9 The Arboretum

The Connecticut College Arboretum is an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for students, faculty and staff, as well as the community. The Arboretum began in 1931 as a 30-acre native plant collection, focusing on trees and shrubs native to Connecticut, and a 30 acre natural area which was identified as a “bird sanctuary”. Over the years, acquisition of surrounding farmlands grew the Arboretum to the 750 acres it is today, including: the Native Plant Collection, landscaped grounds of the College campus, Caroline Black Garden and several hundred acres of natural areas with diverse habitats: including salt marsh wetlands, a rocky ravine once lined with ancient hemlocks, restored meadows, abandoned farmlands reverting to woods available for study and recreation. These resources all support the College’s mission of preparing the next generation of citizen-leaders, whose responsibilities will include crafting a sustainable relationship with the natural world. Our institution distinguishes itself by a long-standing commitment to conservation and supporting teaching and research in ecological, archeological, geological and environmental studies. Courses in Anthropology, Art, Architectural Studies, Biology, Botany, Dance, Environmental Studies, FYS, Geoscience, History, Museum Studies, and Music all regularly use the Arboretum landscape and extensive resources. We also welcome new ideas and classes. If you are interested in using the Arboretum in your teaching or research, please contact Arboretum Director, Maggie Redfern and/or complete this form. Our landscape is open to everyone, everyday from sunrise to sunset.