Marsh Botanical Garden

Marsh Botanical Garden, affiliated with Yale University, is an eight-acre living museum located within the university's Science Park. The garden features both temperate outdoor collections and tropical specimens housed in indoor greenhouses. Among its mature specimens are iconic trees such as the majestic white oak, swamp white oak, tulip poplar, American sweetgum, and American elm—remnants of the northeastern coastal hardwood forests that once blanketed the campus.

The collections are not only an ecological and historical treasure but also play a crucial role in advancing research and conservation efforts. With a focus on ex-situ conservation, they protect endangered species like Florida nutmeg, dawn redwood, paperbark maple, and seven-son flower, helping ensure their survival beyond their native habitats.

Years of dedicated work to restore the garden have led to the removal of invasive species, allowing us to install a variety of perennial gardens, including a meadow garden, pollinator garden, and hillside meadow. These diverse plantings enhance the beauty of our overstory tree collections and serve as important habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.

The Marsh Botanical Garden's rich temperate and tropical collections are integral to educational outreach and research opportunities. Yale students regularly participate in class-related labs, and school groups from the Greater New Haven area explore the fascinating interactions between pollinators and flowers. Visitors of all ages enjoy wandering through the gardens, learning about sustainable gardening practices, and the vital role the collections play in promoting environmental stewardship and public engagement.

Through these efforts, the garden serves as a dynamic resource for research, education, and public outreach, supporting the vision to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.