University of New Mexico (UNM)

The University of New Mexico (UNM) campus arboretum is the result of more than a century of care, intention, and community spirit. Today’s canopy—which exceeds 5,000 trees across more than 235 species—is the living legacy of a culture of planting and stewardship that began in 1905, when UNM President William Tight planted Ponderosa pines from the Sandia Mountains near Hodgin Hall. That small grove, now known as Tight Grove, set in motion a campus-wide commitment to greening the desert that continues to this day. Tight believed that a beautiful, natural environment would foster a better academic experience for students and faculty—and more than a hundred years later, his vision still resonates.

Each generation of Lobos has played a role in shaping this unique landscape. From students and faculty to the dedicated Grounds & Landscaping managers, crews, Campus Arborists, and Landscape Architects, the arboretum reflects a shared commitment to place and purpose. Today, the UNM Arboretum is home a highly diverse tree collection for the region, with standout species such as the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), and Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). The collection features many species identified by The Nature Conservancy as “Climate Ready Trees” for Albuquerque and is cataloged in a publicly accessible database searchable by species, location, and size.