Connecticut College Arboretum

The Connecticut College Arboretum spans across a large property with native plants, formal gardens, meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. The grounds feature specialized collections of trees and shrubs that represent the flora native to the eastern region of North America.

The arboretum was founded in 1931 and quickly developed a collection of native plant species from eastern North America. This collection was intended to teach students and visitors about the local plant life and its ecological importance.

The arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom where Connecticut College students lead educational programs for children through the ArboProject. This hands-on nature education is woven into campus life and connects learning with direct experience in the garden.

The arboretum is open daily from sunrise to sunset and can be explored on foot across the varied terrain. Guided tours are offered during certain times of the year and provide good opportunities to learn about the different areas and plantings.

The grounds rest on granite, schist, and gneiss bedrock that was shaped by glacial processes thousands of years ago. This geological foundation has created varied soil conditions that influence the diversity of plants across the property.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: 1931

GPS coordinates: 41.38000,-72.11000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41