From Family Retreat to Public Treasure: The Ohio Roots of The Dawes Arboretum

Photo Credit: Dawes

Tucked into the rolling countryside, just outside Newark, Ohio, The Dawes Arboretum feels all at once expansive, yet intimate. Often considered a “hidden gem” by locals, the over 2000 acres offer an enticing retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life for families, nature lovers, gardeners and history buffs alike. Upon entering The Arboretum, visitors are immersed in calming landscapes to explore that range from deep dark cypress groves to a serene Japanese garden. Trails lead past thriving native and exotic trees, and give way to carefully tended collections. Historic buildings and a century’s worth of tree dedications dot the landscape. Time seems to stretch both forward and backward as you find yourself connected to living history. It’s not a place designed for hurried visits. It’s a destination shaped by legacy, patience and purpose.

What many visitors experience today as a nationally accredited arboretum began as something far more personal: a family retreat rooted in the values of stewardship, education, community, and civic responsibility.

The story of Dawes began in the early 20th century with Beman and Bertie Dawes, whose vision extended well beyond their own lifetimes. What they created was not simply an estate but a living landscape devoted to conservation and intended to provide enduring enjoyment and education for generations to come. Their decision to found an arboretum was shaped by a belief that trees matter — not only for their beauty but also for what they teach us about care, continuity, and the future.

Over time, their private family refuge evolved into a public treasure. Today, Dawes stands as one of Ohio’s most meaningful cultural and environmental institutions. It is a place where history is preserved not only behind the glass of its onsite museum but in deep roots and under expansive canopies where conservation, learning, and new memories flourish.

At its core, The Arboretum’s mission remains deeply consistent: to enrich lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history. That commitment is visible everywhere, even behind-the-scenes, where conservation research, habitat restoration and environmental education are central to its daily operations. Behind the tranquility of The Arboretum is a rigorous scientific and educational engine at work; balancing the beauty of the natural world with thoughtful stewardship of the landscape. The Arboretum functions both as a sanctuary to visitors and as a laboratory for the study of environmental science’s most pressing problems. These efforts have allowed The Arboretum to make a positive impact far beyond its gates. Like a beautifully complex ecosystem that can go unnoticed without careful observation, Dawes hides many layers just beneath the surface.

What sets Dawes apart is this integration of legacy and forward momentum. It is not simply preserving what once was; it is actively shaping what comes next. As the organization looks toward its centennial in 2029, Dawes both honors and reflects on its story of connection, conservation, and stewardship and considers how it will write the next chapter. The Arboretum invites visitors not just to admire the landscape, but to see themselves as part of it. To understand that caring for trees is inseparable from caring for community, culture, and future generations.

When everything feels like it’s moving so fast, The Arboretum offers something quieter and more enduring. Visitors who look deeper will discover roots in a rich history of community connection and education as well as a thriving landscape guided by expert insight and an ongoing commitment to conservation for generations to come.