Ways to Give
Become a Member
The Friends of Hilltop Arboretum is an independent non-profit organization that works in partnership with the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture to preserve, protect and enhance Hilltop. Established in 1982, with thoughtful guidance from founder and benefactor Emory Smith, memberships from the Friends of Hilltop Arboretum make up over 20% of our annual operating budget. Memberships make it possible to further develop the site into a nationally-recognized center for the study of native plants and landscape design. They also help us get kids outdoors, cultivate native trees and shrubs, and provide educational opportunities for the entire community.
As a perk of your membership you are eligible to participate in the American Horticulture Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program which promotes horticulture across North America. The program encourages people to visit gardens and other horticulture institutions by offering free admission and/or additional benefits at over 380 gardens across North America. Visit the AHS website at for a complete list of participating gardens.
Members-Only Exclusive Gifts
Margaret Stones Poster Print, T-Shirt, Pocket Guides
Individual/Family Membership
Azalea $50 / Student $35
- Admission privileges and discounts at 380+ gardens throughout North America through American Horticultural Society Garden Network
- 10% Discount on plants at fall, spring, and year-end sales
- Reduced member rates for programs (including children's camps) and events
- Admission to annual membership luncheon
- Email notices about programs and events
Dogwood $100
All Benefits at the above level, plus:
- Hilltop membership t-shirt
- 10% discount on plants at Hodge Podge nursery, year-round
- 10% discount at Hilltop Gift Shop
Magnolia $250
All Benefits at the above level, plus:
- Margaret Stones magnolia print from Hilltop Gift Shop
- Free admission to Discover Nature Programs
Cypress $500
All Benefits at the above level, plus:
- 4 Nature-themed pocket guides of your choice from Hilltop Gift Shop
- 2 Tickets to Hilltop Annual Symposium
Live Oak $1,000
All Benefits at the above level, plus:
- One free facility rental, room(s) of your choice
What makes Hilltop special and worth supporting as a Corporate Member? This is an exciting time for the Friends organization on many fronts. The programs and services we offer are educational events focusing on Louisiana plants and the native landscape with special emphasis on planting for a healthier future in our own backyards. We serve about 12,000 members of the community annually. We reach children, students and adults of all ages, and professionals with programs and continuing education credits. You may already know about Hilltop’s signature events (Annual Symposium, Spring Fling and PlantFest! plant sales, Garden Tours) and educational programs (Discover Nature, Family Field Day, Hilltop Summer Sprouts and Holiday Camps).
At the site, we are continually moving forward with improvements made possible by generous donors, members, and grants. We’re proud of these projects completed in the past five years:
o Revised Site Master Plan ~ Doug Reed with Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects
o Emory Smith Legacy Tree Planting Project and Establishment of Northern Hedgerow Buffer Zone
o Establishment of Woodland Walk and Native Tree Planting
o Upgraded Pond Walk and Perimeter Plantings
o Establishment of 3 acre Cajun Prairie Inspired Meadow
The Friends of Hilltop organization supports 100% of its daily operations. Corporate memberships are offered annually at three levels: Poplar ($750), Silverbell ($1,500) and Emory Smith Magnolia ($2,500 and above). All levels include corporate recognition on Hilltop’s website, newsletters, and media releases, and sponsorship recognition. At the Emory Smith Magnolia level, we are offering the use of the Margaret Holmes Brown Pavilion and Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium for a corporate event ($1400 value).
Call 225-767-6916 today for current information on becoming a Corporate Member.
Hilltop is a wonderful place! We are ready to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. look forward to hearing from you and hope you’ll join today.