
NC Aboretum & Trolls
Forest trails come alive with giant handcrafted trolls tucked among rhododendron and maple, turning a group hike into a playful scavenger hunt for art, nature connection, and social outdoor camaraderie.
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Handcrafted troll sculptures—twelve figures assembled from fallen branches and wooden pallets—invite tactile interaction along the NC Arboretum's woodland paths. The outdoor exhibition blends found material folk artistry with playful site specific environmental storytelling.

Handcrafted troll sculptures—twelve figures assembled from fallen branches and wooden pallets—invite tactile interaction along the NC Arboretum's woodland paths. The outdoor exhibition blends found material folk artistry with playful site specific environmental storytelling.
Handcrafted troll sculptures—twelve figures assembled from fallen branches and wooden pallets—invite tactile interaction along the NC Arboretum's woodland paths. The outdoor exhibition blends found material folk artistry with playful site specific environmental storytelling.

Giant interactive troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo roam the North Carolina Arboretum in a whimsical winter public art trail; twelve hand crafted figures invite exploration, playful discovery, and photo moments for all ages.

Giant interactive troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo roam the North Carolina Arboretum in a whimsical winter public art trail; twelve hand crafted figures invite exploration, playful discovery, and photo moments for all ages.
Giant interactive troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo roam the North Carolina Arboretum in a whimsical winter public art trail; twelve hand crafted figures invite exploration, playful discovery, and photo moments for all ages.

Meandering outdoor tour of 12 giant Thomas Dambo troll sculptures that illustrate soil, water, biodiversity, and conservation themes; guided by Lauren Lampley along easy trails and paved walkways at the NC Arboretum.

Meandering outdoor tour of 12 giant Thomas Dambo troll sculptures that illustrate soil, water, biodiversity, and conservation themes; guided by Lauren Lampley along easy trails and paved walkways at the NC Arboretum.
Meandering outdoor tour of 12 giant Thomas Dambo troll sculptures that illustrate soil, water, biodiversity, and conservation themes; guided by Lauren Lampley along easy trails and paved walkways at the NC Arboretum.
Gentle guided nature immersion among Blue Ridge pines, using sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and silent pauses to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in an unhurried outdoor setting.
Gentle guided nature immersion among Blue Ridge pines, using sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and silent pauses to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in an unhurried outdoor setting.
Gentle guided nature immersion among Blue Ridge pines, using sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and silent pauses to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in an unhurried outdoor setting.
Gentle guided sensory walks through towering pines and mossy understories at the NC Arboretum, focusing on mindful breathing, ambient forest sounds, and nature immersion to reduce stress and deepen awareness.
Gentle guided sensory walks through towering pines and mossy understories at the NC Arboretum, focusing on mindful breathing, ambient forest sounds, and nature immersion to reduce stress and deepen awareness.
Gentle guided sensory walks through towering pines and mossy understories at the NC Arboretum, focusing on mindful breathing, ambient forest sounds, and nature immersion to reduce stress and deepen awareness.

Staff naturalists lead an observational walk through The North Carolina Arboretum, spotting plants, animals, and signs of wildlife while adapting topics to on-site discoveries and participant questions for hands-on field identification and ecology.

Staff naturalists lead an observational walk through The North Carolina Arboretum, spotting plants, animals, and signs of wildlife while adapting topics to on-site discoveries and participant questions for hands-on field identification and ecology.
Staff naturalists lead an observational walk through The North Carolina Arboretum, spotting plants, animals, and signs of wildlife while adapting topics to on-site discoveries and participant questions for hands-on field identification and ecology.

Scenic group hike to cascading waterfalls along a moderate forest trail with rocky pools and short elevation gains; participants meet downtown for a neighborhood meetup and typically carpool to the trailhead.

Scenic group hike to cascading waterfalls along a moderate forest trail with rocky pools and short elevation gains; participants meet downtown for a neighborhood meetup and typically carpool to the trailhead.
Scenic group hike to cascading waterfalls along a moderate forest trail with rocky pools and short elevation gains; participants meet downtown for a neighborhood meetup and typically carpool to the trailhead.

Lauren leads a guided nature walk along forested streams and creeks, examining aquatic life, erosion dynamics, and riparian plants to reveal how waterways support the arboretum’s biodiversity and overall park ecology.

Lauren leads a guided nature walk along forested streams and creeks, examining aquatic life, erosion dynamics, and riparian plants to reveal how waterways support the arboretum’s biodiversity and overall park ecology.
Lauren leads a guided nature walk along forested streams and creeks, examining aquatic life, erosion dynamics, and riparian plants to reveal how waterways support the arboretum’s biodiversity and overall park ecology.