James Pass Arboretum

James Pass Arboretum is a 13.8 acre botanical area in Syracuse with pathways winding through diverse tree and plant collections. The site sits between South Avery Avenue, Tompkins Street, and Salisbury Road, showcasing the range of woody plants found in the region.

Adelaide Pass donated the land to Syracuse in 1925 as a memorial to her late husband James Pass, followed by the planting of 56 initial trees in 1927. This private gift established the foundation for what became a growing botanical collection at the site.

This place functions as an outdoor museum where visitors can discover trees and plants native to central New York. You can see how different species grow and learn about the local plant life through direct observation.

The site is accessible for walking and exploring on foot along established paths, with ample space to move through the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is natural and may be uneven in some areas.

Between 1991 and 1994, the USDA Forest Service added identification labels to trees and created detailed guides for the pathways to help visitors learn. These markers make it much easier to spot and recognize different species while walking through the grounds.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 43.04330,-76.19080

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58