Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, the Dawes Arboretum is dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees and nature. It was Beman Dawes’ aim to inspire people to plant trees. He planted trees, striving to obtain specimens from all over the world that would survive in central Ohio. The first planned tree planting began in 1917 with 50 sugar maples. The Arboretum now covers nearly 2,000 acres and includes eight miles of hiking trails and a fourmile Auto Tour. Relax in the Japanese Garden. Hike through the Woodlands or Dutch Fork Wetlands. Stroll along Dawes Lake and climb the Observation Tower for an amazing view.