Rooted in Dominican tradition, Aquinas College seamlessly weaves Roman Catholic values with a pioneering commitment to sustainability–embedding ecological stewardship into the heart of its curriculum, campus operations, and vibrant community culture. The Aquinas College Urban Arboretum is home to over 10,000 trees representing over 130 different species. Nearly every tree species native to Michigan is represented in their arboretum. In addition to featuring native trees, their collection includes 36 memorial trees as well as a variety of striking exotic species such as Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana). 

Spanning 111 acres of lush, curated landscape, the entire campus qualifies as an arboretum showcasing native and exotic flora. At its heart lies the historic Holmdene Gardens, a 1922 masterpiece designed by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman. Open to the public and fully accessible, the grounds feature over 85 marked specimens that are included in their printed campus tree guide. Visitors can explore Aquinas College’s botanical diversity through their interactive tree map app and Story Map–cutting-edge tools developed by their own Geography and Environmental Studies students. Staff routinely provide leaf and tree identification tours to the public.