The Dawes Arboretum: Exploring Nature in Newark, Ohio

Story and photos by Mary Casey-Sturk

My Columbus-based sister recently surprised me by taking me to The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio for an afternoon of walking, chatting and shopping.

Despite a rainy start, we enjoyed the arboretum immensely and I’ll be heading back one day soon! Founded in 1929 by Berman and Bertie Dawes who had planted over 50,000 trees on nearly 300 acres, their goal was to inspire people to plant trees. As a private foundation, they created the mission “to encourage the planting of forest and ornamental trees….to give pleasure to the public and education to the youth.”

Today, the Dawes Arboretum continues their work and is dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history.  

On our afternoon, pleasure was the name of the game as we explored the now nearly 2,000 acres while following the auto tour route (due to the sporadic rain). Starting at the Visitor Center, we indulged in some shopping. Plants, books, note cards, branded items and more were available to purchase with proceeds supporting the arboretum. Alongside the center are the Themed Gardens with sculptures, a mural and places to relax. Visitors enjoy seasonal plantings and a pollinator garden while watching birds and butterflies interact with nature. I was quick to spot a hummingbird which took off in a flash (of course)!

Back in the car, we followed the 4-mile auto tour making several stops along the way when the rain allowed. We enjoyed the serene Japanese Garden which has a paved trail around a pond. Curious geese both greeted us and warned us to steer clear-which we did. This was a gentle walk, and we appreciated the labeled trees and shrubs so we could learn more and the pond with its bridges proved very photogenic.

Elsewhere in the arboretum, we viewed the Dawes Memorial, the Dawes House Museum and History Center (we just missed the tour-so check ahead for tour times), Dawes Lake and the adjacent 36-foot Observation Tower where you can view a 2,040-foot-long Dawes Arboretum Hedge Lettering. As storm clouds were looming, we skipped going up the tower, but it’s on our agenda for next time!

Other spots to visit include the Bald-Cypress Swamp, Deep Woods, Learning Garden, Natural Play Area, Log Cabin and the Beard-Green Cemetery. Located in the Arboretum East you will find a large area of woodlands, a pond and a Hopewell Era mound. Note: the trails in this area are uneven and seasonally wet and muddy.

The Beard-Green Cemetery contains many early Licking County residents including Benjamin Green and family who were the first legal settlers in the county.

The arboretum has many accessible areas so everyone can enjoy nature. In total, there are 14 miles of trails, and the very informative visitor guide has a comprehensive map outlining the location of the trails and other features. Nearby, you can explore the Red Barn Reserve and Dutch Fork Wetlands. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit their website for opening hours, ticket information and events: dawsarb.org.