Membership

How do I join or renew my membership?

Join or renew through our membership sign-up page. Another option is to call the Membership Coordinator at 919-962-0642.

I just became a new member. What happens now?

You will receive a new member packet within three weeks after payment. We look forward to seeing you at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

What proof do I have of membership?

When you join or renew online, you will immediately receive an email that verifies your membership in the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation with information on the date of your transaction. New members who join or renew via printed forms will receive a new member packet. If you haven’t provided your email address or need to update your contact information, contact the Membership Coordinator.

Do you offer discounted memberships?

Yes, there are Community Affiliation Discounts for Individual, Dual and Household levels. These discounts are available for seniors (65+), students (≤21), PreK-12 educators, Garden volunteers and Garden instructors.

How do I know when my membership expires?

Memberships are for 12 months from the date you join or renew. Please refer to your emailed membership verification. Your membership renewal date is also listed on your address label of printed issues of Conservation Gardener.  You will be reminded to renew your membership before it expires.

I would like to use a printed form to join or renew. Is that possible?

You will be mailed renewal forms the month your membership expires. Membership forms are also available at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in reception, the Garden Shop, and at the outside information cart. You can also download a membership form or use the remittance envelope found inside the printed edition of Conservation Gardener.

Do I have a membership at the North Carolina Botanical Garden or a membership in the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation?

Technically, you have a membership in the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, Inc., the nonprofit support organization of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. The North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation also serves as a land trust to protect ecologically important natural areas and conservation habitats in North Carolina.

What part of my membership is tax deductible?

Memberships at levels other than Director’s Circle are 100% tax deductible. Director’s Circle level memberships include a $50 benefit and therefore a $1,450 tax deduction.

Why is the Director’s Circle membership not fully tax-deductible?

Part of the membership rate is used for an annual Director’s Circle event and is considered a benefit through IRS definitions.

Will I receive a membership card?

No membership cards are issued. North Carolina Botanical Garden staff will confirm your membership for discounts in the Garden shop and during registration for NCBG educational programming.

How do I receive free seeds as a member benefit?

Free seeds are available once every calendar year starting in January or early February. You will be notified through a members’ email that the selections are available. The Member Seed Supply is limited, so order early. Seeds may also be purchased at the Garden Shop.

Are memberships transferrable or refundable?

Most memberships are tax-deductible, with the exception of Director’s Circle level memberships. Memberships are not transferable or refundable.

Do I have to include my email and phone number when joining?

All information is necessary for us to contact our members efficiently. Emails are particularly important since upcoming exhibits, events and special programs are communicated in our monthly e-Newsletter.

How do I update my contact information?

Please send an email to ncbgmembership@unc.edu or contact the Membership Coordinator at 919-962-0642. Contact information includes members’ names, email, and mailing addresses, as well as phone numbers.

How do I get discounts and benefits from 345+ gardens around the country who participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program of the American Horticultural Society?

Show your membership verification, either printed or on your device, when you visit participating gardens. You may also request written membership confirmation from the Membership Coordinator at 919-962-0642 or by emailing ncbgmembership@unc.edu. Learn more about the Reciprocal Admissions Program on the website of the American Horticultural Society.

Join or renew today

Gift Memberships

How do I set up a gift membership?

You may give a gift membership through our membership sign-up page or by completing and returning the downloadable gift membership form. You may also give a gift membership by contacting the Garden’s Membership Coordinator via email at ncbgmembership@unc.edu or by phone at 919-962-0642.

Can a gift membership start at any date I choose, or will it immediately start upon payment?

It starts upon payment.

Who receives membership information about the North Carolina Botanical Garden, the gift recipient or the person giving the gift membership?

We will send the new member packet directly to the recipient unless otherwise requested.

Must I include emails and phone numbers of people receiving a gift membership?

Both contacts are necessary for us to communicate with our members efficiently. Emails are particularly important since upcoming exhibits, events and special programs are announced in our monthly e-Newsletter.

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Before You Visit

Do I need to show proof of membership when visiting the North Carolina Botanical Garden?

The North Carolina Botanical Garden welcomes members free of charge. For those visitors who are not members, there is a $5 recommended donation per person per visit to support the operation of the Garden.

May I bring guests to member-only events?

Attendance at member-only events is one of the benefits of joining the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation. At ‘Sustainer’ or ‘Director’s Circle’ membership levels, you receive a gift membership which could be used at a member-only event. Or invite your guests to become a member!

Is entry to the North Carolina Botanical Garden timed, or can I visit whenever I prefer?

You may visit the Garden any time during operation hours. For more information, check out the Visit page on our website.

Is parking free at the North Carolina Botanical Garden?

Yes, parking is free at the main display garden on Old Mason Farm Road. There is also limited parking along the Garden’s maintenance entrance on Laurel Hill Road.  For special events, a shuttle service may be available. Please visit our website for more parking information before attending special events.  When visiting campus satellite gardens, natural areas, the UNC Herbarium, or Koch Memorial Forest Theatre, follow the guidance of UNC Parking and Transportation.

 

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Contact Us

Have additional questions? Contact our membership coordinator at 919-962-0642 or NCBGMembership@unc.edu.