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Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely has received grant funding from the Caroline Foundation before. In 2022, they used the funds to expand community outreach in Caroline County in the way of free admission. The ability to break down that barrier resulted in an “immediate” increase in awareness and use of the nature preserve. In 2025, Adkins received $15,500 from the Caroline Foundation to continue these efforts.
“The Arboretum is a warm, welcoming public preserve that provides opportunities
for community, respite, and healing, and celebrates natural and cultural diversity
through the joy and wonder of the natural world,” said a team of representatives. The 400 acre space encompasses meadows, old fields, pine plantations, young hardwood forests, mature bottomland forests, and wetlands, as well as cultivated gardens.
While the folks at Adkins see offering free admission as “the right thing to do”, there is still a necessary cost of operation that has to be covered somehow. This grant will allow Adkins to maintain their open admission policy without compromising on services and staff. These monies also support free memberships to all Caroline County residents who self-identify as low-income – no strings attached or documentation required. Even more than that, “the Caroline Foundation's support validates our work and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our neighbors and community.”
The staff at Admins explained that the focus is always on nature as a method of medicine. “Being in nature is crucial to our health, well-being, and overall recovery. Spending as little as ten minutes in an outdoor setting just two to three times a week can significantly increase mood-boosting serotonin levels while decreasing stress-inducing cortisol levels. Exposure to sun, soil, and plants is all linked to better health,” they said, “Listening to nature is also beneficial! Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that pleasant natural sounds can help lower blood pressure, improve cognitive performance, and even reduce pain. Adkins Arboretum, with more than 5 miles of well-maintained trails and a Visitor’s Center, provides exceptional opportunities for everyone to safely and comfortably experience and reap the benefits of nature!”
Adkins relies on “a diverse funding mix, including membership fees, donations, program fees, and grants.” Grants like those from the Caroline Foundation are critical, as they allow Adkins to “keep admission free, ensure proper maintenance of our space, and continue offering essential programs without placing a financial burden on visitors.”
