Do you know what exciting addition came to New Hanover County in 1989? Let me take you on a journey - back to when N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center was in a different building and had a big dream.
This is the story of Charles "Pete" Lewis, extension staff, and the dedicated volunteers who helped create the New Hanover County Arboretum.
Pete Lewis joined the N.C. Cooperative Extension (at the time known as Extension Services) as the County Director in 1979. After assessing the needs of our growing community, he and the County Commissioners recognized a shift: New Hanover County was moving away from traditional agriculture and would need horticultural services. The goal? Support emerging local nurseries, inspire home gardens, and address future environmental concerns. But how do you tackle such a complex challenge?
Pete Lewis had the answer: an arboretum!
The extension office got to work! Developing a proposal that would bring gardening to our community and help residents grow. By 1982, they developed a proposal for a community-focused garden that would educate residents, showcase thousands of plant varieties, and demonstrate how to grow the best plants for our region. The Arboretum would be more than just beautiful—it would be practical, empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to bring nature into their own backyards.
While searching for a site that could become the new Arboretum, fate intervened. A fire broke out at Bradley Creek School on Oleander Drive. New Hanover County saw the opportunity to restore the damaged school, and Extension was granted the site to do just that. They received a $200,000 budget to renovate the school and transform the adjacent baseball field into a thriving center for plant research and demonstration.
In the following years, hundreds of community members and volunteers generously donated their time and resources to make the dream of the Arboretum a reality. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, alongside that of Extension and County staff, the Arboretum held its ceremonial ribbon cutting on October 8, 1989.
Today, as Cooperative Extension staff reflects on the Arboretum’s humble beginnings, we’re reminded of what’s possible when big dreams meet strong community partnerships. And we remain committed to innovation, education, and growth—at the Arboretum and throughout the county.
Let’s keep growing together.
Megan Sweeney is the Communications Support Specialist for New Hanover County. The N.C. Cooperative Extension Center for New Hanover County is located at the Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive. The gardens are free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach Megan Sweeney at megan_sweeney@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660.
