Connecticut College Arboretum
A native plant collection, pond, meadows, woodland, Caroline Black Garden, and research landscapes connect public walking with college teaching.
Artwork inspired by Charles Harold Davis
The arboretum is distributed rather than enclosed behind one ornamental gate. The Native Plant Collection foregrounds northeastern species, while Mamacoke Island, natural areas, and specialty gardens support research and conservation. The campus relationship makes labels, classes, and landscape management part of the experience.
Start at the main arboretum entrance and use the official map; GPS may favor academic or service roads. Grounds and trails are generally self-guided, while tours, restrooms, and buildings follow college schedules. Natural surfaces, ticks, mud, and seasonal research work affect routes. Campus collections and natural areas require different walking expectations. A current map helps distinguish curated beds from longer woodland routes before choosing a loop.
- Institution
- Connecticut College
- Core collection
- Northeastern native plants
- Setting
- Campus and natural areas
Quick guide
- Begin with natives
- Use the native collection to learn recurring regional forms.
- Add one garden
- Pair natural woodland with Caroline Black’s designed landscape.
Know before you go
- Carry the arboretum map
- Campus roads are not a substitute for trail navigation.
- Read the labels
- Compare plant identity with its chosen habitat.
- Prepare for ticks
- Use seasonal precautions beyond formal garden paths.
- Respect research
- Follow closures around experiments and restoration.
Good to know
The arboretum is not identical to the college campus and has multiple landscapes. Parking, public events, and restroom access vary with the academic calendar; verify arrival instructions before a first visit.
Notice these
- Native Plant Collection
- Caroline Black Garden
- Mamacoke landscape