JCRA 50th Anniversary Tour

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the JC Raulston Arboretum with our seasonal QR Code Tours!

Leaf-shaped QR code sign hanging from a tree in the garden

Throughout the year, visitors can explore the gardens through a series of self-guided seasonal tours. Each tour features five stops located throughout the gardens, where you'll discover stories about the plants, places and people that have shaped the garden over the past 50 years.

Scan the QR code on the welcome sign at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center to begin. Then, explore the gardens and look for five leaf-shaped QR code signs. Use your phone's camera to scan the code and unlock interactive content.

How the Tour Works

Scan the QR code on the welcome sign at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center to begin.
Walk through the gardens and find the five QR code stops.
Scan each QR code using your phone camera.
Explore the interactive content at each stop.
After visiting all five stops, head to the front desk of the Ruby C. McSwain Education Building to claim your seasonal prize piece.

Each season features a different tour theme and new QR code locations, so be sure to return throughout the year to experience them all.

Seasonal Tour Schedule

Each tour will be available during the following dates:

April 1 — May 31: History
June 1 — August 30: Plants Special to Us
September 1 — October 31: Places Special to Us
November 1 — December 31: People Special to Us

Completed magnet with all four pieces arranged together

50th Anniversary Magnet Prize

Visitors who complete the seasonal tour will earn one piece of our special four-part commemorative magnet set. Each piece connects with the others to build a larger design celebrating the JCRA's 50th anniversary. Collect all four pieces by completing the tour each season!

Visitors who collect all four pieces will receive a bonus prize (stay tuned for more details!).

Plan Your Visit

Need more information about our hours or location? Find all the details on our visitor information page.

Be sure to check out our Calendar to explore the many programs and events happening throughout the year as we celebrate this milestone anniversary.

Questions: Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.