Hayes Arboretum in Richmond has been upgraded to Level II accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum.
The recognition highlights Hayes’ progress in meeting professional standards for arboreta and botanical gardens. The arboretum first earned Level I status in 2021 and has expanded its collection to 109 labeled native tree specimens. Each tree includes an identification tag, and visitors can learn more about them through the “Tree ID Trail Audio Narration” at hayesarboretum.org.
Hayes also recently completed its fall fund drive, raising $30,000 since Oct. 4 for projects in its master plan. Additional donations support its mission of connecting people to nature and can be made online or at 801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374.
The arboretum is free and open to the public.
A version of this article appeared in the November 19 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.