Magens Bay Arboretum

Magens Bay Arboretum is a five-acre collection of tree species from tropical regions, including Genip, Turpentine, Manpoo, and Mahogany, arranged along winding pathways. The plants are labeled and maintained to educate visitors about the local vegetation.

A private estate was established as an arboretum in 1927 and donated to the people of the Virgin Islands in 1947. Later, the University of the Virgin Islands provided scientific documentation and labeling of rare tree species starting in 1974.

The site draws its name from the adjacent bay and serves as a repository for tropical plant species adapted to or native to local ecosystems. Visitors can observe how various tree species coexist and shape the landscape of this Caribbean location.

Visitors can access the arboretum through the Magens Bay Authority, which maintains the grounds and provides information about the plant collection. The winding pathways allow exploration of the different tree species at a comfortable pace.

In 1997, the arboretum received around 160 new specimens, including Solanum conocarpum, a rare native species found only in the dry forests of St. John. This addition made it an important site for preserving plant genetics of the region.