For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

The For-Mar Arboretum was established in 1968 and opened to the public in 1970.  The facility is named after the conveyors of the property Forbes and Martha Merkley; FORbes-MARtha. The site was originally a dairy farm prior to its donation to the newly formed Genesee County Parks system in 1966.  The 116 acre Arboretum sits adjacent to a 267 acre Nature Preserve. It was Martha’s passion for gardening and the Merkley’s dedication to the community that prompted the establishment of the Arboretum. Since its establishment the For-Mar Arboretum has been dedicated to providing quality educational and recreational opportunities to the community. The Arboretum houses many display gardens and several woody collections.  Collections include a Flowering Crabapple collection, Maple collection, Conifer collection and a Native Species collection.  The gardens at For-Mar include a Native Woodland garden, Butterfly garden, Rain garden, Ornamental Grass garden, a newly established Butterfly house and Hoop house as well as free Community vegetable gardens.  For-Mar’s dedication to the community also includes its Truck Farm. A mobile garden that is taken to schools and community events across the county and is a main component of our outreach efforts. For-Mar is open 7 days of the week from 8 am until sunset, and the Visitor Center is open 8 am to 5pm seven days of the week.