivities between fall 2025 and spring 2026. Projec ts sites that engage their community in education, outreach, and volunteer oppor tunities or that suppor t known populations of imperiled wildlife are especially encouraged to apply. Application window closed on July 11, 2025.

USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

Aldo Leopold Foundation Fellowship Program Unity Forestr y Grant

The Conser vation Innovation Grants program suppor ts the development of new tools, prac tices, and technologies for natural-resource conser vation on private lands. There are 3 annual CIG funding oppor tunities: CIG Classic, CIG On-Farm Conser vation Innovation Trials, and State CIG Classic. There are no open competitions at this time. When a competition opens, information on the competition and instruc tions for how to apply will be posted on grants.gov.

The Aldo Leopold Foundation Fellowship Program is a program for early-career professionals to gain experience in conser vation leadership through on the job training, with specializations in Education & Communications or Land Stewardship. There are no fellowship openings currently available.

The USDA Forest Ser vice sponsors many forestr y grants designed to suppor t forest health, innovation, and par tner-driven conser vation.

Match requirements var y widely by solicitation and state; some programs may require cost sharing or par tner contributions, while others are fully federal funded. Application status and deadlines dif fer by program and year; applicants must refer to individual grant notices for the current open window.

Indiana DNR Community Forestr y Grant There are several grants available through the IN DNR Forestr y Grant Program. The application deadline is Oc tober 23, 2025 for the 2025 cycle, and should be submitted through the State Budget Agency website. The State Urban Forest Resilience Grant is a grant to help communities recover from the emerald ash borer by funding projec ts like tree removal, new tree planting, and treating infec ted trees. Request must be between $5,000 and $50,000. To be eligible, applicants must be in Indiana, have a 5-year-old or newer tree inventor y, and ensure all projec t work occurs on public proper ty. Projec ts must include tree planting, and for ever y EAB-infested ash tree removed, at least two new trees must be planted.

Sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Librar y Ser vices (IMLS) in par tnership with museum organizations, this program promotes free or reduced admission access for families receiving SNAP/EBT benefits. It does not have a specific funding amount or match requirement. The program is open year round to eligible museums and par ticipating institutions. No single application deadline is listed in the sourced material.

Asplundh’s Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program This program suppor ts long-term research and technology-transfer projec ts in arboriculture and is administered by the TREE Fund, with endowment suppor t from Asplundh. The maximum award value is $25,000. Projec ts are expec ted to be completed within 3-5 years. There is no mention of price matching for this grant.

Davey Tree Expert Company Community Arboriculture Education Grant Program The Davey Tree Exper t Company Community Arboriculture Education Grant Program funds suppor t for education/training in tree care and/ or urban forestr y topics. This grant program is designed to suppor t nonprofit educational programs. Projec ts are expec ted to be completed within one year. Two $5,000 grants are available annually. The 2025 application window is closed as of March 15, 2025.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

USDA Forestr y Grants

Museums For All Program

270

ArbNet Grants ArbNet sponsors a multitude of grants aimed at promoting conser vation and preser vation ef for ts worldwide. One grant is the BGCI’s Global Botanic Garden Fund, which aims to drive plant conser vation, especially in under resourced gardens from high biodiversity areas of the world.

The Fund aims to disburse 30 - 40 grants per year.

Each grant awarded ranges from $1,000 -10,000 (depending on the grant chosen). There are currently no open applications, but updates to this status can be found here.

ArbNet Priority US Trees Conservation Awards The ArbNet Priority US Trees Conser vation Awards is administered in par tnership with The Mor ton Arboretum / Botanic Gardens Conser vation International. This program of fers awards ranging from US $3,000 to US $5,000 for U.S. based institutions engaging in conser vation of priority native tree species. There is no published match requirement listed in the guidance. The application deadlines for the 2025 rounds were June 15 and August 15, 2025. Applicants should monitor ArbNet’s grant-funding oppor tunities page for updates to this closed status.

ArbNet Partnership Programme Grants The BGCI/ArbNet Par tnership Programme was created in 2017 as a funding oppor tunity to suppor t international collaborations between tree-focused botanic gardens and arboreta for the purpose of exchanging skills, resources and exper tise to advance tree conser vation ef for ts.

The program provides funding up to $2,500 for collaborative tree conser vation projec ts, with priority given to projec ts that target biodiversity hotspots and/or capacity building in developing countries. The program must involve an international par tnership between two botanical institutions

271

American Academy of Dermatology Shade Structure Grant This program awards up to $8,000 per projec t (which covers materials and installation of a permanent shade struc ture) for public schools and nonprofits ser ving children and teens. There is no cost share or applicant match requirement stated.

The 2026 cycle application window opens Oc tober 1, 2025 and closes December 15, 2025.

EPA Environmental Education Grant The EPA’s EE Grant Program suppor ts projec ts that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. While award amounts var y widely by request, a key policy states that recipients must ensure exac tly 25% of the awarded EPA funds are sub-awarded to eligible sub-recipients if that struc ture applies. Match requirements var y. some may require matching funds or in-kind contributions. Total grant amount distributed per year has ranged from $2-3.5 million. Application deadlines var y each year according to the Notice of Funding Oppor tunity (NOFO). Applications should be submitted to w w w.grants.gov. No application window currently open.

Museum Assessment Program (MAP) The Museum Assessment Program (MAP) is no longer federally funded by IMLS, but of fers paid par ticipation in their program. helps small and mid-sized museums of all types strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards. The MAP Full Suite program has a cost of $6,750 -$8,100 depending on membership status, and includes a workbook, bonus ac tivities, resources, Peer Reviewer, site visit, and final repor t with prioritized recommendations. They are currently accepting applications until November 14, 2025. You can apply here.

National Endowment for the Arts The National Endowment for the Ar ts grants are of fered to provide funding for public engagement with the ar ts and ar ts education, for the integration of the ar ts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the ar ts sec tor.

Applicants may request an amount between $10,000 -$100,000. Designated local ar ts agencies that are eligible to sub-grant may request $30,000 to $150,000 for sub-granting programs. The grants have two annual funding cycles (GAP 1 and GAP 2) and the application por tals for F Y26 closed on March 11, 2025 and July 17, 2025 respec tively.

There is a multitude of grants available through this program which can be viewed under the Grant Program Details and Instruc tions headline of this website.

Stanley Smith Horticulture Trust The Stanley Smith Hor ticulture Trust suppor ts education and research in ornamental hor ticulture and awards grants up to US $25,000, although grants typically do not exceed $20,000. There is no published match requirement, but the application expec ts organizations to align closely with the Trust’s priorities to be accepted. The latest cycle lists a Letter of Inquir y deadline of June 16, 2025 and invited full proposals due July 15, 2025. Information for the 2026 application cycle will be posted here in Januar y 2026.

Botanic Gardens Conservation International Global Seed Conservation Grants The main purpose of these grants is to allow botanic gardens/arboreta to create new collec tions of threatened species, increase seed banking capacity and safeguard these collec tions by duplicating seeds in the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV ). Grants are up to USD $4,000 and are made possible through a cooperative agreement between the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute and BGCI. Application window for 2025 closed on July 11, 2025.

BCGI-Minnesota Landscape (ML A) Grant The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, par t of the University of Minnesota, of fers grants through its Global Botanic Garden Fund in par tnership with Botanic Gardens Conser vation International (BGCI). These grant provides $500 to $1,000 for projec ts that align with the mission of the Arboretum and BGCI. No match requirements are not explicitly stated. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate financial sustainability and potential co-funding sources. The application period is currently closed. Projec ts are expec ted to be completed within one year from the award date.

The NSF is currently closed due to a lapse in appropriations. Typically, the foundation funds large-scale STEM education and research programs. The S-STEM program allows awards of up to US $2,000,000 over six years. The match requirement is solicitation specific. Some programs (especially instrumentation or SBIR / ST TR Phase IIB) may require matching or leverage external funds. The ATE program anticipates about US $69 million in awards for F Y 2025 and specifies deadlines such as Oc tober 1, 2026 for full proposals.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

National Science & Engineering Grants

272

National Trust for Historic Preservation Grants The National Trust for Historic Preser vation of fers various grant programs to suppor t the preser vation of historic sites and struc tures across the United States. Grant amounts var y depending on the specific program, with some grants of fering up to US $10,000. Applicants are generally required to provide a 1:1 match. Application deadlines var y by program. Organizations interested in applying should refer to the specific guidelines of each grant program for detailed information on eligibility and deadlines. Some of the programs include: •

National Trust Preser vation Funds •

•

African American Cultural Heritage Ac tion Fund – National Grant Program •

•

This initiative of fers grants to suppor t historic preser vation projec ts at sites related to Black histor y in the United States. In 2025, $3 million in grants were awarded to 24 sites nationwide. No specific match requirements, but applicants are encouraged to demonstrate financial sustainability. The 2025 cycle had a deadline of May 1, 2025.

The Mor ton Arboretum’s Elm Collec tion in the summer.

Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program •

273

Administered by the National Trust for Historic Preser vation, these grants provide seed money for preser vation projec ts, suppor ting ac tivities such as planning, education, and public outreach. Grant amounts generally range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a 1:1 match requirement.

Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines var ying by state. Indiana is not currently an eligible state. See more info here.

This grant is administered in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preser vation and American Express to provide grants to historic small restaurants for facility improvements and operational expenses. Each selec ted restaurant will receive $40,000, with no match requirement.

Lit tle Nis is one of three “Forest Giants” sculptures created by Danish ar tist Thomas Dambo for Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The sculpture is made from reclaimed wood.

Historic Preser vation Fund (HPF) – Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants •

•

Administered by the NPS, this fund provides matching grants to State Historic Preser vation Of fices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preser vation Of fices ( THPOs) for preser vation ac tivities. Grant amounts var y based on the projec t and location. Specific match requirements are determined by the administering agency. The 2025 cycle had a deadline of June 15, 2025.

Historic Ar tists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS) Program •

This program suppor ts organizations preser ving historic sites that were once homes and studios of ar tists. Funding amounts var y based on the projec t and location. Specific match requirements are determined by the administering agency.

The 2025 cycle had a deadline of March 1, 2025.

Alexander Liberman’s Aria sculpture stands out from the backdrop of autumn leaves at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI.

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•

274

275

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Appendix 1 Public Survey

276

Earth Day Celebration Comments MY VISION FOR HAYES ARBORETUM IS...

W RI TE DOW N YOU R S U G G E ST I O N S AN D P O ST T H E M O N T H E T R E E .

Add an outdoor classroom

Add a large outdoor deck or patio area

Create more outdoor play areas

the Allow bikes along ur. path of the Auto To ign ass ps ha Per or designated times days for bike use

Provide more dishes for the mud kitchen

Bring back the animal pelts for touching

Add animal interactions

Add a tall climbing area and a zipline Create a developed or updated bird-watching room You guys are amazing!

Thank you

Create a playscape for all sizes of children

Add a lot of climbing areas I like the walks

Add swings

Save the trees!

I love that Hayes encourages nature exploration in young children. Keep it up!

Rebuild the gazebo

s Purchase bird feeder t can tha ses ou dh bir or be affixed to the d window of the bir watching room

I love the trees

FAM ILY EARTH DAY C E L E BR AT I O N | A P R I L 26, 2025 H AY ES A R B O R ET U M M AST E R PL AN

277

Focus Groups Focus Group 1 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 8:00 AM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex)

1. What do you like about the arboretum?

• Trails: well-maintained, recent addition of signage and Stor yWalk™ • Use westside when feeling more adventurous – Blue Trail • Proper ty is distinc tive

3. What 1 thing would you change about the property?

• Add an engraved rock garden with dog names or stand of trees (memorial garden) •

Funded by dog owner’s expense

•

Existing dog waste station at eastside trailhead and on backside of Nature Center

•

Cope Environmental Center’s proper t y is flat; Hayes has more topography

•

Topography is ideal for mountain biking

•

• Small size proper ty; feel comfor table hiking with younger children

Don’t need challenging features; more cross-countr y bike riding

•

• Tinkergar ten – Designed for younger children (pre-K or younger)

Horn’s Hill, Columbus, OH or Hueston Woods State Park, College Corner, OH

•

Local mountain bike communit y maintains the trails; removes fallen trees

• Well-maintained gravel road • Mountain bike trails: attrac ted many people from Day ton, Muncie, etc.

•

Good sight lines – limited conflic ts bet ween pedestrians/bikers; watch for people closer to parking lot

2. What would you like to see improved?

• Better access to the proper ty (specifically bringing children to the site) Collaboration with the City and Transpor tation Dept.

• Additional way finding signage in the backside of the proper ty • Turner-Grey Meeting Room – the campus is beautiful; room has limited windows. Would like to see more windows incorporated.

• Restroom for small children in closer proximity to the Tinkergar ten • Provide restroom and drinking water source on eastside of campus

• Restore and re-open mountain bike trail

• Would like to add a covered wash station at maintenance facility • Possibly more equipment for invasive removal •

Consolidate equipment

• Equipment shed for volunteers who help with trail maintenance • Logistical issues with deliveries; challenge to find space to store deliveries • Outdoor sculptures 4. Membership • Use as a contribution to give back to the arboretum • Like discount benefit of using the facilities ( Turner-Grey meeting room) •

Would like to see a member-only camp night

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Items of Discussion:

278

5. Better need to get the word out about Hayes Arboretum • Cope Environmental Center has dif ferent mission than Hayes •

Bet ter define the mission of Hayes

•

Cope is bet ter with education and environmental awareness; Hayes is bet ter for walking in the woods

6. More educational opportunities for older children • Internships for high school students during the summer 7. Additional signage for parking lot circulation – especially for special events (i.e. one way) 8. Would like to see expansion of trails on westside – areas that don’t have trails • Westside is “prettier” side, forest floor is more clear • Shor ter distance trails on the westside vs. eastside 9. Would like to see expansion of nature playscape • More ac tivities for older children (rock climbing wall)

ATTENDANCE LIST:

279

Focus Group 2 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 9:00 AM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) Items of Discussion: 1. What do you like about the arboretum?

•

• Administrative staf f is easy to work with; stressless for educators and community leaders

Giant fallen tree on eastside is fun for kids to balance on

•

Big sycamore car ved out near Turner- Grey Meeting room

•

Cope Environmental Center has a culver t / tunnel to crawl through

•

Spaces for Autistic children (textures, sounds, places for isolation)

•

Small herb garden – many people don’t know it is located there

•

But ter fly garden

Open to new ideas; problem solvers •

Wrote grant for outdoor beehive; beehive indoors doesn’t last long

•

East Central Indiana Beekeepers maintains the hive and uses it for education purposes

• Cheap access for families, children, school groups • Girl Scouts from K Y and MI have visited Hayes for events • Hayes feels like they are a par t of the community; take idea and own it • Safe place for children to play, hike, etc.

• Flexibility of indoor/outdoor programming with inclement weather – Nature Center has a lot of interac tive features 2. How are using the facilities with groups?

How can they be improved?

• Senior photos taken here – photos in woods, over the bridge, near rock outcroppings • Add interac tive water features, rain barrels, etc.

• Add drinking fountain • Add bathroom near nature play area; don’t want to walk through parking lot • Creek stomps, salamander hunts, frog hunting, etc.

• Playscape •

Sand pit & mud kitchen is frequently used

•

Slide, tight rope, etc.

•

Building kit-of-par ts (older kids use it more than lit tle kids)

•

Would like to see stumps at various heights, obstacle course, hollowed tree balance

• Clean up and maintain the exterior bird obser vation area • Salamander stream dries up during the summer (June) – cannot use it for educational programs in the summer; would like to see a permanent water feature • More historical/cultural/environmental education for older (middle-school) children •

Science and social studies

•

More interpretive signage around campus

•

Developed area around the Brice Hayes Memorial Fountain

• Would like to see Hayes out in the community – booth at community events at Jack Elstro Plaza •

Invite Hayes to clubs or organizations to talk about the arboretum

• Hayes vs. Cope Environmental Center •

Hayes has more features, more acres

•

Hayes has bike trails; Tinkergar ten •

Would like to see the Tinkergar ten curriculum expanded

•

Cope Environmental Center has unique programs such as the Maple Syrup event

•

Cope Environmental Center has ponds and wetlands which are nice features •

Hayes Arboretum’s wetlands are not accessible – too steep, too overgrown

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•

280

• Way finding signage on eastside •

Hard to navigate; gets lot

3. What would you like to see improved?

• Upgrade interior exhibits • Temporar y or seasonal exhibits 4. What facilities have you seen at other locations that you want to see here?

•

Building for inclement weather; restroom

• Girl Scouts travel to Hayes Arboretum for day trip; no overnight stays • Maybe primitive camping for older Boy Scout troops – maybe located on eastside on corner of proper ty • Covered picnic area near playscape • Group size: 5 to 25, up to 100 students 5. Education • Mushroom walk, fall leaf tour, nighttime moth walk • Staf f is stretched thin to of fer of f hours events •

Bring in more exper ts for guided hikes

• More guided events • Most events are planned for Saturday. Have more events at various times through week

ATTENDANCE LIST:

281

• Group events/camps are af fordable – only charges $5/child •

Significantly more expensive at Cope Environmental Center; dif ferent clientele

• Outdoor ar t exhibits •

Alwood Nature Center

• Native Plant Sale, space for Master Gardener programs •

Garden space; fenced or enclosed vegetable garden

6. Why come • Hiking is priority; then use indoor facility of weather is inclement or other needs 7. Turner- Grey Meeting room is good to use but has a size limit 8. Hayes is great but need more awareness • Good website and Facebook page • Grassroots ef for ts – share on personal Facebook pages • Increase social media presence; more engagement •

Share photos of events on Facebook

9. Fire tower – different perspective for an arboretum

Focus Group 3 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 10:00 AM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) Items of Discussion: • Public ar t (i.e. Rock snake) • Programs • Able to learn about the histor y of the region • Hiking trails

• Figure how to retain their identity and weave their missions together; share resources • What can Hayes bring to the table? What are they exper ts at? How do they ser ve the public?

•

Red-tail Land Conser vancy, Whitewater Valley Land Trust, Cope Environmental Center, Hayes Arboretum

•

Hayes Arboretum: they are an arboretum; Moon tree; depth of science and histor y; land stewardship

•

Redundancy bet ween organizations?

•

How can Hayes take a leadership role for all of the environmental groups and NPOs?

• Af fordable events and programs • Generation “G” Nights – par tnership with G101.3 radio 2. What would you like to improve • More histor y and programs about Native Americans • More focus on native edibles/ foraging • Transpor tation issues – not accessible to walk down Elks Road •

Bus stop at the end of the entr y drive near Elks Road

• Accessibility •

Make chairs more accessible for wheelchairs

•

Exterior (AT V ) wheelchair rentals

• Get lost on trails • Confusing maps – isolate hiking trails on graphics • Connec tion to Glen Miller Park? – topography is an issue •

Grass lawn will be transformed into some other program (i.e. dog park) – of f limits

• City Staf f (union) cannot help set up an event on private proper ty like Hayes •

Drive-thru Christmas light show

•

West Spring Christmas, Eaton, OH – corporate sponsors are responsible for setup

• Old viewpoint: view the arboretum as “upscale”

3. Increase revenue – Corporate retreats?

Obstacle Course/zip line for team-building • Attrac t regional companies; host Boy Scouts • Look into For ward Wayne Reac tivation Plan 4. Are facilities adequate?

• Event spaces in Wayne County are lacking.

Need spaces for 50 -250 persons; need indoor/outdoor spaces • Great wedding venue • Displays on wall in nature center… not an ideal background for wedding photos • Starr Genette – larger facility, 600+ persons; always rented out • Make multi-purpose; include break-out rooms for 100 per room • Context – Richmond is regionally centralized between IN, OH, K Y • Reid Health Education – tr y to go out into the community • Accelerated class courses • Small cabins that can be rented

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

1. What do you enjoy

282

5. What is Hayes?

• Meeting space? Education space? Nature space?

•

Who is the core target audience? Who are you tr ying to ser ve?

•

How to maintain the charac ter of the facilit y?

6. What is Hayes income stream?

7. More education class. More horticulture education. Educate the public.

8. Fall Foliage Days and Happy Hollow were (former) big events… have not happened since changes occurred 9. Need vendor space for special event 10. Take open space(s) (i.e. on eastside) and convert into a food forest 11. More history programming and events 12. Black Legacy Project of Wayne Co. 13. Gallery Space and Sculpture Park 14. Fitness Community – bring back mountain biking, etc.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

283

Focus Group 4 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 11:00 AM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) Items of Discussion: • Out-of-state family wants to spend time at Hayes when they return to town. There is a legacy and histor y at Hayes Arboretum.

• Hayes donated ar twork to the ar t museum • Seeing trend of more people doing handon ar t • Boys & Girls Club has a camp located near Connersville •

Those who run the camp are experienced in spor ts management but not trained on how to run a camp

•

Take a lot of field trips to Hayes Arboretum

•

Use Hayes as an incentive

•

Use as a last-minute location to take kids when the weather is inclement; use indoor Nature Center

• Bradford Woods – HQ for Accessible Camp Association •

Line trail with blue flowers to ID blue trails (natural trailblazes)

•

Contrast bet ween trail sur face and adjacent groundcover

2. Need available and accessible restrooms 3. Auto Trail – done good job with audio tour • Large print, high contrast version of the audio version of the Auto Trail • Lighting • Playscape • Would like to see raised garden beds 4. GPS-type trail navigation 5. Improve labeling on flowers and trees (size and type of font) - add Braille

• Pros: Playscape

6. Clearer trail markings

• Pros: Saturday events and free events

7. Like exhibits that allow for free play and touching

• Independent Living Center of Central Indiana conduc ted an accessibility audit at the request of the Hayes family •

Has done a great job resur facing, compac ting, and regrading to make trails more accessible

•

Has brought outdoors to individuals with disabilities

•

Has preser ved or saved histor y of the region

• 15 years ago – Hayes was missing from the community (sitting, waiting, and protec ting). Now Stephen has tried to reach out and make par tnerships • Ron McDaniel – sent staf f to training and events, suppor ted their education and lifelong learning

• Renovation of exhibits • More hands-on ac tivities 8. Offering more education for both children and adults 9. Eastside trail is favorite 10. Accommodations are small for art programs that host 90+ people 11. Outdoor covered pavilion 12. Fairgrounds, Parks Dept. Facilities - have too many rules, have to be booked too far in advance. Cannot book a space at the last minute.

13. Cope Environmental Center vs. Hayes Arboretum • Hayes has a better welcoming atmosphere • Stephen Jr. and Stephen Sr. – this is their home, they are invested

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

1. How do you use the arboretum?

284

• Cope Environmental Center feels like an educational institution, more forced (in good way) • Histor y of Hayes Arboretum; Cope Environmental is heavily suppor ted by Earlham College • Challenge: Hayes board is family (long distance) – Cope has board members in the community • Cope ser ves more of the county whereas Hayes is more interurban • Generational suppor t and awareness 14. Challenge with launching a capital campaign – people will question why they don’t dip into the endowment 15. Issues with county line jurisdictions – “Richmond” in the name of many organizations 16. How to reach or attract teenagers?

• Transpor tation issues • Engaging ac tivities 17. More seating in buildings on trails 18. Hayes House is underutilized 19. What does a family membership include?

• Has done better marketing • Better marking around membership benefits

ATTENDANCE LIST:

285

Focus Group 5 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 1:00 PM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) Items of Discussion: •

• Ser ve on Family Ear th Day committee • WIPER invasive plant group • Used staf f and their knowledge at Hayes through the IU Environmental Group

Challenge to maintain the perimeter of the proper t y next to residential proper ties •

Garlic mustard, honeysuckle, privet, tree of heaven, bit tersweet

•

Common mugwar t (Ar temisia vulgaris)

•

• Steven Jr. ser ves on the City Climate Ac tion Plan

Organizations will reach out to Boy Scouts or high school groups to volunteer for 1 day to remove invasives for $$$.

•

• Work in collaboration with Jenilee to host SICIM programs

TeenWorks par tnership with Red-tail Land Conser vancy and Cardinal Greenway

•

• Jeremy cooperates with Jenilee on joint programs/ share information about schools and field trips

Ear th Char ter provides funds for youth climate projec ts.

•

Emerald Ash Borer, spongy moth, spot ted lantern fly and Asian longhorn beetles

• Running Wild Projec t at Hayes

•

DNR Dept of Pathology monitors and manages invasives in the region

2. Hayes Arboretum hosts schools out of Ohio. Richmond schools visit Cope and Hayes equally. Cope Environmental sees more school groups from Centerville.

• Unique Cope Environmental programs – wetland study (have 3 ponds on site) • Rely on Hayes for outdoor hiking programs 3. Red-tail would like to organize bigger, programmed events. Currently more selfguided tours of their properties.

4. What amenities are missing?

• No restroom facility or potable water on eastside trails.

• Dif ficult to find restroom in Nature Center.

•

Not accessible. Have to go outside to get access to the restroom.

•

Suggest adding a pit toilet at eastside trailhead.

5. Invasives • Volunteers have done weekly manual removal.

•

Unsustainable to manage the large size of the proper t y with volunteers. Need dedicated staf f or seasonal crew. Need small crew of 2 or more individuals.

• Recreate responsibly; keep people on trail 6. Are there areas more ecologically valuable on site? Prioritize?

• Three ponds and wetland areas, border area next to Menards •

Issues with trash collec tion along fencerow near Menards

•

Scot t Pond, Research Pond

•

Continue to not provide access to the wetlands on the back eastside

• Unaware that Hayes has water. Associate Cope Environmental with wetlands and aquatic habitats.

7. Spend funds on accessibility to ecological areas • Kudos to Auto Tour • Improve accessibility to other areas • Invasives limit mobility and safety 8. More efficient buildings • Helps to have people that are respec ted to be loud with their sustainability initiatives •

Hayes Arboretum tends to be quiet and humble

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

1. How have you partnered with Hayes in the past?

286

9. Camping available to 4H or Scouting groups • Mar y Gar y Bird Sanc tuar y is the only local area that of fers camping 10. More evening or afternoon programming • Kids program during COVID – take-home backpack explorer 11. Sustainable demonstration – would like to see the practices in action – use Hayes as a case study 12. Best birding spot in NE corner of eastside campus 13. Cope Environmental Center = Living Building Challenge • Was a challenge to get cer tified • Challenge to get documentation to ID nontoxic – used half dozen Declare produc ts • Positive repercussions – contrac tors used the building as a case study • Space is laid out well for rentals, weddings

ATTENDANCE LIST:

287

14. More natural daylight into the nature center 15. Pros: renovation to the Turner- Grey meeting room 16. Better accessibility (internal) to Nature Center displays 17. Acoustic issues in the Nature Center

Focus Group 6 Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 2:00 PM Turner-Grey Meeting Room (Annex) Items of Discussion: 1. Auto Tour • Allow golf car ts to be used on the campus. (require valid driver’s license, charge for use) • Reverse the direc tion of the Auto Tour.

• Need parking along the side of the Auto Tour route • Eat breakfast at Woodland Chapel in car • Keep auto trail open 7 days a week (on Sunday) • Enjoyed paved road – quieter; able to see more wildlife 2. Recreation Space 3. Non-scenic spot • Trash accumulates on backside of Menards and Kohl’s

8. Many great environmentally-conscious programs in 1960s • Competing against kid spor ts programs in 21s t centur y 9. Stephen Jr. has made great effort to establish partnerships; join other community organization boards 10. Better visibility on social media 11. Similar visions and mission between Hayes and Cope Environmental Center 12. Hayes has done a good job marketing their purpose: to educate people about nature 13. Someone at the desk always says “hi” and makes eye contact when entering the Nature Center

4. The staff is great; very hospitable

14. Parents need to call in to register for certain children programs; need to call right away because classes fill up.

5. Attended a wedding at Hayes Arboretum – front lawn near fountain

15. Hike in the winter; cross country skiing

6. Events in Nature Center

16. Food Truck day 17. Food in Nature Center gift shop (granola bars, snacks, drinks)

• Only access to upstairs is through the steps; inaccessible 7. Many people in the community don’t know what Hayes Arboretum exist

18. Charging station for electric automobiles

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

ATTENDANCE LIST:

288

Community Open House Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 4:30-6:30 PM Hayes Arboretum Nature Center

ATTENDANCE LIST:

289

Keep, Improve, or Change Existing Landmarks & Features

“I like it. Keep It!”

Use a dot sticker to tell us what you think about the current amenities

“Could be improved”

“Change it or do something different”

Chickens or other interactive animal; Song bird aviary?

Nature Center

Turner-Grey Meeting Room

History Museum

Playscape

Morton Arch

Auto Tour

Butterfly Cottage

Add a few places to pull over Update upstairs exhibits to newer themes Partnership w/ Earlham students?

Run the fountain more or post a schedule for when the fountain will run.

Woodland Chapel

Scenic Overlook

Spring House

Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

Native American Mounds

Brice E. Hayes Memorial Fountain

Eastern Trails

MTN Biking Camp

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

Existing Amenities

Please use dot stickers to indicate which items you would like to see more of at the arboretum.

Drinking Fountain on East Side / RR on East Side w/ a pet fountain as well

DRINKING FOUNTAINS CULTURAL LANDSCAPES INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE

Update Signage

WAYFINDING SIGNAGE Add restrooms on the east side.

RESTROOMS

BIKE PARKING OUTDOOR SEATING SCENIC OVERLOOKS PAVED TRAILS

Add a changing area on the east side.

NEED MORE

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

ENOUGH

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

PARKING

290

MY VISION FOR HAYES ARBORETUM IS...

WR ITE DOWN YOUR SUG GESTI ONS AND P OST TH EM ON TH E TREE.

SHORT FL

AT PAVED TRAIL

(one agre es?) Dido (20 MINUT E WALK, FULLY AC CESSIBLE )

What are past programs that could be brought back today?

How do we volunteer?

How to connect resources?

Permaculture Food Forest Classroom - Interactive

d be ere coul I wish th r at bridge on wate flowing llow Trail.

T Ye ould NO there sh est Perhaps Trail on the W . ’ es ed am ‘R N a t be eren tly but Diff be sligh & East, es may ad I feel tre sparse near ro or Trail. thinner st Blue ? c on Ea by traffi ity Garden area un m Com

Outdoor gathering area (deck/patio/pergola, etc) Feature that would draw people in (canopy experience, treehouse, etc) Something that incorporates Scat Pond more (bridge, boardwalk, etc) Troll!! That one’s for Steven Jr. :)

Cas (non ual bicy clin -m Auto tn biking g )o To (Goo ur rout n e d id ea!)

ee to s like ms for a uld Wo progr l age o re mo h scho ts. hig tuden ut here s e so ent scienc stud e ol Get o som scho e d h to ing t . dur day

Be m tter cru ainten trail shs ton ance mu e whe ddy re

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan 291

May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

I would like to see with schools working Hayes throughout r. school yea re Students need mo than a field trip and ugh thro lot a n lear could special programs.

tion for Any considera ain bike hosting a mount fund help race/event to costs?

r: have Nature Cente turespace for na rn tablede mo d theme games. top board ils, ‘Hive’, Refer to Tra etc.

RPing, Cosplay / LA hike ed LOTR-them s?!) ard rch (O

gnosis the pro a What’s t Are as E e th of ing?

MTN bik

Create classroom checkout bins with be activities that can and taken to schools used.

Let’s See What’s Possible Design Inspiration + Ideas

Please use dot stickers to select up to four (4) desired park amenities or features.

Information Kiosk + Upgraded Interpretive Signage

Nature Center Renovation + Improvements

Upgrade Exhibit Space

New Meeting + Event Space

Restroom + Comfort Station

Amphitheater

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Outdoor Gathering Space

292

Let’s See What’s Possible Design Inspiration + Ideas

Please use dot stickers to select up to four (4) desired park amenities or features.

Treehouse

Historical and Commemorative Spaces

Children’s Garden

Nature-based Play

Native Plantings + Habitats

Environmental Art

Botanical Displays and Plant Collections

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan 293

May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

Let’s See What’s Possible Design Inspiration + Ideas

Please use dot stickers to select up to four (4) desired park amenities or features.

Community Programs + Special Events

Mountain Biking

Nature Trails + Boardwalks

Scenic Landscapes

Outdoor Classrooms

Treetop Canopy Experience

Adventure or Challenge Course

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

the one Similar to rdens of Dow Ga nd near Midla Michigan?

294

Salam an der Strea

Existing Trail Network WEST CAMPUS Morton Arch

Identify your frequent or favorite trail with one dot sticker ALL TRAILS

m

WEST CAMPUS

Scenic Overlook

White - Auto Tour (2.77 miles, asphalt) Ra i

Add a changing area on the east side.

lro

Woodland Chapel

Butterfly Cottage

ad

Blue - Beech Trail (0.62 miles, dirt)

Community Christian School

Admin. Bldg.

History Musuem

Cypress Dr.

Yellow - Old Growth Trail (0.85 mile, dirt)

n

Spring House Nature Center

rs Ru

Main Entrance

N.A. Mound

Kul me

Annex

Hayes Arboretum Rd

Playscape

EAST CAMPUS

Maintenance Building Brice Hayes Fountain

Orange - Salamander Stream Trail (0.25 mile, dirt)

Scott Pond

Red - Story Walk (0.62 miles, dirt)

Elks Rd

Tunnel

Woo ds Wetland Kohl’s

East Trailhead Fire Station

Menards

Paul C. McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve

Tell us why you like that trail!

Trouble walking, so I like being in nature without risk.

Would like a short, flat trail to walk.

-Bob

Each trail is unique and shows different aspects of nature.

Blue, Yellow – love native plants, old growth trees Orange – Ferns

Trails Streamline Historic Uses Buildings Wetland

r.

Prairie Activity Area Plant Specimens Floodplain Parking Lots

EAST CAMPUS

Orange Trail (1.6 mile, gravel) MTN Biking

Green Trail (0.49 mile, dirt)

Black Trail (0.54 mile, dirt) Red trail goes into more remote part of the park.

Peaceful and quiet.

Signage can be confusing

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan May 28, 2025 | Community Open House

295

Legends

ide D

Gravel Pit Rd

Blind

I like the Marsh + Train tracks near Blue Trail.

I like the Bridge + connection to Orange Trail on Yellow Trail.

I like Plant Preserve on Red Trail.

(I like the Brick Remains of Orange + Miss Springhouse) I feel the Woodland Chapel could use something scenic (i.e. canopy over structure or statue behind it, etc.)

Blue Trail (Previous Mountain Bike Trails)

WISH THE OLD SERVICE ROADS (2) WERE MAINTAINED Service Rds should be noted (signage)

Project Website Feedback Project Website: https://getengagedrea.mysocialpinpoint.com/ hayes-arboretum-master-plan

Digital Public Survey

Question 1: How often do you visit Hayes Arboretum?

Question 2: When do you typically visit the arboretum?

Analysis:

Analysis:

User engagement varies and is most likely influenced by individual lifestyles, personal schedules, and preferences. The sur vey suggests the level of use of the arboretum varies by all visitors. The arboretum’s robust trail network, Auto Tour, and playscape are most likely the main attrac tions that draw users to the arboretum on a daily or weekly basis. Similarly, recurring all-season programs and social gatherings such as the Saturday Cof fee & Bird Watching program attrac t visitors to the arboretum on a weekly basis. Monthly users most likely visit the arboretum to par ticipate in special seasonal programs or enjoy the seasonal changes in the landscape.

Visitation varies throughout the week with the highest concentration occurring during weekend evenings. Existing and proposed programming should continued to be scheduled at various times throughout the day to cater to a spec trum of arboretum visitors and program par ticipants.

Adult programming should be scheduled for af ter working hours on weekday evenings and weekends. Children programs should be scheduled with consideration to the schedules of the children’s parents or caretakers. Larger programs should be scheduled during weekend af ternoons when visitation is at its maximum level. Additional staf fing may be required during these periods of high ac tivity and use.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

USER ENGAGEMENT

296

USER ENGAGEMENT Question 3: Do you visit the arboretum alone or with a group?

Question 4: What is the primar y reason you visit Hayes Arboretum?

1. Alone 2. Group of t wo 3. Group of three 4. Group of four 5. Group of five or more

Other: birding, Purdue Extension classes, meetings, reminiscing, invasive removal, special events

297

Analysis:

Analysis:

Most people visit the arboretum in pairs or as individuals. Small groups may indicate that visitors feel safe and feel individual leisure ac tivities over larger group and social ac tivities.

The arboretum should consider incorporating more intimate spaces for smaller groups.

Nearly 7 in 10 respondents indicated that they visit the campus to enjoy the arboretum’s robust trail system. Other ac tivities that were frequently mentioned include passive obser vation of nature and visiting the Nature Center. The sur vey may suggest future funds and resources should be placed to maintain and enhance trails for the greatest user experience. Due to its popularity, priority should be placed on renovating and upgrading the Nature Center. Likewise, construc ting additional interior and exterior spaces for social gatherings should also be considered when planning for future improvement.

USER ENGAGEMENT Question 5: How have you engaged with the Arboretum in the past three years?

Question 6: How have you engaged with the Arboretum in the past three years?

Other: gif t shop purchases, Purdue Extension meetings,

Other: invasive removal, seed collec ting, open house,

board meetings, hiking/biking/running

childens’ programming, wedding at the Woodland Chapel, Purdue Extension classes, Girl Scout meetings, car ving class

Nearly all respondents indicated that they have physically visited the arboretum within the last three years, while nearly half of the sur vey par ticipants indicated that they have made a financial contribution to the arboretum.

Surprisingly, only 15% of sur vey respondents indicated that they have volunteered at the arboretum. Additional programming and volunteer incentives may be considered to increase user par ticipation in the facilities.

Question 7: What activities do you enjoy participating in at the arboretum?

Analysis: Hiking, walking, or running the trails continues to be the primar y user ac tivity. Nearly ever y sur vey respondent mentioned hiking as a desired ac tivity. Trail maintenance and renovation should continue to be a priority. Other leisure ac tivities such as bird watching, photography, and plant identification were also frequently mentioned by sur vey par ticipants as enjoyable ac tivities within the arboretum.

Analysis: The Auto Tour continues to be the most engaging program of fered by the arboretum. Many sur vey par ticipants indicated that they have not par ticipated in other programs or ac tivities of fered by the arboretum.

The arboretum staf f should consider developing new programs that cater to existing visitors in addition to attrac ting a new demographic of visitors.

USER PREFERENCE Question 8: What do you like most about Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis: Most sur vey par ticipants indicated the landscape’s natural beauty and peacefulness as being the most enjoyable aspec ts of the arboretum. Conser vation ef for ts and the forest’s biodiversity were also mentioned as positive aspec ts of the arboretum.

The arboretum should continue to advance their core mission to be good stewards towards the land and connec t people to nature.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Analysis:

298

USER PREFERENCE Question 9: What do you like the least about Hayes Arboretum?

Question 12: What barriers (if any) prevent you from enjoying Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis: Sur vey par ticipants’ responses were generally positive and favorable. Ver y few large-scale recommendations were made by sur vey par ticipants. Suggestions included reducing the ruggedness of the existing trails, upgrading and simplif ying trail signage, renovating exhibits in the Nature Center, and extending operating hours to provide greater access to the campus.

Analysis:

Question 10: What do you value the most about the Arboretum?

Question 13: Rank the following facilities and amenities by their level of importance.

Most barriers are intra-personal to the sur vey respondent, with lack of time and geographic distance being the two most mentioned barrier by respondents. Several sur vey respondents indicated that the arboretum’s hours of operations also restric ts their use of the facility.

(1 = most impor tant, 12 = least impor tant)

Analysis: As with previous sur vey questions, trails continue to be the primar y asset of the arboretum with preser vation of wildlife habitat and natural landscapes being the second and third most valued components of the arboretum.

Question 11: What additional features do you believe would enhance your experience when visiting Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis:

299

Many sur vey respondents did not provide recommendations for additional features or improvements. Significant or recurring recommendations include upgrades to the existing Nature Center exhibits, creating accessible restrooms by either renovating the existing Nature Center restroom or adding additional restrooms, continued trail maintenance, and additional programming oppor tunities.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Nature Center Histor y Museum Eastside Trails Westside (Main Entrance) Trails Park Benches Nature Playscape Woodland Chapel Mor ton Arch Native Woody Plant Reser ve Auto Tour Scot t’s Pond Adena & Hopewell Mounds Turner- Grey Meeting Room

USER PREFERENCE

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Question 14: How well do you agree or disagree with each statement?

300

COMMUNICATION

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Question 15: How do you obtain information about events and programming at Hayes Arboretum?

Question 17: What type of trail surface do you prefer?

Question 16: How do you want to obtain information about events and programming at Hayes Arboretum in the future?

301

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 18: What would make community members want to visit or make existing users want to visit more?

RESPONSE

KEYWORDS

COMMENT

01

Trail Maintenance

More trails

02

I do not live in the community so do not have an opinion.

03

Don't know

04

Publicity & Marketing

I have met many locals who don’t know how beautiful it is. Maybe more publicity.

05

Publicity & Marketing

Hayes needs to be louder people forget they are there I think. More billboards or general advertising is needed not just event advertising

06

Programs, Incentive

Incentives to get people over the fear of first visits, i.e. challenges (get fit, scavenger hunts) or led experiences (hiking group, birding group)

07

Facility Updates

08

Access

Ease of access, great kids activity areas.

Honestly i cannot say ....your in the process of adding an outdoor bathroom that was important

09

Bathroom

10

Trail Maintenance

11

Guide

12

Publicity & Marketing

13

Updated Facilities

Better trail maintenance, eliminate steep climbs with switchbacks Having a guide available to explain a particular area of the arboretum.

More info to public Enjoyment of the outdoors

14

Publicity & Marketing

15

Mountain Bike

More access for mountain bikes

16

Trail Maintenance

Secure footing on trails ( for older folks in the community)

17

Programs

Have a monthly activity night for families during the summer, with food trucks.

Education

Start with school children (which you already do) . Do not stray from that. Add content to website on mental health benefits of communing with nature.

Landmark Features

A hot air balloon similar to Conner Prairie to provide "above the canopy" views of the city.

20

Programs

Fun events

21

Facility Updates

An updated nature center and more programming for adults

Membership

Its not a park that uses public funds, therefore a key pass to monitor use (and dog poop or vandalism) might help

Publicity & Marketing

Knowing what is offered

19

22 23 24

See number 20 below

25

Pet management

Get rid of the dogs

26

Mountain Bike

Open the MTB trails back up

27

N/A

28

Hayes does a GREAT job making improvements over the years--keep it up! Your trails are SO WELL maintained suited to the natural habitat. Other local trails can be soggy and wet, or lack shade. Hayes trails are PERFECTION!!!

29

For above—small stone on roads is hard to hike on :( I am not saying to pave of course!

30 31

Maintenance

Perhaps engaging prisoners through a work-release program at the jail to help with maintenance and restoration.

Programs

Programs that are during the day, not evenings. Learning about plants, herbs, how to prepare them for cooking. More things like the Purdue Extension office might have would interest me.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

18

I’m always surprised that members of our community don’t know about Hayes Arboretum and all that is offered

302

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 18: What would make community members want to visit or make existing users want to visit more?

RESPONSE

KEYWORDS

32

Events

Offer a day retreat for local business workers. Office meetings.

33

Events

More events and exposure

34

Making it feel safer, more amenities.

35

Unknown

36

Publicity & Marketing

37

Events

38

Publicity & Marketing

Advertising

39

Education, Exhibits

Changing exhibits more often, more classes.

40

Landmark Features

More programming, interactive trails, a large statement piece/exhibit/area that's "Instagram-able"

41

Events appearing on website with email also Maybe try hosting more community events/ fundraiser? Not my area of expertise.

Unknown

42 Education

I'm not sure how often you engage outside of Hayes, but it could draw more attention if there were nature programs out in the community. This could work as a reminder of Hayes to folks as they plan their weekends, etc.

43

Landmark Features

Enhance the frog/research pond and the springhouse, offer a coffee shop, unusual structures involving trees

44

Programs

More programs

Events, Programs

Host seasonal events rooted in local history and ecology. Create spaces where people belong, not just visit— like forest classrooms, community art, and storytelling walks. Make Hayes feel less like a park, more like a living, shared legacy.

Publicity, Hours, Access

Most people work during the hours you guys are open which can make it hard to get whole family out. It’s pretty hard to find out about events unless you seek them out so if I knew when they were and the pricing for them much more easily I would come More.

45

46

47

n/a

48

I can't honestly think of anything as I've been going to Hayes for decades and always enjoy my visits.

49

Hours, Access

50

Programs, Exhibits

Learning about local history of the area in the Arboretum, hands of activities for all ages. group trail walks.

51

Exhibits, Gift Shop

Updated Nature Center, better gift shop with affordable gifts and merchandise, observation room needs updated too.

Unrestricted hrs

52

Dunno

53

?

54

Publicity, Education

Awareness of programs and benefits of being out in nature Knowledge of events

55

Publicity

56

Trail Maintenance

Paved trails

57

Access, Hours

More hours of operation

58

It's beautiful the way it is

59

Programs

Interesting programming. Organized hikes, walks, runs, bike rides.

60

Education, Publicity

Offering continuing education classes, speaker series, more marketing outlets to reach the community that is unaware of Hayes Arboretum

61 62 63

303

COMMENT

I don’t know, I think it’s perfect Gift Shop Guide

Bring back the gift shop with unique nature-themed items Maybe a guided trail hike for people who get lost a lot. I know the trails very well but some people do get a little lost.

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 18: What would make community members want to visit or make existing users want to visit more?

RESPONSE

KEYWORDS

COMMENT

64

Trails, Restroom

More and better bathrooms, more trails

65

Incentive

66

Not sure Programs, Events

If more things were available to do. I feel like not a whole lot is offered or catered to the right crowd. It could be a good place again like in the past. All the fun festivals and such.

68

Not sure

69

n/a

70

Events

More events

71

Mobility

Allow golf carts

72

Guide

Naturalist hikes discussing native plants, discussing medicinal plants and uses or preparations

73 74

Can’t think of any Membership, Publicity

member perks, better awareness of value

75

Um, not sure

76

It’s great

77

Publicity & Marketing

More advertising

78

Events

Maybe a 5k trail or cross country trail to measure and time improvement

79

Programs

More programs?

80

Events

Events partnering with other community organizations

81

Programs, Publicity & Marketing

More programs, more public info, some in Richmond have never been to Hayes. They need to know about it and it is free.

Events

Have a greater frequency of special events e.g. 2024 Eclipse Day-spontaneous, unrehearsed and magical;, 2025 Family Earth Day celebration-exciting and spirited

82 83

Not sure

84

Trail Maintenance

85

Playscape, Facility Updates, Staff

86 87

Programs

Challenges such as a checklist of points to find and/or activities to do.

Free outdoor recreation

Restroom

90 91

Playscape improvements already underway, native plant displays, additional nature staff for programming possibilities, nature center update, More nature, less lawn. Steadfast resolve to not remove trees for parking lots or money. Convert lawn areas to native prairies.

88 89

Increased trails, increased recreational areas

Bathroom accessibility Nothing

Events

I did your trail race years ago and would love to see that brought back.

92

Programs

Program offerings

93

Education

Classes

94

Facility Updates

95

Invasives

96

Facility Updates, Playscape

Facility updates Continuous and significant reduction of invasives Upgraded amenities and playscape

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

67

More incentive

304

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 19: What THREE words would you use to describe Hayes Arboretum?

Analysis: “Nature, Beautiful, and Peaceful” were the most common words used to describe the arboretum. Ef for ts should be made to continue to preser ve the natural beauty of the campus.

305

WORD

FREQUENCY

WORD

FREQUENCY

FREQUENCY

Beautiful

25

Treasured

2

Interesting

1

Peaceful

23

Wildlife

2

Knowledgeable

1

Nature

19

Active

1

Learn

1

Natural

16

Adventure

1

Legendary

1

Welcoming

11

Animals

1

Lovely

1

Educational

10

Caring

1

Memories

1

Fun

6

Clean

1

Natural Resources

1

Asset

5

1

5

1

Nice

Local

Climate changing combator

Vital

1

Preservation

5

Connected

1

Old

1

Destress

1

Open

1

Dynamic

1

Peaceful Oasis

1

Education

1

Place

1

Enchanted

1

Pleasant

1

Energizing

1

Preserve

1

Engaging

1

Pretty

1

Enriching

1

Pristine

1

Environment

1

Protection

1

Environmental

1

Quaint

1

Escape

1

Renewing

1

Excellence

1

Restful

1

Excellent

1

Restoring

1

Exploration

1

Rooted

1

Forest

1

Refreshing

1

Free

1

Sanctuary

1

Great

1

Scenic

1

Green

1

Solitude

1

Habitat

1

Stewardship

1

Hands-on

1

Sustainable

1

Haven

1

Trail System

1

Health in Nature

1

Tranquil

1

Healthy

1

Unexpected

1

Heritage

1

Unique

1

Hidden Treasure

1

Valuable

1

Hiking

1

Visually Appealing

1

Hilly

1

Vital

1

Historic

1

Wonderful

1

Iconic

1

Woodland

1

Important Resource

1

Informative

1

Accessible

4

Beauty

4

Community

4

Maintained

4

History

3

Important

3

Relaxing

3

Serene

3

Trails

3

Treasure

3

Trees

3

Amazing

2

Calm

2

Calming

2

Dedicated

2

Enjoyable

2

Family

2

Gem

2

Growing

2

Helpful

2

Hidden

2

Historical

2

Home

2

Kid-friendly

2

Legacy

2

Quiet

2

Resource

2

Sacred

2

Safe

2

Special

2

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

WORD

306

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 20: Please provide any other comments or suggestions you have about the arboretum.

RESPONSE

SENTIMENT

01

Positive

It's great.

02

Positive

Keep up the great work!

Positive

I believe all the programs chosen by the staff are important and felt I couldn’t say that well in the survey when forced to pick 3 from a list. Love the way Hayes has stayed nature-like and not commercial. I trust the staff to make good decisions.

04

Positive

You are all doing a wonderful thing here. Not everyone has this type of resource in their community.

05

Positive

Great resource for the community

06

Neutral

none

07

Neutral

Online merchandise store?

08

Positive

keep up the good work, plant more trees and prairie in open or available areas

09

Positive

Love this place and wanting to volunteer

Positive

I love that you maintain natural space without the intrusion of technology or artificial lights in natural areas. (If only we could just stop the train noise!) And we love JeniLee. She is kind, helpful, and a great resource with her personal network!

Neutral

The Indian Mounds could serve as a basis for more Indigenous involvement. Maybe add a native American staff member.

Positive

I think it would be good to plant some additional trees around the property and in the forest if possible due to all the trees dying or falling down.

Mixed

The pond north of Menards is in desperate need of a cleanout of litter. Staff seems to be doing a great job, loves the tree plantings!

Positive

It's a great place

Neutral

I believe the auto tour would be used MUCH more if you could access it at any time and without going inside to get a token. A credit card machine?

16

Positive

It is a secluded, peaceful, non-populated place to go to relax from everything.

17

Negative

Take out man made MTB features if that is the biggest part of the risk

Positive

For the question "what type of trail surface do you prefer" I listed dirt and mulch. I would be happy to utilize any accessible surface as well. I also really appreciate the moon tree--that's so cool!!!

Neutral

Please don’t take down any (live) trees :) or harvest deer :(

Neutral

The survey's first question threw me. I don't visit once a month, but I do visit more than once a year, usually 4 times.

Neutral

Expand the gift shop, keep improving the trails and quit using pavement for the roads. The nature center inside needs to be utilized better for gifts and information.

Positive

I don't know my way around the eastside, getting better. Apps are not cheap but I would pay a small amount or pay a higher donation to get access to one. I have a plant ID app, everyone loves for me to use it when we are walking, also the QR codes.

Positive

We love Hayes. Our kids enjoy the playscape and hikes. We can sneak away quickly but still feel like we are away from it all.

Positive

Perhaps artists speak during coffee in the birdroom on Saturdays.

25

Positive

I value the arboretum and would hate to see it go away.

26

Negative

Please don’t sell off anymore land

27

Positive

I love the Arb.

28

Positive

The staff is always polite and fun to talk to

Positive

Keep deepening the roots between people and place. Celebrate what’s native, invite what’s new, and make the Arboretum a gathering ground for learning, healing, and connection—not just with nature, but with each other.

03

10

11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22

23 24

29

307

COMMENT

GENERAL QUESTIONS Question 20: Please provide any other comments or suggestions you have about the arboretum.

30

SENTIMENT Positive

31

COMMENT I love this arboretum and have for 33 years. I would love to see it get the upgrades that get our young adults into nature more. n/a

32 Positive

Hayes is a real treasure to have in the community. It's especially important to have exposure to natural places in a society that has become absorbed with electronic devices. Having a place like Hayes to visit means ignoring electronics for awhile!

33

Positive

Please keep up the amazing work of protecting the land and habitat for the future

34

Positive

Thank you for everything you do!!!

Negative

Please do some updating in Nature Center and observation room. Fix the broken educational items. Expand gift shop.

36

Positive

Good

37

Positive

No suggestions, just thank you, for this gift we have to enjoy in Richmond Indiana.

38

Negative

I would not like to see the arboretum get any smaller. Please keep this community treasure the way it is!

39

Positive

We always look forward to coming for a visit! ❤️

40

Positive

I love the arboretum!

41

Neutral

I would volunteer more if you sent out emails requesting specific needs, including dates

42

Neutral

Just the bathroom at Eastside trails. Thank you

43

Positive

Please keep your best assets as you make your plans

Positive

I think the power of Hayes story is under estimated. Both Hayes & Cope have the opportunity to inspire local people to conserve their own property and make a difference - even if it’s just a small butterfly garden.

Positive

Awesome

Neutral

Be cautious implementing a master plan because when you get new board members they may need to be educated about the plan.

Neutral

Change nature center displays regularly for relevance and interest, better trail signage-getting lost is not fun, update and professionalize meeting rental space

48

Positive

Such wonderful people there.

49

Positive

Especially enjoy the caring presence of Mr. Hayes

50

Positive

Great place to learn about and enjoy nature

51

Positive

The arboretum is an island of green in a busy community. Always appreciated for that.

52

Positive

All answers are based on my personal preferences, not what I think others might want

Positive

Hayes Arboretum is a blend of history, nature conservation and appreciation and flora and fauna education in a league of its own.

54

Positive

I love the arboretum. I don’t use it as much as I should. It is a great benefit to our community.

55

Positive

Personnel are doing a great job!

56

Positive

I love Hayes Arboretum!

57

Positive

We appreciate having the arboretum right here in the middle of Richmond

58

Positive

Excellent improvements and great staff

59

Positive

Great facility, again, would LOVE to see an annual trail run there

Positive

A grew up on Pinehurst Drive, and participated in many youth programs (gardening, reptiles & amphibians, etc.). After moving away, I’ve come to realize how special Hayes Arboretum is and how lucky Richmond is to have it and Glen Miller in the community!

Positive

As a child of an employee, I grew up in the Arboretum and it gave me a lifelong appreciation for nature.

35

44 45 46 47

53

60

61

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

RESPONSE

308

DEMOGRAPHICS Question 21: How old are you?

Question 22: How would you describe your ethnicity?

309

Question 23: What is your gender?

DEMOGRAPHICS

NO.

ZIP

CITY

ST

NO.

ZIP

CITY

ST

NO.

ZIP

CITY

ST

01

85254

Scottsdale

AZ

33

47374

Richmond

IN

65

47374

Richmond

IN

02

60532

Lisle

IL

34

47374

Richmond

IN

66

47374

Richmond

IN

03

47006

Batesville

IN

35

47374

Richmond

IN

67

47374

Richmond

IN

04

47330

Centerville

IN

36

47374

Richmond

IN

68

47374

Richmond

IN

05

47330

Centerville

IN

37

47374

Richmond

IN

69

47374

Richmond

IN

06

47330

Centerville

IN

38

47374

Richmond

IN

70

47374

Richmond

IN

07

47341

Fountain City

IN

39

47374

Richmond

IN

71

47374

Richmond

IN

08

47341

Fountain City

IN

40

47374

Richmond

IN

72

47374

Richmond

IN

09

47341

Fountain City

IN

41

47374

Richmond

IN

73

47374

Richmond

IN

10

47346

Hagerstown

IN

42

47374

Richmond

IN

74

47374

Richmond

IN

11

47346

Hagerstown

IN

43

47374

Richmond

IN

75

47374

Richmond

IN

12

47357

Milton

IN

44

47374

Richmond

IN

76

47374

Richmond

IN

13

46032

New Castle

IN

45

47374

Richmond

IN

77

47374

Richmond

IN

14

47374

Richmond

IN

46

47374

Richmond

IN

78

47374

Richmond

IN

15

47374

Richmond

IN

47

47374

Richmond

IN

79

47374

Richmond

IN

16

47374

Richmond

IN

48

47374

Richmond

IN

80

47374

Richmond

IN

17

47374

Richmond

IN

49

47374

Richmond

IN

81

47374

Richmond

IN

18

47374

Richmond

IN

50

47374

Richmond

IN

82

47374

Richmond

IN

19

47374

Richmond

IN

51

47374

Richmond

IN

83

47374

Richmond

IN

20

47374

Richmond

IN

52

47374

Richmond

IN

84

47374

Richmond

IN

21

47374

Richmond

IN

53

47374

Richmond

IN

85

47393

Williamsburg

IN

22

47374

Richmond

IN

54

47374

Richmond

IN

86

47394

Winchester

IN

23

47374

Richmond

IN

55

47374

Richmond

IN

87

63144

St. Louis

MO

24

47374

Richmond

IN

56

47374

Richmond

IN

88

87106

Albuquerque

NM

25

47374

Richmond

IN

57

47374

Richmond

IN

89

87106

Albuquerque

NM

26

47374

Richmond

IN

58

47374

Richmond

IN

90

11743

Huntington

NY

27

47374

Richmond

IN

59

47374

Richmond

IN

91

45320

Eaton

OH

28

47374

Richmond

IN

60

47374

Richmond

IN

92

45347

New Paris

OH

29

47374

Richmond

IN

61

47374

Richmond

IN

93

45390

Union City

OH

30

47374

Richmond

IN

62

47374

Richmond

IN

94

75287

Dallas

TX

31

47374

Richmond

IN

63

47374

Richmond

IN

95

98122

Seattle

WA

32

47374

Richmond

IN

64

47374

Richmond

IN

96

53704

Madison

WI

Analysis: Most sur vey par ticipants are local residents who reside in Richmond, Randolph and Wayne Counties, or the surrounding western Ohio communities. Several out-of-state responses were also recorded from par ticipants who previously lived near the arboretum or visited the arboretum while visiting family in the region. Surprisingly, no responses were recorded from residents of other larger Indiana and Ohio incorporated and urbanized areas, such as Indianapolis, For t Wayne, or Day ton. This may suggest a need to broaden the arboretum’s marketing strategy to reach a broader regional user group.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Question 24: In what zip code is your primar y place of residence?

310

DEMOGRAPHICS Question 25: What is your level of education?

Question 26: What is your primar y language?

311

Question 27: Are you a member of the arboretum?

Mapping Exercise

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

The chart on the following page refers to the map below.

312

Tool Type:

Social Map

Total Contributions:

24

Report Date Range:

May 6, 2025 to July 1, 2025

ITEM NO.

POINT OF INTEREST

FAVORITE NEEDS GENERAL LAT. & LONG. SPOT IMPROVEMENT COMMENT

1

Y

39.8366 -84.8380

Scott Pond's: Bridge or deck over water for lake viewing.

2

Y

39.8351 -84.8475

Southwest corner of Red Storywalk Trail: A picnic area would be nice.

3

Y

39.8322 -84.8509

Southwest corner of the arboretum: May benefit from invasive removal and signage pointing people down the road to the arboretum.

4

Y

39.8343 -84.8418

Pedestrian tunnel: To get from the parking lot down to go under the road, is very muddy and washed out. Hard to navigate.

39.8370 -84.8358

Research Pond

5

Y

6

Y

39.8358 -84.8387

Scott's Pond Observation Area

7

Y

39.83439 -84.8370

Woodside Drive near Pollinator Prairie

39.8331 -84.8432

Could this be a possible entrance to the Arboretum that has good visibility of some of the best we have to offer?

39.8322 -84.8512

Historically, there used to be an Arb entrance at the SW corner that was more visible and accessible to the public.

8

9

Y

Y

10

Y

39.83485 -84.8478

This meadow could be a good vehicle for colorful flowers

11

Y

39.8342 -84.8425

North of the fire station: A good location for wildflowers

12

Y

39.8346 -84.8417

Pedestrian tunnel: Possible location to focus on native wildflowers

39.8348 -84.8440

The Native Woody Plant Preserve could be a good site for a paved trail because it is largely flat with well spaced trees that are interesting to walk through.

39.8391 -84.8482

Love to bring children to the playscape.

39.8415 -84.8446

Salamander Stream

39.8404 -84.8447

Fallen trees in fern garden

13

Y

14

Y

15

Y

16

313

COMMENT

Y

17

Y

39.8426 -84.8457

Eastside Red Trail

18

Y

39.8397 -84.8448

Spring House

19

Y

39.8392 -84.8357

Potential prairie restoration area

20

Y

39.8347 -84.8482

Potential prairie restoration area

21

Y

39.8349 -84.8411

Needs attention, woody plants are encroaching

22

Y

39.8346 -84.8389

Needs attention (strip disking or burning) woody plants are encroaching

23

Y

39.8373 -84.8329

Native American Mound

24

Y

39.8375 -84.8417

Native American Mound

Total

9

4

5

6

Public Forum Tool Type:

Social Input Forum

Total Contributions:

1

Report Date Range:

May 6, 2025 to July 1, 2025

ITEM NO.

SENTIMENT

COMMENT

1

Positive

“Hayes Arboretum has the BEST local hiking trails!

Hayes Arboretum does a FANTASTIC job with their trail system. Over the past 20 years, they have expanded their trails, created an east side entrance, and built a safe walkway to connect the east and west trail system.

Their trails are very well maintained and marked.

Their QR code marking system connects to GPS mapping so you can see exactly where you are on your personal cell phone, which is perfect for a directionally-challenged person like me. I’m a walker, so I cannot comment on the bike aspect of these trails. However, I know at different points in time, they have catered to the bike community.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

My favorite part about Hayes Arboretum’s trails is that they are great during all seasons! In the summer, they are shady. In the wet season, they have good drainage and can be traversed (sometimes hiking boots are required).

There are easy and flatter hikes along with slightly more hilly hikes. There is a pond you can walk around; you can find Native American mounds; and the Morton Arch is a particularly fun spot. Sometimes you even have a train pass close by, which is an experience - a loud one, too!”

314

Feedback Through Email From: Jalen Sleet, Nature Reserve System Manager, Earlham College 5/28/25 • Make Hayes Arboretum the host site for Student conser vation Association (SCA) internships. The white house near Hayes Arboretum Road could be used to house the interns.

• Hire a full-time invasive species manager.

Hayes needs more than just volunteers to handle invasive species management.

• Create a ser vice learning program with local schools to tackle invasive species removal.

Incorporate an SCA A internship model.

• Complete a floristic sur vey of the old grow th area and the large fen (Research Pond) on the east side of the proper ty. There’s significant beaver ac tivity that is restoring the wetland west of the fen but it is dominated by large privet. Clearing invasives and having a prescribed fire regimen for the fen would be great for biodiversity and education.

• A staircase is needed and drainage issue should be addressed on the shor t access trail from east side parking down to Hayes Arboretum Road tunnel

From: Dustin Purvis, Board of Public Works & Safety, Urban Enterprise Association, Community & Economic Development Loan Fund Board, City of Richmond 5/28/25 • I grew up near the Arboretum and some of my fondest childhood memories involve taking summer classes, wandering the nature center, and hiking the trails. These days, my family (my wife, our 5-year-old, 11-month-old, and me) tend to drive to the east entrance and hike those trails two or three times a month.

The west entrance is usually closed when we're all able to get out there, however we did take some visiting friends, and their 5-yearold daughter, to the west side just this past Saturday and let the kids play on the nature playscape area, which was quite nice.

• As far as improvements, or my vision of an ideal arboretum, I cannot say that I have any significant suggestions beyond maintaining a rigorous trail system with perhaps some updated signage.

• My recollec tion is that some of the trail markers could be replaced.

• I do appreciate some of the interac tive elements that you can find on the trial (e.g. my older son and I have enjoyed the books that are occasionally set up along the trails).

• I wouldn't mind some more/upgraded informational signage —some of the existing signs seem a little dated, although the information is still appreciated. I think that just giving walkers an oppor tunity to learn more about the historical or ecological charac teristics of where they're walking will be nice.

• Beyond that, the playscape could perhaps be expanded or upgraded in some areas, although its existing elements are great.

315

• I'm not sure that I do receive information about the Arboretum's programs and ac tivities. I think I probably follow the Arboretum on Facebook, but I do not spend a ton of time there. More than any thing, I think that we will of ten end up at the Arboretum spontaneously, and sometimes we happen to catch a community ac tivity going on when we arrive.

316

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

317

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Appendix 2 Cost Opinions

318

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION Cost Opinion Summary

TOTAL

Phase 1: West Campus Center - Central Play

$2,323,413.50

Phase 2: West Campus Center - Classroom/Gathering Base Bid Alt. 1 - LEED Building Certification Alt. 2 - Living Building Challenge Certification

$9,523,720.80 $7,054,608.00 $705,460.80 $1,763,652.00

Phase 3: West Campus Center - Pollinator

$131,010.00

Phase 4: East Trailhead Base Bid Alt. 1 - Gateway

$2,434,705.50 $2,404,705.50 $30,000.00

Phase 5: West Campus Center - Pavilion

$2,125,368.00

Phase 6: East Entrance Base Bid Alt. 1 - Gateway Alt. 2 - Lighting Alt. 3 - Pedestrian Bridge

$2,494,418.70 $629,418.70 $25,000.00 $40,000.00 $1,800,000.00

Phase 7: Road Connector Base Bid Alt. 1 - Lighting

$761,122.00 $661,122.00 $100,000.00

Phase 8: Maintenance Base Bid Alt. 1 - Vehicle Storage

$4,852,388.00 $4,112,388.00 $740,000.00

Phase 9: East Entrance - North Trailhead

$1,494,990.00

Phase 10: West Campus Center - Nature Center Base Bid Alt. 1 - LEED Building Certification Alt. 2 - Living Building Challenge Certification

$9,028,908.00 $6,688,080.00 $668,808.00 $1,672,020.00

Phase 11: West Campus Center - West Entry Base Bid Alt. 1 - Gateway Phase 12: West Campus Center - Gas Station Play

$267,504.00 $252,504.00 $15,000.00 $437,346.00

Phase 13: Brice Hayes Fountain Enhancements

$1,129,842.00

Estimated Construction Cost

319

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP

$37,004,736.50

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$45,513.58 $136,540.73 $45,513.58 $364,108.60 $227,567.88 $273,081.45 $45,513.58

$1,137,839.38 $45,513.58 $136,540.73 $45,513.58 $364,108.60 $227,567.88 $273,081.45 $45,513.58

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

9520 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $10,000.00 $10,000.00

$34,280.00 $14,280.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Pavement, Thickened Concrete Barrier Curb

3520 644 915

SFT SFT LFT

$12.00 $14.00 $40.00

$87,856.00 $42,240.00 $9,016.00 $36,600.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $30,000.00

$35,000.00 $5,000.00 $30,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Compacted Stone Pavement Asphalt Pavement ADA Curb Ramp Pavement Striping EV Charging Station Dumpster Enclosure Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

3315 3030 3 1422 2 1 1 6

SFT SFT EA LFT EA EA LS EA

$3.00 $6.00 $1,000.00 $2.00 $9,000.00 $15,000.00 $25,000.00 $500.00

$94,969.00 $9,945.00 $18,180.00 $3,000.00 $2,844.00 $18,000.00 $15,000.00 $25,000.00 $3,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Lawn Seed Stormwater Planter Mulch, Hardwood

30 22650 8950 1820 17

EA SFT SFT SFT CYS

$450.00 $0.75 $0.30 $3.00 $60.00

$39,652.50 $13,500.00 $16,987.50 $2,685.00 $5,460.00 $1,020.00

Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance

1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS

$25,000.00 $24,000.00 $50,000.00 $20,000.00

$25,000.00 $24,000.00 $50,000.00 $20,000.00

Buildings/Structures Classroom/Gathering FFE Allowance (3%)

1 1

LS LS

$4,020,000.00 $120,600.00

$4,140,600.00 $4,020,000.00 $120,600.00

Phase 2

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (6%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Division 33 - Utilities

Estimated Construction Subtotal Design Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

$119,000.00

$5,689,200.00 $853,380.00 $512,028.00 $56,892.00 $28,446.00 $14,223.00 $14,223.00

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost Alt. 1 - LEED Building Certification LEED Certification (10%) Alt. 2 - Living Building Challenge Living Building Certification (25%)

$7,054,608.00

1

1

LS

LS

$705,460.80

$705,460.80 $705,460.80

$1,763,652.00

$1,763,652.00 $1,763,652.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Classroom/Gathering

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP

320

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Central Play

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (3%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$14,942.43 $44,827.28 $14,942.43 $119,539.40 $74,712.13 $44,827.28 $14,942.43

$328,733.35 $14,942.43 $44,827.28 $14,942.43 $119,539.40 $74,712.13 $44,827.28 $14,942.43

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$10,000.00 $5,000.00

$15,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk

7920

SFT

$12.00

$95,040.00 $95,040.00

Division 11 - Specialties Engineered Wood Fiber Mulch Stream Channel (Play) Mud Area Sand Area Swing Snail CC Stepping Column Cluster CC TimberForm Play Stack LS Mis. Play Equipment ES Moku Yama 11.1 ES Moku Yama 7.1 ES Timber Tower 2 ES Timber Tower 3 ES Steppers Discovery Table

770 750 1470 1025 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4

CYD SFT SFT SFT LS LS LS LS LS LS LS LS LS LS EA

$110.00 $30.00 $2.00 $5.00 $30,000.00 $50,000.00 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 $50,000.00 $200,000.00 $150,000.00 $225,000.00 $300,000.00 $20,000.00 $6,000.00

$1,189,265.00 $84,700.00 $22,500.00 $2,940.00 $5,125.00 $30,000.00 $50,000.00 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 $50,000.00 $200,000.00 $150,000.00 $225,000.00 $300,000.00 $20,000.00 $24,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$10,000.00 $35,000.00

$45,000.00 $10,000.00 $35,000.00

702 1 58.75

SFT LS TON

$85.00 $15,000.00 $400.00

30 5570 530

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $3.00

$98,170.00 $59,670.00 $15,000.00 $23,500.00 $19,267.50 $13,500.00 $4,177.50 $1,590.00

1 1

LS LS

$25,000.00 $7,500.00

$32,500.00 $25,000.00 $7,500.00

Phase 1

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Boardwalk Site Furnishings Allowance Terraced Stone Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Stream Channel (Natural) Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Well/Water Pump Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost

321

15% 9% 2% 0.50% 1.00% 0.25%

$1,823,000.00 $273,450.00 $164,070.00 $30,991.00 $9,115.00 $18,230.00 $4,557.50 $2,323,413.50

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion

DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Pollinator

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (9%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$796.19 $2,388.56 $796.19 $6,369.48 $3,980.93 $7,165.67 $796.19

$22,293.18 $796.19 $2,388.56 $796.19 $6,369.48 $3,980.93 $7,165.67 $796.19

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$500.00 $2,500.00

$3,000.00 $500.00 $2,500.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk

1550

SFT

$12.00

$18,600.00 $18,600.00

Division 11 - Specialties Raised Plant Beds

8

EA

$1,000.00

$8,000.00 $8,000.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$1,000.00 $5,000.00

$6,000.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Compacted Stone Pavement Interpretive Sign Allowance Site Furnishings Allowance

2807 1 1

SFT LS LS

$3.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

$18,421.00 $8,421.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Prairie Seed Mix

15 330 10800

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $0.75

$15,097.50 $6,750.00 $247.50 $8,100.00

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Electrial Allowance

1 1 1

LS LS LS

$2,500.00 $4,000.00 $2,500.00

$9,000.00 $2,500.00 $4,000.00 $2,500.00

Buildings/Structures Butterfly Cottage Relocation

1

LS

$1,500.00

$1,500.00 $1,500.00

Phase 3

Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Estimated Construction Cost

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25%

$102,000.00 $15,300.00 $9,180.00 $1,020.00 $510.00 $3,000.00 $131,010.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

322

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Pavilion

Date:8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (15%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$12,587.48 $37,762.43 $12,587.48 $100,699.80 $62,937.38 $188,812.13 $12,587.48

$427,974.15 $12,587.48 $37,762.43 $12,587.48 $100,699.80 $62,937.38 $188,812.13 $12,587.48

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Site Demolition Allowance

1

LS

$10,000.00

$10,000.00 $10,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk

3020

SFT

$12.00

$36,240.00 $36,240.00

Division 11 - Specialties Council Ring

1

LS

$10,000.00

$10,000.00 $10,000.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $15,000.00

$20,000.00 $5,000.00 $15,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Site Furnishings Allowance Terraced Stone

1 46.66667

LS TON

$10,000.00 $300.00

$24,000.00 $10,000.00 $14,000.00

10 6410 1000

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $0.50

$9,807.50 $4,500.00 $4,807.50 $500.00

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance

1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS

$5,000.00 $3,500.00 $6,000.00 $1,200.00

$15,700.00 $5,000.00 $3,500.00 $6,000.00 $1,200.00

Buildings/Structures West Campus Pavilion FFE Allowance (3%)

1 1

LS LS

$1,100,000.00 $33,000.00

$1,133,000.00 $1,100,000.00 $33,000.00

Phase 5

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Turf seed

Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost

323

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

$1,686,800.00 $253,020.00 $151,812.00 $16,868.00 $8,434.00 $4,217.00 $4,217.00 $2,125,368.00

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$45,636.31 $136,908.93 $45,636.31 $365,090.48 $15,064.05 $90,384.30 $45,636.31

$744,356.69 $45,636.31 $136,908.93 $45,636.31 $365,090.48 $15,064.05 $90,384.30 $45,636.31

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

19100 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

$38,650.00 $28,650.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

7600 505

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$111,400.00 $91,200.00 $20,200.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $25,000.00

$30,000.00 $5,000.00 $25,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

14400 378 1 16

SFT LFT LS EA

$6.00 $2.00 $15,000.00 $500.00

$110,156.00 $86,400.00 $756.00 $15,000.00 $8,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Lawn Sod

30 17700 10500

EA SFT SFT

$250.00 $0.75 $1.50

$36,525.00 $7,500.00 $13,275.00 $15,750.00

1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS

$25,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,000.00 $25,000.00

$60,500.00 $25,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,000.00 $25,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$3,940,000.00 $236,400.00

Phase 10

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (30%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting Buildings/Structures Nature Center Renovation FFE Allowance (6%) Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

$4,176,400.00 $3,940,000.00 $236,400.00 $5,308,000.00 $796,200.00 $477,720.00 $53,080.00 $26,540.00 $13,270.00 $13,270.00

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost

$6,688,080.00

Alt. 1 - LEED Building Certification LEED Certification (10%)

1

LS

$668,808.00

$668,808.00 $668,808.00

Alt. 2 - Living Building Challenge Living Building Certification (25%)

1

LS

$1,672,020.00

$1,672,020.00 $1,672,020.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Nature Center

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP

324

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Gas Station Play

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (36%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$2,239.15 $6,717.45 $2,239.15 $17,913.20 $11,195.75 $80,609.40 $2,239.15

$123,153.25 $2,239.15 $6,717.45 $2,239.15 $17,913.20 $11,195.75 $80,609.40 $2,239.15

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Tree Clearing Pavement Removal Site Demolition Allowance

1 350 1

LS SFT LS

$1,000.00 $3.00 $5,000.00

$7,050.00 $1,000.00 $1,050.00 $5,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk

1230

SFT

$12.00

$14,760.00 $14,760.00

Division 11 - Specialties Engineered Wood Fiber Mulch Musical Note Relocation Slide Net Misc. Play Equipment

55 1 1 1 1

CYD LS LS LS LS

$100.00 $7,500.00 $30,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00

$73,000.00 $5,500.00 $7,500.00 $30,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$2,500.00 $7,500.00

$10,000.00 $2,500.00 $7,500.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Boardwalk Site Furnishings Allowance Terraced Stone

700 1 40

SFT LS TON

$85.00 $5,000.00 $400.00

$80,500.00 $59,500.00 $5,000.00 $16,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix

5 1940

EA SFT

$250.00 $0.75

$2,705.00 $1,250.00 $1,455.00

1

LS

$5,000.00

$5,000.00 $5,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$30,000.00 $900.00

$30,000.00 $900.00

Phase 12

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Buildings/Structures Gas Station Renovation FFE Allowance (3%) Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost

325

$30,900.00

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

$347,100.00 $52,065.00 $31,239.00 $3,471.00 $1,735.50 $867.75 $867.75 $437,346.00

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$45,636.31 $136,908.93 $45,636.31 $365,090.48 $15,064.05 $90,384.30 $45,636.31

$744,356.69 $45,636.31 $136,908.93 $45,636.31 $365,090.48 $15,064.05 $90,384.30 $45,636.31

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

19100 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

$38,650.00 $28,650.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

7600 505

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$111,400.00 $91,200.00 $20,200.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $25,000.00

$30,000.00 $5,000.00 $25,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

14400 378 1 16

SFT LFT LS EA

$6.00 $2.00 $15,000.00 $500.00

$110,156.00 $86,400.00 $756.00 $15,000.00 $8,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Lawn Sod

30 17700 10500

EA SFT SFT

$250.00 $0.75 $1.50

$36,525.00 $7,500.00 $13,275.00 $15,750.00

1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS

$25,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,000.00 $25,000.00

$60,500.00 $25,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,000.00 $25,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$3,940,000.00 $236,400.00

Phase 10

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (30%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting Buildings/Structures Nature Center Renovation FFE Allowance (6%) Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

$4,176,400.00 $3,940,000.00 $236,400.00 $5,308,000.00 $796,200.00 $477,720.00 $53,080.00 $26,540.00 $13,270.00 $13,270.00

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost

$6,688,080.00

Alt. 1 - LEED Building Certification LEED Certification (10%)

1

LS

$668,808.00

$668,808.00 $668,808.00

Alt. 2 - Living Building Challenge Living Building Certification (25%)

1

LS

$1,672,020.00

$1,672,020.00 $1,672,020.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - Nature Center

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP

326

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION West Campus Center - West Entry

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (36%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$1,292.46 $3,877.38 $1,292.46 $10,339.68 $6,462.30 $46,528.56 $1,292.46

$71,085.30 $1,292.46 $3,877.38 $1,292.46 $10,339.68 $6,462.30 $46,528.56 $1,292.46

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Site Demolition Allowance

1

LS

$2,500.00

$2,500.00 $2,500.00

5540

SFT

$12.00

$66,480.00 $66,480.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$500.00 $2,500.00

$3,000.00 $500.00 $2,500.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Bicycle Racks

7200 288 4

SFT LFT EA

$6.00 $2.00 $500.00

$45,776.00 $43,200.00 $576.00 $2,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Lawn Seed

20 8300

EA SFT

$250.00 $0.30

$7,490.00 $5,000.00 $2,490.00

1 1

LS LS

$2,500.00 $1,500.00

$4,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,500.00

Phase 11

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Electrical Allowance Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost Alt. 1 - Gateway Gateway

327

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

$200,400.00 $30,060.00 $18,036.00 $2,004.00 $1,002.00 $501.00 $501.00

1

$252,504.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00

LS

$15,000.00

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$3,829.63 $11,488.88 $3,829.63 $30,637.00 $19,148.13 $68,933.25 $3,829.63

$141,696.13 $3,829.63 $11,488.88 $3,829.63 $30,637.00 $19,148.13 $68,933.25 $3,829.63

1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $10,000.00 $5,000.00

$15,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00

7625

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$91,500.00 $91,500.00 $0.00

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $75,000.00

$80,000.00 $5,000.00 $75,000.00

22150 975

SFT LFT LS EA

$6.00 $2.00 $15,000.00 $500.00

$134,850.00 $132,900.00 $1,950.00 $0.00 $0.00

25 9540 5805

EA SFT SFT

$250.00 $0.75 $1.50

$22,112.50 $6,250.00 $7,155.00 $8,707.50

1 1

LS LS

$35,000.00 $4,500.00

Phase 7

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (18%) Insurance & Bonding (1%) Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Lawn Sod Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Electrial Allowance Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost Alt. 1 - Lighting Site Lighting (Poles Luminaires @ 80' o.c.)

$39,500.00 $35,000.00 $4,500.00 $524,700.00 $78,705.00 $47,223.00 $5,247.00 $2,623.50 $1,311.75 $1,311.75 $661,122.00

1

LS

$100,000.00

$100,000.00 $100,000.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

DESCRIPTION Road Connector

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP

328

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION East Entrance

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$3,643.45 $10,930.35 $3,643.45 $29,147.60 $18,217.25 $54,651.75 $3,643.45

$123,877.30 $3,643.45 $10,930.35 $3,643.45 $29,147.60 $18,217.25 $54,651.75 $3,643.45

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

2620 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $7,500.00 $10,000.00

$21,430.00 $3,930.00 $7,500.00 $10,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

2760 1215

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$81,720.00 $33,120.00 $48,600.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$10,000.00 $35,000.00

$45,000.00 $10,000.00 $35,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Decorative Crosswalk

14410 890 850

SFT LFT SFT

$6.00 $2.00 $15.00

$100,990.00 $86,460.00 $1,780.00 $12,750.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Lawn Sod

34 17860 3340

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $1.50

$33,705.00 $15,300.00 $13,395.00 $5,010.00

1 1 1

LS LS LS

$25,000.00 $50,000.00 $6,500.00

Phase 6

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (15%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Rapid Flashing Beacon (Qty. of 2) Electrial Allowance Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 2.00% 1.40%

Estimated Construction Cost

329

$81,500.00 $25,000.00 $50,000.00 $6,500.00 $488,300.00 $73,245.00 $43,947.00 $4,883.00 $2,441.50 $9,766.00 $6,836.20 $629,418.70

Alt. 1 - Gateway Gateway

1

LS

$25,000.00

$25,000.00 $25,000.00

Alt. 2 - Lighting Site Lighting (Poles Luminaires @ 80' o.c.)

1

LS

$40,000.00

$40,000.00 $40,000.00

Alt. 3 - Pedestrian Bridge Pedestrian Bridge

1

LS

$1,800,000.00

$1,800,000.00 $1,800,000.00

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion

DESCRIPTION East Entrance - North Trailhead

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$7,962.75 $23,888.25 $7,962.75 $63,702.00 $39,813.75 $238,882.50 $7,962.75

$390,174.75 $7,962.75 $23,888.25 $7,962.75 $63,702.00 $39,813.75 $238,882.50 $7,962.75

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

2750 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $7,500.00 $5,000.00

$16,625.00 $4,125.00 $7,500.00 $5,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

4800 225

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$66,600.00 $57,600.00 $9,000.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $25,000.00

$30,000.00 $5,000.00 $25,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Compacted Stone Pavement Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

715 17160 310 1 8

SFT SFT LFT LS EA

$3.00 $6.00 $2.00 $5,000.00 $500.00

$114,725.00 $2,145.00 $102,960.00 $620.00 $5,000.00 $4,000.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix

5 38100

EA SFT

$250.00 $0.75

$29,825.00 $1,250.00 $28,575.00

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting

1 1 1

LS LS LS

$15,000.00 $3,500.00 $5,000.00

$23,500.00 $15,000.00 $3,500.00 $5,000.00

Buildings/Structures Open Air Pavilion FFE Allowance (3%)

1 1

LS LS

$500,000.00 $15,000.00

$515,000.00 $500,000.00 $15,000.00

Phase 9

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (30%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

$1,186,500.00 $177,975.00 $106,785.00 $11,865.00 $5,932.50 $2,966.25 $2,966.25 $1,494,990.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

330

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION Maintenance

Date: 8/14/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$22,823.53 $68,470.58 $22,823.53 $182,588.20 $114,117.63 $547,764.60 $22,823.53

$981,411.58 $22,823.53 $68,470.58 $22,823.53 $182,588.20 $114,117.63 $547,764.60 $22,823.53

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Asphalt Pavement Removal Tree Clearing Site Demolition Allowance

2500 1 1

SFT LS LS

$1.50 $7,500.00 $10,000.00

$21,250.00 $3,750.00 $7,500.00 $10,000.00

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Pavement, Thickened Concrete Amendment Bins

700 1

SFT LS

$14.00 $12,500.00

$22,300.00 $9,800.00 $12,500.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Soil Import (Berm) Earthmoving Allowance

1 250 1

LS CYD LS

$5,000.00 $80.00 $30,000.00

$55,000.00 $5,000.00 $20,000.00 $30,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Compacted Stone Pavement Asphalt Pavement

19620 4150

SFT SFT

$5.00 $6.00

$123,000.00 $98,100.00 $24,900.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix

30 20270

EA SFT

$250.00 $0.75

$22,702.50 $7,500.00 $15,202.50

1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS

$15,000.00 $40,000.00 $78,500.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00

$163,500.00 $15,000.00 $40,000.00 $78,500.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$1,820,000.00 $54,600.00

Phase 8

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (24%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting Buildings/Structures Equipment Storage FFE Allowance (3%) Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost Alt. 1 - Vehicle Storage Vehicle Storage

331

$1,874,600.00 $1,820,000.00 $54,600.00 $3,263,800.00 $489,570.00 $293,742.00 $32,638.00 $16,319.00 $8,159.50 $8,159.50 $4,112,388.00

1

LS

$740,000.00

$740,000.00 $740,000.00

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792

QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (45%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$5,467.11 $16,401.33 $5,467.11 $43,736.88 $27,335.55 $246,019.95 $5,467.11

$349,895.04 $5,467.11 $16,401.33 $5,467.11 $43,736.88 $27,335.55 $246,019.95 $5,467.11

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Site Demolition Allowance

1

LS

$5,000.00

$5,000.00 $5,000.00

12540 185

SFT LFT

$12.00 $100.00

$168,980.00 $150,480.00 $18,500.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $15,000.00

$20,000.00 $5,000.00 $15,000.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Unit Pavers Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping Site Furnishings Allowance Stone Cheekwall Cheekwall Foundation

5045 1050 48 1 90 7

SFT SFT LFT LS CFT CYD

$25.00 $6.00 $2.00 $15,000.00 $250.00 $500.00

$173,521.00 $126,125.00 $6,300.00 $96.00 $15,000.00 $22,500.00 $3,500.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Plant Bed Lawn Sod Woodland Seed Mix

50 575 2340 46100

EA SFT SFT SFT

$250.00 $15.00 $1.50 $0.75

$59,210.00 $12,500.00 $8,625.00 $3,510.00 $34,575.00

1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS

$15,000.00 $5,000.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

$55,000.00 $15,000.00 $5,000.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

Phase 13

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Steps

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Electrial Allowance Fountain Maintenance Allowance Buildings/Structures Pergola/Arbor Gate Structures Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation Estimated Construction Cost

$65,000.00 1 1

15% 9% 1% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

SFT LS

$50,000.00 $15,000.00

$50,000.00 $15,000.00 $896,700.00 $134,505.00 $80,703.00 $8,967.00 $4,483.50 $2,241.75 $2,241.75 $1,129,842.00

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

DESCRIPTION Fountain

Date: 7/30/25 Prepared by: CP

332

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION East Trailhead

Date: 7/30/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (12%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$14,626.36 $43,879.08 $14,626.36 $117,010.88 $73,131.80 $175,516.32 $14,626.36

$453,417.16 $14,626.36 $43,879.08 $14,626.36 $117,010.88 $73,131.80 $175,516.32 $14,626.36

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Site Demolition Allowance

1

LS

$5,000.00

$5,000.00 $5,000.00

6580 445

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$96,760.00 $78,960.00 $17,800.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $17,500.00

$22,500.00 $5,000.00 $17,500.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping InformationKiosk Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

15400 513 1 1 3

SFT LFT LS LS EA

$6.00 $2.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $500.00

$109,926.00 $92,400.00 $1,026.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $1,500.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Stormwater Planter

10 15000 3150

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $3.00

$25,200.00 $4,500.00 $11,250.00 $9,450.00

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting Security/Wifi Allowance

1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS

$15,000.00 $6,500.00 $11,250.00 $2,500.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

$70,250.00 $15,000.00 $6,500.00 $11,250.00 $2,500.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

1 1

LS LS

$1,100,000.00 $33,000.00

$1,100,000.00 $33,000.00

Phase 4

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

Buildings/Structures East Campus Pavilion FFE Allowance (3%) Estimated Construction Subtotal Construction Contingency Design Fees Project Management & Owners Rep Legal, Accounting, Admin., Permit Fees, & Insurance Topographic Survey Geotechnical Investigation

$1,133,000.00

$1,916,100.00 $287,415.00 $172,449.00 $9,580.50 $9,580.50 $4,790.25 $4,790.25

15% 9% 0.50% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%

Estimated Construction Cost Alt. 1 - Gateway (Woodside Dr. & Hayes Arboretum Rd.) Gateway (Woodside & Hayes Arboretum Rd.) 1

333

$2,404,705.50

LS

$30,000.00

$30,000.00 $30,000.00

334

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

HAYES ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN

Conceptual Master Plan Cost Opinion Project Location: Richmond, IN Project No: 2025-1792 DESCRIPTION East Trailhead

Date: 7/30/25 Prepared by: CP QTY.

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Division 01 - General Requirements Mobilization/Demobilization (1%) Temporary Facilities (3%) Construction Layout/Staking (1%) Equipment/Overhead/Site Supervision/Admin. (8%) Construction Contingency (5%) Escalation (12%) Insurance & Bonding (1%)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

$14,626.36 $43,879.08 $14,626.36 $117,010.88 $73,131.80 $175,516.32 $14,626.36

$453,417.16 $14,626.36 $43,879.08 $14,626.36 $117,010.88 $73,131.80 $175,516.32 $14,626.36

Division 02 - Existing Conditions Site Demolition Allowance

1

LS

$5,000.00

$5,000.00 $5,000.00

6580 445

SFT LFT

$12.00 $40.00

$96,760.00 $78,960.00 $17,800.00

Division 31 - Earthwork Sediment & Erosion Control Allowance Earthmoving Allowance

1 1

LS LS

$5,000.00 $17,500.00

$22,500.00 $5,000.00 $17,500.00

Division 32 - Exterior Improvements Asphalt Pavement Pavement Striping InformationKiosk Site Furnishings Allowance Bicycle Racks

15400 513 1 1 3

SFT LFT LS LS EA

$6.00 $2.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $500.00

$109,926.00 $92,400.00 $1,026.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $1,500.00

Division 32 - Landscaping Trees Woodland Seed Mix Stormwater Planter

10 15000 3150

EA SFT SFT

$450.00 $0.75 $3.00

$25,200.00 $4,500.00 $11,250.00 $9,450.00

Division 33 - Utilities Drainage Allowance Water Allowance Sanitary Allowance Electrial Allowance Site Lighting Security/Wifi Allowance

1 1 1 1 1 1

LS LS LS LS LS LS

$15,000.00 $6,500.00 $11,250.00 $2,500.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

$70,250.00 $15,000.00 $6,500.00 $11,250.00 $2,500.00 $15,000.00 $20,000.00

Phase 4

Division 03 - Concrete Concrete Sidewalk Concrete Barrier Curb

Buildings/Structures

335

$1,133,000.00

336

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

337

Brand Style Guide

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Appendix 3

338

USE OF THE BRAND GUIDE This brand guide gives creative par tners and employees a complete over view of the Hayes Arboretum brand and how to use it. The purpose of this guide is to ensure consistency and cohesion of the brand across all platforms by clearly laying out fonts, colors, and logos.

LOGOS The primar y logo depic ts three abstrac t leaf profiles with the written name of the arboretum. Each of the leaves is shown as one of three analogous color schemes. The green, red, and orange color palette is representative of seasonal colors frequently seen at the arboretum.

For most ef fec tive reproduc tion and color accuracy, it is recommended that the logo always be reproduced in full color and used on a white, of f-white, or cream background. White space bordering the logo should at an absolute minimum and be equal to the width of the letter stroke.

PRIMARY LOGO Vertical Stacked

SECONDARY LOGO Horizontal

339

LOGO USES To maintain Hayes brand consistency and build brand equity, it is crucial that the primar y logo and secondar y logo be used without alteration.

It may be tempting to condense, stretch, recolor or other wise adapt the logo to fit a par ticular format consideration, but don’t do it! Consistent and repetitive usage are the fac tors that build recognition of a brand identity.

Do not stretch or skew the logo dispropor tionately

Do not alter the color of the logo

Do not size any of the elements of the logo dispropor tionately

Do not switch the order of any logo elements

Do not display the logo with missing elements

Do not alter the color of the leaves.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

340

BADGES Badges are meant to be used in special cases, not in place of the primar y logo. It ac ts as a stylistic piece in brand collateral such as social media icon, postcards, swag items and truck wraps.

Primary Badge

Alternate Badge Colors

ICONOGRAPHY Iconography is meant to be used in the colors shown below or in white across all marketing materials. Leaves may be changed to the color black in cases where the design is in black and white.

341

COLOR VARIATIONS

White Logo

Black Logo

Reversed Color Logo

To only be used in cases where design material is in black and white

To only be used in cases where the colors of the leaves don’t compete with the background color.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

To be used in cases where logo is on a colored background or image

342

BRAND FONTS There are two options of fonts in accordance to which program is used to design collateral. They are similar and in style to keep consistency between pieces designed between programs.

ADOBE FONTS Heading

P22 Mackinac Pro Medium

Subhead

P22 Mackinac Pro Extra Bold

Body Text

Avenir Book. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV W X Y Z abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv wxyz 1234567890

CANVA FONTS

343

Heading

Cooper BT Bold

Subhead

Cooper BT Light

Body Text

Avenir Next Arabic. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUV W X Y Z abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv wxyz 1234567890

COLORS PRIMARY COLORS

HEX:

364C22

728939

A6BF99

CMYK:

73 46 100 47

59 30 100 11

37 13 46 0

RGB:

54 76 34

114 137 57

116 191 153

HEX:

91ADC4

4B5A59

EEEAE4

6D6F70

CMYK:

44 23 14 0

70 52 56 29

5680

58 48 47 15

RGB:

145 173 196

75 90 89

238 234 228

109 111 112

HEX:

912D1E

BA5631

DB7557

CMYK:

27 92 100 27

20 77 91 9

11 65 69 1

RGB:

145 45 30

186 86 49

219 117 87

HEX:

EC8D22

EDAA20

E9BAD3

CMYK:

4 52 100 0

6 36 100 0

15 28 0 0

RGB:

236 141 34

237 170 32

210 186 218

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

SECONDARY COLORS

344

IN PRAC-

SPRING BROCHURE EXAMPLE Here is an example of a “spring” color palette being utilized. The colors are meant to compliment imagery and other elements in the layout.

345

FALL POSTCARD EXAMPLE HAYES ARBORETUM Here’s an example of a “fall” color palette in layout. The colors compliment each other and imager y in the design.

Fall Postcard Example

801 Elks Road Richmond, Indiana 47374

Fall Fund Drive 2024 Oct 15 - Nov 16

Turner-Grey Meeting Room and Pat Mayer Scenic OVerlook dedication thanks to estate giving.

Expanded bus and car parking near the Main Entrance and Nature Center.

2 Educational Honey Bee Hives and signage added along the Main Entrance for programs.

Collecting data from 10 native trees on site for Indiana Phenology

14 New educational interpretive signs installed.

Added to the Indiana Birding Trail.

New Audio Narration and extended route available for the Ronald : McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour.

NASA & US Forest Service Artemis I Moon Tree 23 planted.

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

What’s Happened at Hayes?

346

EXAMPLE T-SHIRT DESIGNS

347

348

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

349

350

Hayes Arboretum Master Plan

1