The historic Grotto and Gardens on the campus of the Dayton, Ohio Veterans Administration Medical Center are designed to provide solace and the calmness that comes from nature to the Veterans, their families and visitors. As a strictly volunteer effort funded by donations, the restoration of the Civil War era Grotto Gardens is geared toward long-term sustainability and minimal maintenance. Dead and diseased trees are being replaced with native trees whenever possible and plantings chosen for drought tolerance. The accreditation as an Arboretum has taken the responsibility of land stewardship to a new level.