Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum, Botanical garden in Millbrook, New York.
Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum is a 1,924-acre (780-hectare) forest property in Millbrook with diverse landscapes including meadows, forests, swamps, and streams spread throughout. Walking trails marked through the grounds pass through these varied environments, allowing visitors to experience different plant communities and natural habitats in one place.
The arboretum began in the early 1900s when Mary Flagler Cary, a wealthy businesswoman, purchased and combined roughly 14 farms around Millbrook into one property. Her later focus on collecting maple trees shaped the composition and character of the grounds significantly.
The arboretum is a place where scientific work happens daily, with researchers from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies studying how nature functions in this landscape. Visitors walk through areas shaped by this mission and can see the grounds themselves as a living classroom for understanding ecosystems.
Entry to the paths is free and trails are clearly marked, so visitors can explore independently without needing a guide or reservation. Ground conditions vary depending on the route chosen - some paths cross forest floors while others run through meadows, so sturdy footwear helps on all trails.
The grounds hold one of the most complete collections of maple trees, assembled by Mary Flagler Cary after her husband's death as a personal passion. This specific focus makes it an unusually rich place to observe the range of maple species and their characteristics.
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