George Mason University Arboretum

The George Mason University Arboretum cultivates curiosity, education, and well-being through stewardship of its trees, gardens, and other natural spaces. It was established in 2015, earned ArbNet Level II accreditation in 2021, and is distributed across 900+ acres of the university’s campus sites in Northern Virginia. The Arboretum strives to be an exemplar of horticultural and arboricultural excellence reflecting the university’s education, research, and service missions, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability. Mason's participation in the ArbNet community provides us with a framework for managing our living, green infrastructure while sharing knowledge and resources with arboretum professionals around the world.

The George Mason University Arboretum features more than 100 different, signed species of native and non-native trees and shrubs, as well as interpretive gardens. The species are interspersed throughout the largely forested campus sites to encourage the public and the campus community to develop awareness about plant biodiversity and the interconnection between environmental health and human well-being. The Arboretum expands the university’s “living lab” offerings and supports formal learning inside and outside the classroom while enriching informal opportunities for learning about trees, horticulture, and environmental stewardship.