Woodcrest Villa Nature Trail & Arboretum

Woodcrest Villa is the independent living campus of Mennonite Home Communities. The campus is home to nearly 700 vibrant seniors who participate in many outdoor activities. Residents plant garden boxes, maintain the community garden that supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to Dining Services, grow, arrange and sell flowers to generate funds for benevolent care, and maintain the nature trail. In addition, residents started the arboretum a few years ago which encourages residents to plant beautiful trees, typically in honor or memory of a loved one. The arboretum has proved to be very successful and an attractive addition to the campus. In addition to planting trees, arboretum volunteers beautify the nearby forest and creek area by removing dead trees, planting native species, removing invasive species, etc. Since the early 1990’s when Woodcrest Villa began, thousands of beautiful trees and native plants have been planted on its 110 acres. There are 22 specimen Honor/Memory trees dedicated to loved ones.  These are primarily native trees, but also include noteworthy non-native trees.  One of the more unique Honor/Memory Trees is a Franklinia tree, a native species that is no longer found in the wild.  There are 13 different trees native to Lancaster County, PA,  in the forest along the Nature Trail that are labeled.  Additional tree species native to Lancaster County, PA, are planted on the campus.  Lancaster County, PA, where Woodcrest Villa is located, is fortunate to have a total of 78 native tree species, so there are many possibilities.