William Joseph McInnes Botanic Garden and Campus Arboretum

The William Joseph McInnes Botanic Garden and Campus Arboretum spreads across Mills College grounds and displays California native plants, succulents, ferns, and healing plants in separate collections. The space includes greenhouses and shade structures that serve both teaching and research needs.

The garden was founded in 1947 and resulted from the generosity of Blanche Rice McInnes, who provided funding for the greenhouse and shade structures. This investment shaped how botanical collections and research developed on campus.

The garden is woven into student life and serves as a living classroom where people learn by working with plants directly. Visitors can observe how different collections support hands-on botanical education across the campus.

The garden sits on the Mills College campus along MacArthur Boulevard and is best visited during daytime hours when the space is active and details are visible. The grounds are relatively flat with paved paths connecting the various sections, making it easy to walk through.

The garden holds specialized collections of healing plants that show which local species were traditionally used for medicine. This focus sets it apart from many botanical gardens and connects plant study with practical knowledge.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.78070,-122.18000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27