Tribute and Memorial Gifts are a unique way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a loved one. These enduring and tax-deductible gifts support our work to promote environmental stewardship, education, and enjoyment for the Southeast Michigan and University of Michigan communities.

Donors may direct their gift to any of the areas below:

• Specific gardens or program – any amount

Love the Gaffield Children's Garden, natural areas at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum trails, or Community and Youth Education Programs? There are a plethora of different areas and programs at the Arb and Gardens to support in honor of friends and loved ones. Gifts at $1500 and above qualify for naming opportunities. Please contact the Tribute and Memorial Program Coordinator, Andy Sell sella@umich.edu or 734-615-9475 to discuss these gift options.

• Dedicate a Tree - $1500

Choose to celebrate or remember a friend or loved one by dedicating a tree in one of many collections at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Single or collective tribute donations that equal $1500 will receive a beautiful tree along with a commemorative tree tag. Tribute trees are recorded in our online Tribute Tracker and maintained for 20 years. Please contact the Tribute and Memorial Program Coordinator, Andy Sell sella@umich.edu or 734-615-9475 for further inquiries.

Tribute benches overlooking the Huron River at Nichols Arboretum
• Dedicate a Bench - $5000

Benches allow visitors to rest and enjoy scenic views at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Dedicate a bench in honor of a friend or loved one to ensure that others can appreciate the Arb and Gardens as much as you do. Single or collective tribute donations that equal $5000 will receive a bench along with a commemorative plaque. Tribute benches are recorded in our online Tribute Tracker and maintained for 10 years. Please contact the Tribute and Memorial Program Coordinator, Andy Sell sella@umich.edu or 734-615-9475 for further inquiries.

• Gift and Ceremony Planning

Working with family and friends, staff can help with simple ceremonies, assisting people with gatherings to share memories and take part in symbolic gestures such as watering a tribute tree or applying wood chips to the planting or attaching the plaque to a bench. Please contact the staff below with inquiries.

Andy Sell – Tribute Gift Coordinator
General inquiries or to assist with planning gifts or dedications
sella@umich.edu – 734-615-9475

Linda Neely – Special Events Coordinator
Room rentals and reservations
lmneely@umich.edu – 734-647-7808