
Draves Arboretum’s Digital Evolution
Enhancing plant discovery through smart technology
"With a simple scan, visitors access a wealth of data—bringing the collection to life in an engaging, interactive manner."
A Digital Transformation at Draves Arboretum
Nestled in Darien, New York, Draves Arboretum is a sanctuary for tree enthusiasts and visitors. As an ArbNet Level III* accredited arboretum, it boasts a diverse collection of rare and valuable trees. Efficient management and engaging visitor experiences have always been priorities. To achieve this, the arboretum integrated the Plantsoon platform, revolutionizing the way it shares information and maintains its collection.
A key feature of this transformation is the public accessibility of the arboretum’s plant accessions. Draves Arboretum actively manages approximately 680 plants in Plantsoon with several hundred more to catalogue, ensuring each specimen is cataloged with precision. By linking this pictorial accession database to its website, Draves guarantees transparency while allowing a global audience to explore its collection. Visitors can explore Draves Arboretum via their Plantsoon public visit page to access detailed information about the collection.
Additionally, QR-coded plant tags personalize the arboretum experience. Unlike other arboreta that connect plant labels to third-party sources, Draves ensures visitors receive precise, firsthand information about each tree. With a simple scan, visitors access a wealth of data—bringing the collection to life in an engaging, interactive manner.


A New Era of Engagement and Education
Draves Arboretum has extended the benefits of its digital upgrade beyond on-site visits by enhancing its social media and digital outreach. When sharing posts on Facebook, Instagram, or its website, the arboretum can link directly to its database, streamlining content delivery. This eliminates the need to repeatedly detail plant descriptions and other specifics—everything is accessible with a single click.
By seamlessly integrating technology with nature, Draves Arboretum sets a new standard in botanical collection management. Visitors, both in person and online, can now engage with the arboretum in a more immersive way. With Plantsoon as a trusted partner, Draves continues to expand its digital presence, ensuring that its treasured collection remains educational, interactive, and widely accessible for generations to come.
*ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.