The stature of Van der Brohe Arboretum as a public amenity is realized through the participation and support of individuals, organizations, and business entities within the community.
We are extremely grateful that many generous contributions have advanced the development of our grounds and the realization of our mission. We are pleased to offer several sponsorship opportunities which allow the recognition of such amity. Whether sponsoring an installation or an event, know that you are essential to the creation of a legacy environment which is destined to be a forever community resource. The projects listed below offer opportunities to become part of the Arboretum.
Van der Brohe Arboretum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are appreciated. Contact the director for more information
Franciscan Gardens
The Franciscan Garden demonstrates the potential of incorporating the needs of wildlife, pollinators, and birds into a display garden. Plans for the nine gardens at VDBA are posted on the website, and it is hoped that seeing the installations will inspire visitors to create similar forage and habitat refuges on their own properties. Read more.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $3,800.
Availability: All 9 gardens have been sponsored.
Ivy Walls
Four spectacular walls are to be built as supports for a variety of ivies. Comprised of steel, masonry, and rock-faced Valders Stone string courses, the walls will serve as artificial trees, and explore the provision of forage and habitat for wildlife and birds within an urban setting. Read more.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $25,000.
Availability: All 4 walls have been sponsored by George Grimm.
Espalier Walls (not shown)
Similar in construction to the Ivy Walls, but lower and longer, the Espalier Walls will showcase the intriguing art of training trees to conform to an urban setting. The siting of this feature has yet to be determined.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $60,000.
Availability: 1 wall is available for sponsorship.
Ivy Tunnels
Always a delight in a garden setting, the Ivy Tunnel enhances the Arboretum experience by providing a flowery bower within the trail system. The vines selected will enhance the value of the grounds for birds and pollinators.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $12,000.
Availability: 1 of 2 tunnels is available for sponsorship. 1 tunnel has been sponsored by the Two Rivers Rotary.
Propagation Center
The Propagation Center is the heart of our activities, and will be the base for our operations pending construction of the Nature Center.
Recognition: 2’ x 2’ upright Valders Stone panel.
Suggested Donation $225,000.
Availability: This sponsorship has been funded by the West Foundation.
Benches
A place of contemplation and rest is a welcome addition to the trail system, and the Arboretum will incorporate two styles of benches.
The popular option, composed of Valders Stone end supports with white oak seating, integrates the natural characteristics appropriate to the Arboretum.
A second option made of powder-coated steel presents a more formal image, and is sometimes preferred for having back support.
Recognition (stone): End stone name etching.
Recognition (metal): Signage stake with etched name.
Suggested Donation: $3,000.
Availability: All 12 benches on the grounds have been sponsored. Future installations are planned—please inquire.
Council Circle & Paving Stones
The Council Circle is evolved from a Native American installation fostering discourse and community. The installation at Van der Brohe Arboretum is an elaborate construction of Valders Stone and features a central pavement with a compass rose and the axis of both the solstice and the equinox, as well as etched sponsored panels.
Installation Recognition: Jamb stone panel.
Paver Recognition: Stone etched with name/verse.
Suggested Donation (Installation): $58,000.
Suggested Donation (Paver): $1,250
Availability: The circle installation has been sponsored by George Grimm.
26 pavers remain available for sponsorship.
Osprey Nest
Situated on the tall pole near the East Twin River is a fabricated Osprey Nest. The Osprey (a.k.a. Fishhawk) frequents the location due to the adjacency of the river and the accessibility of fish. Read more.
Recognition: Signage stake with etched name.
Suggested Donation: $1,700.
Availability: The Osprey nest has been sponsored.
Swift Tower
The Chimney Swift has demonstrated a remarkable propensity to adapt to an anthropogenically modified environment. Originally nesting in hollow trees, the Swifts moved into chimneys as the availability of standing snags was reduced. The industrial chimney is rapidly disappearing from our urban centers, and the Swift Tower recreates the attributes desired by the nesting Swift.
Recognition: Signage stake with etched name.
Suggested Donation: $5,000.
Availability: 2 towers are available for sponsorship.
Art Nodes (not shown)
Many of the sculpted plinths residual from former tee boxes and greens will be reconfigured as places for the display of environmental art. The art will be placed in a rotating transitory exhibit to insure fresh experiences for visitors and allow access to a variety of artists. The prepared site for the displays will be available as a sponsored point of interest along the trail system.
Recognition: Metal plaque with name and exhibition description.
Suggested Donation: $4,000.
Availability: 10 nodes are available for sponsorship.
Bicycle Racks
Positioned at the Highway 42 entrance and the Riverview Drive Pedestrian access point, these elements are artistically fabricated, incorporating the Arboretum logo. As bicyclists are requested to not use the trails, these racks provide an essential convenience to those who use that mode of transportation to visit the grounds.
Recognition: Signage stake with etched name.
Suggested Donation: $750.
Availability: 3 of 4 bicycle racks are available for sponsorship.
Trail Names
To aid in wayfinding and orientation, names will be assigned to each trail segment. The naming rights may be sponsored and will demonstrate community support for the development of the grounds.
Recognition: 2 die-cut stainless steel discs set into the ground at either end of trail segment.
Suggested Donation: Loop: $12,000. Interior: $7,500
Availability: 2 trail loops and 12 interior segments are available for sponsorship.
Grove Names
The Arboretum is laid out as a series of groves based on taxonomy and the attributes of various tree species. As each grove will have a special feel and offer a distinct experience, it will be advantageous to visitors to have distinctive nomenclature.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ upright Valders Stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $45,000.
Availability: 14 of 15 groves are available.
Wetland Garden (not shown)
Central to the experience of the Arboretum is a small hardwood bog near the middle of the property.
While the bog has a flourishing display of wetland flowers, the demise of the Ash trees necessitates replanting and redevelopment with sun-tolerant species. The Garden will be a unique display of a vibrant essential ecology.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $15,000.
Availability: 1 garden is available for sponsorship.
Riverview Ponds (not shown)
A pair of ponds straddle the trail system at the west edge of the grounds. They will be reworked to preserve their role as a site for frogs, crayfish, and turtles. A stone-backed cascade will provide aeration and bird baths.
Recognition: 2’ x 2’ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $60,000.
Availability: 1 opportunity for sponsorship is available.
Aquatic Garden (not shown)
Currently fenced off from view, a large concrete cistern exists on the grounds as a legacy component of the former irrigation system. The cistern will be redeveloped with platforms at differing depths to allow the growth of various aquatic plants, with a fountain for aeration.
Recognition: 2′ x 2′ flat stone panel.
Suggested Donation: $60,000.
Availability: 1 garden is available for sponsorship.
Trail Maps (not shown)
Trail maps are available as handouts at the Arboretum parking lot. Visitors enjoy learning about the mission and the plans for the development of the grounds, and often take additional copies to pass to friends.
Recognition: Large banner ad on printed map.
Suggested Donation: $5,000.
Availability: 1 opportunity is available.
The Next Step
We thank you for your consideration in sharing our commitment to the community and to the Earth. Sponsorship is a vital component necessary to help advance the work of the Van der Brohe Arboretum. We are grateful for your support.
Sponsorship for installations at the Arboretum is an opportunity for public recognition of your support of the Arboretum and its mission.
If you or your organization are interested in the opportunities above or have a compatible idea you would like to see incorporated into the development of the grounds, please contact the Director to secure your choice.
Please note that sponsorship does not convey any ownership interest or proprietary right in any installation, and does not create any further obligation of the donor to the Arboretum or of the Arboretum to the sponsor.