• Arboretum Home
• Kentucky Children's Garden
• Walk Across Kentucky
• Join the Friends of The Arboretum
  • Membership
  • Donations
  • Volunteer
• Visit Us
  • Hours, Visitor Center,
    Directions, Parking
  • FAQs
  • Field Trips
  • Etiquette
• About Us
• People
• Gardens
• Calendar and Events
• Publications and Links

Our History, Mission & Future

History

The Arboretum began in 1991 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
In March 2000, The Arboretum was named the “Official State Botanical Garden for the Commonwealth of Kentucky”.

Mission Statement

The Arboretum celebrates:

• 100+ acres of nature
• fosters an understanding of relationships between humans and their natural world
• provides cultural opportunities for the community
• serves as a community center for environmental education, horticulture,
  and urban forest renewal and
• emphasizes research on the environment and attention to conservation issues.

Long-Range Planning and Needs

Long range plans include continued development of The Walk Across Kentucky and development of The Kentucky Children’s Garden.

This growth will occur as funds are available. If you are interested in participating in the future of The Arboretum, please contact The Arboretum