As The North Carolina Arboretum approached its 40th year, the organization found itself in a moment of momentum with new leadership, a growing membership base, expanding programs, and a renewed focus on how people connect with nature and with each other.
They came to 19 Ideas to develop a 40th anniversary identity that could celebrate that progress while quietly signaling something bigger: evolution.
Designed for Connection
Founded in 1929, The Dawes Arboretum is a nationally accredited Level IV arboretum located outside Columbus, Ohio. Spanning more than 2,000 acres and welcoming over 110,000 visitors annually, the organization is dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature, and history.
Unlike many arboreta, Dawes also preserves the history of the Dawes family and the land itself, operating as both a living tree museum and a cultural archive.
As the organization approached its centennial, leadership saw an opportunity to align communications, celebrate its legacy, and introduce a forward-looking vision for the next century.
19 Ideas was engaged to develop a centennial logo, supporting communications materials, digital assets, and social media content to launch the celebration and frame the milestone for visitors, donors, and the broader community.
A Thoughtful First Step
The Arboretum had not significantly evolved its logo in years. While recognizable, it felt institutional and limited in its ability to express the place’s energy and experience.
Long-time members value consistency, but they are also open to thoughtful evolution done well. The 40th anniversary became the right moment to explore that balance, introducing something new without losing trust.
Designing for Experience, Not Institution
Through discovery, one theme came through clearly: the Arboretum is not just an organization; it is an experience.
The identity needed to reflect:
- Exploration and curiosity
- Calm and connection
- Community and accessibility
- A sense of place rooted in the Southern Appalachian landscape
We developed a logo system centered on a shield form that maintains a sense of institutional credibility while introducing more fluid, contemporary linework within the mark.
The interior illustration references mountains, trails, water, and plant life, creating a visual language that feels active rather than static.
A System Built to Flex
Rather than a single mark, we created a flexible anniversary identity system designed for real-world use.
Deliverables included:
- Primary horizontal and vertical logo lockups
- Condensed and icon variations
- A simplified “40” mark for small-scale applications
- A suite of custom patterns inspired by regional flora and landscape
The patterns extend the identity beyond the logo, allowing the Arboretum to appear dynamically across signage, merchandise, and campaigns.
Created for the Real World
The 40th anniversary identity was built with application in mind from the start. The system works in both full color and simplified applications, addressing a long-standing challenge with the existing logo. The result is a brand expression that feels more modern, more flexible, and more aligned with the Arboretum experience.
Conclusion
The North Carolina Arboretum is entering its next chapter with energy, growth, and a renewed focus on connection. The 40th anniversary identity marks that moment, not as a dramatic shift, but as a thoughtful step forward.
Sometimes evolution doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be right.