Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center

The Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center is a perfect place to start your visit at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Here, you can pick up a map, event calendars, brochures, and self-guided tours. The Wilder Visitor Center is also frequently staffed by a JCRA volunteer who can provide tips for your visit and answer your questions. Restrooms and water are available.

Sustainable Design

The Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center and the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center use energy efficient geothermal wells for their heating and cooling needs. Geothermal wells draw heat from, or release heat to, the earth, which has moderate temperatures year round. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal units reduce energy consumption by 44%–72% over conventional systems.

Additional sustainable features include insulation from NC State University's first green roof on the McSwain Center's roof; use of local materials, including native wood siding; extensive daylighting designed to penetrate deep into the building; energy-efficient windows; paints with low volatile organic compounds; and poured-concrete walls.