membership

Join us and become a Friend

With over 700 acres of outdoor gardens, trails, nature preserves, children’s areas, and the largest University-owned conservatory in the United States, Matthaei-Nichols has a wealth of opportunities and benefits for Friends members.

Plan to explore our trails, outdoor gardens, and conservatory with unlimited free parking at Matthaei. Be inspired by creative gardening ideas in our educational displays and member preview events. Learn a new skill or take a class with one or more of the many gardening, horticulture, or environmental groups that meet here throughout the year. Turn your yard into a botanic haven with special access to and discounts at our plants sales and Garden Store events. Receive benefits at our partner gardens and arboreta when traveling. Plan on coming back again and again – you’ll love it here!

Core Member Benefits

• Free Parking at Matthaei

Use the unique Friends number on your membership card at the Matthaei parking kiosks and receive free unlimited parking when visiting or attending events. Request a temporary membership card and ID number when visiting Matthaei. Your permanent membership card and ID number will be sent within 2-3 weeks from your online gift.

• Friends Newsletter and E-news Subscription

Learn about news, events, and classes in our print newsletter mailed to you three times annually and in monthly emails. See previous issues of the Friends newsletter here.

• Matching Member Benefits

Receive various benefits at over 270 gardens and arboreta nationwide. Reciprocal benefits range from free admission to discounts and free parking. Download the current Reciprocal Membership Brochure or visit the American Horticulture Society website for more information. Please email the Matthaei-Nichols membership coordinator with any questions.
*Benefits vary. Please check reciprocal benefits before visiting partner organizations.

• Friends Previews and Pre-sales

Connect with fellow Matthaei-Nichols Friends members at annual preview and pre-sale events like the Spring Plant Sale Member Party, Peony Festival, Shakespeare in the Arb performances, and Holiday Open House. Friends members know first!

• Special Friends discounts

10% discount at the Garden Store
10% discount at annual plant sales
10% discount on gift memberships
$5 discount on Shakespeare in the Arb tickets for adult members

• Tax-deduction

Your Friends membership is a tax-deductible donation to the University of Michigan. A confirmation letter from the University of Michigan Office of Development will be sent to you within 2 weeks of your gift.

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Additional Benefits
For Family Tree Friends members and above

• Youth and Family Activity Passes

Family Tree level members and above receive six free passes to our Saturday Youth and Family classes. Check out our current classes and pre-register here. Saturday programs run throughout the year and vary by season. Pre-registration is required.

• Discount on Birthday Parties

Celebrate a child’s birthday at Matthaei with a special room rental and guided activity. Family Tree members and above receive $65 off rental packages. Learn more about our birthday rentals here.

For Sustaining Friends members and above

• Curator’s Tour

Join the curator, director, and other Matthaei-Nichols staff for an annual reception, tour, and presentation on special projects and research at Matthaei-Nichols. Your invitation is waiting!

• Friends’ Forays

Join expert Matthaei-Nichols staff for seasonal hikes and tours of our gardens, collections, trails, natural areas, and behind-the-scenes areas. You’ll learn about unique ecosystems, native wildflowers, and more

For Director’s Circle Friends members

• Director’s Event

Join our Director for an annual reception and presentation of current and future projects at Matthaei-Nichols. Be a part of the discussion and help lead our future. Past events have included lectures, dinners, brunches, and outdoor receptions.

• $10      Student
  (for college and university students, must
  present valid ID with membership card)
• $45      Individual
• $55      Couple
  (includes benefits and cards
  for two adults at one address)
• $75      Family Tree
• $100    Sustaining
• $250    Sponsor
• $500    Benefactor
• $1000  Director’s Circle

• 2013 Member Guide

• Download the PDF (2.6mb)

• Parking at Matthaei:

• FAQ for Members
• General visitor parking information

• Membership Brochure / Mail-in form:

• Download the PDF

• Other Resources:

• Shakespeare in the Arb Member Benefits
  Download PDF
• American Horticulture Socity Reciprocal Member Benefits
  Download PDF