From Staff Reports 

The North Carolina Arboretum, located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in West Asheville, reopened on Oct. 28 “thanks to the extraordinary work by the Arboretum staff and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” the Arboretum stated in an Oct. 27 posting on its website.

The Arboretum areas that are open include the formal gardens, Bonsai Exhibit Garden, Education Center and Baker Exhibit Center, including the Baker Exhibit Hall — currently displaying “Only Owls” — and the Connections Gallery Gift Shop.

The Arboretum was able to reopen the primary entrance, parking area and formal gardens to visitors, the posting stated, adding, “We have missed all of our guests and hope this will provide a chance for everyone seeking a respite and peaceful retreat to find it in the Arboretum’s open-air gardens.”

Further, the posting noted:

“All Arboretum trails and outdoor areas beyond the Formal Gardens remain closed to guests as crews and contractors continue recovery work on thousands of fallen and damaged trees. Trails and areas around trails remain in dangerous condition. Please do not use trails or attempt access the Arboretum campus from Bent Creek Experimental Forest or the Blue Ridge Parkway. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

Also, the Arboretum posting stated:

“Entrance during this time will be donation-based: all donations will go to the ONE Fund helping to continue the Arboretum’s recovery efforts, but donations are not required, as we do not want financial conditions to limit anyone’s enjoyment of this special space.”