Holden Forests and Gardens Blossoms with a New Name

Making an impact is a big deal to Dr. Clement W. Hamilton.

The president and CEO believes a newly announced master brand name, Holden Forests and Gardens, is reenergizing the two organizations it represents: Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.

The new name has been anticipated since the nonprofits merged in 2014.  It is the final step in integrating the two living nature museums into one unique organization. Both campuses will now operate under one board of directors as well.

Hamilton, who headed Holden Arboretum in Kirtland since 2008, took on responsibility for the Cleveland Botanical Garden when the two merged.  Now, he expects increased community impact and participation for both organizations under the new relationship.

“It’s all about making the world a better place,” he says. He is looking to engage current members, as well as new audiences in the museum’s updated mission of “advancing and inspiring a deeper understanding of plants to enhance life.”

So far, the merger is helping make that goal a reality. Holden Forests and Gardens reported a record-breaking combined attendance of nearly 400,000 visitors in its past fiscal year.

While both campuses retain the original names for which they are best known, the new master brand integrates two diverse environments: the manicured landscape of the Botanical Garden on 10 acres in urban University Circle with the winding 3,600-acre Holden Arboretum in bucolic Kirtland. 

“The beauty of our new master brand is that the phrase ‘forests and gardens’ encompasses the breadth of what we do — from horticulture to conservation — and where we grow plants, from urban centers to home gardens to parks to natural forests,” says Hamilton.

“We also wanted a master brand name that evokes both organizations’ names, histories and deep community support. ‘Holden’ also memorializes the family whose generosity over a century ago is fundamental to our success into the future,” he adds.

Hamilton credits last year’s boost in visitors to the new relationship. Members of both organizations get free admission to both campuses, which has introduced new opportunities. 

“We are seeing people come to one or both campuses who have never been to either before,” says Hamilton. “I also have seen more teenagers and young families.”

Two new attractions at Holden Arboretum are helping to boost attendance, as well. The new 120-foot Kalberer Family Emergent Tower gives guests a one-of-a-kind view high atop the forest. As visitors make the 202-step climb, they emerge from the shaded forest floor into the sunlight above. (Yes, there are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath, if needed.) From there, one looks down upon the tallest trees in the forest from the wooden observation deck. On a clear day, Lake Erie can be seen about nine miles away.

The other recent addition also gives guests a unique perspective on forest life. The Judith and Maynard H. Murch IV Canopy Walk is a 500-foot-long elevated walkway suspended 65 feet above the forest floor. It is a favorite of bird-watchers, nature-lovers and explorers of all kinds.

While these visitor favorites are well-known, Holden Forests and Gardens may be making its greatest impact beyond the boundaries of its two campuses through many educational and research programs. Here are just a few:

•  The Botanical Garden’s Green Corps employs high school students, most from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, to work at one of its five urban learning farms. Students work 20 hours a week to help replace vacant urban properties with gardens of healthy organic fruits and vegetables. The students then participate in selling the produce at several local farmers markets. 

•  Holden Forests and Gardens is a partner in The Cleveland Tree Plan, a community-wide collaboration aimed at reversing the annual trend of tree canopy loss in the City of Cleveland. Once known as “The Forest City,” Cleveland has lost about 100,000 trees since 1940, according to the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. Trees are crucial for intercepting millions of gallons of rain water every year, removing tons of air pollution annually, blocking noise and increasing property values, among other benefits. 

•  In its ongoing efforts to engage new audiences, Holden Forests and Gardens will be the first museum in Northeast Ohio to participate in “Museums for All,” a national program that helps low-income families and individuals access museums. Qualifying visitors will be able to enjoy entry to Holden Arboretum or Cleveland Botanical Garden for just $1.  

•  Local and national research is a big piece of the work at Holden Arboretum. Conserving native forests, particularly with the effects of climate change and other environmental impacts, is one of the institution’s primary missions. Holden researchers also study the effects of acid rain and are conducting a unique project to hybridize rhododendron plants that are more tolerant within difference climates and soil. Holden staff members routinely collaborate with faculty and scientists from Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University and Kent State University.