History & Archaeology of the Arboretum

with Bob and Mary Noel

ON-SITE  |  Thursday, February 13  |  1 - 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist - Elective Credit

The land that makes up The North Carolina Arboretum has been home to different human groups over a span of more than 15,000 years. It has had many uses and been shaped by those who lived here. This walk, led by archaeologists Bob and Mary Noel, will give participants a chance to see and hear about past occupants of this land, and even a little history about how it became the state's Arboretum. 

Bob and Mary Noel both had long careers as archaeologists with the US Forest Service. Bob worked mostly in North Carolina where he recorded thousands of sites on national forest lands here. Most of Mary’s archaeological work was in Idaho and Ohio. Both of them have been active in living history programs as well, most recently with the Heritage Alliance in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The Noels now have a consulting firm and still do archaeological survey projects. Mary can be found working at the Arboretum’s Baker Information desk several days a week, sharing her knowledge of local trails, gardens and history.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, United States