CLEVELAND, Ohio — (May 12, 2026) — Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) today announced a $1 million gift from longtime supporters Constance “Connie” Norweb Abbey and Paul R. Abbey toward a multiyear transformation of the visitor experience at The Holden Arboretum. 

The gift, made in March 2026, reflects the Abbeys’ enduring commitment to Holden and to creating welcoming, meaningful spaces that connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants. The connection that the Abbeys share with Holden Forests & Gardens is rooted in a family legacy with decades of service and commitment and a strong vision for the future. Connie and Paul Abbey share deep, multigenerational ties to Holden.  

Connie is the daughter of R. Henry Norweb Jr., the first director of The Holden Arboretum, and the great-granddaughter of Albert Fairchild Holden, who established a trust in his estate plan for the development of an arboretum in the Cleveland area.

His sister, Roberta Holden Bole, carried out his wish and provided the first 100 acres for The Holden Arboretum in 1931. Together, Connie and Paul have carried that legacy forward through decades of leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy, helping shape Holden into the institution it is today.  

“This extraordinary gift from Connie and Paul Abbey will help strengthen how people experience Holden for generations to come,” said Ed Moydell, President and CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens. “Their support advances our efforts to create more accessible, engaging, and inspiring experiences across our campuses, ensuring that more people can connect with the beauty of our landscapes, explore our collections, and understand the essential role trees and plants play in healthy communities. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and shared vision.” 

The Abbeys have played a significant role in the life of the organization over many years. Connie was instrumental in the 2014 merger of The Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden and continues to serve in leadership roles on the HF&G Board of Directors. Paul served as Chair of the Board, became the first Chair of Holden Forests & Gardens after the merger, and later served as interim CEO. Their philanthropy has supported key initiatives across the organization, including scientific research, living collections, and the long-term stewardship of the Arboretum’s landscape. 

“Holden has been an important part of our family’s story for generations,” said Connie Abbey. “Supporting this work is a meaningful way to invest in Holden’s future and in every person who comes here to learn, reflect, and connect with nature.” 

Paul Abbey added, “We believe deeply in Holden’s mission and in the importance of creating places that inspire people to value trees, plants, and the environment around them. We are proud to support this next chapter.” 

This gift supports Holden’s broader commitment to transforming the way visitors experience the Arboretum — providing best-in-class amenities while expanding opportunities for education, community engagement, and connection to nature. Major elements of the Arboretum’s multiyear transformation include new and updated visitor, event, and program facilities, as well as walking trail improvements to expand year-round enjoyment for all. Holden will name the entry hall of the new visitor center in honor of Connie and Paul. 

“We are honored by Connie and Paul’s trust and generosity,” Moydell added. “Their support helps ensure that Holden continues to serve as a place of beauty, discovery, and inspiration for our region and beyond.” 

About Holden Forests & Gardens 
Holden Forests & Gardens is made up of two of Northeast Ohio’s most important environmental and cultural institutions — The Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden — whose mission is to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. One of the largest public gardens in the country, Holden Forests & Gardens has over 22,000 member households and an annual attendance of over 350,000 for whom we strive to provide inspirational and educational visitor experiences. Holden’s science, conservation, and urban forestry work is widely acclaimed and helping to save native trees in the Great Lakes region and beyond.  

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