Penn State Brandywine opened to the public in 1967. Formerly a dairy farm with an impressive historic fruit orchard, the campus has 112 acres of parklike grounds and lies just within 20 miles west of downtown Philadelphia in the town of Media. The arboretum spans the campus and counts 85 species across 650 trees. One standout of the collection is an impressive American sycamore tree in the back of Main that has an estimated planting date around 1860.

Many accessible outdoor areas at Penn State Brandywine promote positive spaces for teaching, learning, and outdoor physical activities. A tributary of Rocky Run Creek meanders through the campus and provides a riparian corridor for wildlife, plants, and the campus community. High traffic student activity-based buildings feature a green roof and enhanced horticultural plantings along walkways. The campus landscape also includes an award-winning 50-by-50-foot urban food garden with multiple raised beds that help provide food to students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.

These diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities for experiential learning whether for first year biology students in tree identification or many more nature-based interconnections for student health. Biology is among eleven four-year baccalaureate degree programs, along with three associate degree programs offered at the campus.