William Bartram Arboretum, Botanical garden in Wetumpka, Alabama, United States
William Bartram Arboretum is a 30-acre botanical garden within Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park, featuring wildflower meadows, wetlands, wooded areas, and plant identification signs. The grounds include boardwalks and trails that wind through different habitats and connect to the historic fort.
The arboretum was established in 1977 by the Alabama Historical Commission working with The Garden Club of Alabama to preserve native plant species. Its creation grew from a desire to protect the region's botanical heritage for future generations.
The name honors William Bartram, an 18th-century naturalist who studied the region's plants during his travels. Visitors walk through habitats that showcase the same plant species Bartram observed centuries ago.
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset, giving visitors varying amounts of daylight depending on the season. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain along the trails.
The grounds feature an overlook above the Tallapoosa River where visitors can observe numerous plant species in their natural setting along riverside paths. This river landscape reveals how plants grow in floodplain and wetland areas, offering insight into local ecology.
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