Some collections deserve a landscape that helps tell their story.
The National Native Azalea Collection at the North Carolina Arboretum is one of the most significant collections of native azaleas in the United States. Located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, this 5.75-acre master planning effort strengthens the garden's role as a destination for conservation, education, and exploration.
The master plan reimagines how visitors move through and experience the landscape. Enhanced trail networks improve accessibility, clarify circulation, and create opportunities for immersion among native azalea collections and forest plant communities. New trail alignments, gathering spaces, and overlooks invite visitors to slow down, engage their senses, and discover the ecological richness of the site.
Ecological stewardship is woven throughout the plan. Streambank stabilization along Bent Creek, integrated stormwater strategies, and habitat-focused improvements help strengthen the health of the landscape while creating opportunities for environmental education. Interpretive features reveal these systems in action, transforming ecological processes into visible learning experiences.
A new gateway and proposed pavilions establish welcoming spaces for gathering, learning, and respite, supporting the Arboretum's mission while creating a stronger framework for public engagement, conservation, and discovery.
