Through an online survey and an open house, Hayes Arboretum welcomes residents’ suggestions to plan its next 15 years.
Arboretum staff are promoting an open house to gather community input for its comprehensive master plan. Participants may stop by the Nature Center between 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at 801 Elks Road, Richmond.
Area residents and arboretum users are encouraged to attend and share their vision for the property. Several interactive activities will be offered to help guide future improvements and programs for the next five to 15 years.
The open house is facilitated by Indianapolis-based landscape architecture and urban planning firm Rundell Ernstberger Associates.
Another way for the public to share input is through a survey and map exercise at hayesarb.org.
The arboretum has been open to the public for more than 60 years and features 3% of Indiana’s remaining old-growth forest.
The property includes 16 miles of trails that journey through wetlands, pollinator meadows and other native ecosystems.
Call 765-962-3745 with any questions or to request accommodations to attend. The arboretum will share planning updates on its website and social media accounts.
A version of this article appeared in the May 14 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.