Viles Arboretum has joined the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions Program which offers free admission and/or additional benefits at more than 345 gardens throughout North America and the Caribbean. We are excited to enhance our member benefits with the addition of this program.
To ensure you get the most out of this new benefit, we ask that all members complete this household survey. We will be working to update our system and send new member cards out in the coming months.
Your Passport to Public Gardens Across North America!
Program Guidelines
A current membership card from the American Horticultural Society (AHS) or a participating RAP garden entitles the visitor to special admissions privileges and/or discounts at many different types of gardens. The AHS provides the following guidelines to its members and the members of participating gardens for enjoying their RAP benefits:
• A digital map and printable list of all sites that participate in the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program can be found at https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap
• Call the garden you would like to visit ahead of time. Some gardens have exclusions for special events, for visitors who live within 90 miles of the garden, etc. Each garden has its own unique admissions policy, RAP benefits, and hours of operations. Calling ahead ensures that you get the most up to date information.
• Present your current membership card to receive the RAP benefit(s) for that garden. Each card will only admit the individual(s) whose name is listed on the card. In the case of a family, couple, or household membership card that does not list names, the garden must extend the benefit(s) to at least two of the members. Beyond this, gardens will refer to their own policies regarding household/family memberships. Some gardens may require a photo ID.
• The 90-mile Exclusion policy allows a garden to exclude members of gardens within 90 miles of it from receiving the RAP benefit(s). For AHS members, the exclusion is based on their home address. Please contact the garden you belong to or the garden you plan to visit to inquire about their enforcement of this policy.
• Remember that the gardens you visit rely on admission and donations to maintain their collections and gardens for all to enjoy. Please support them by visiting their gift shops or making a contribution.
