Arboretum

The 172 acre Orland E. White Arboretum was designated the State Arboretum of Virginia in 1986. With over 5000 living trees, the diverse collection is highlighted by over 200 kinds of conifers, 162 types of boxwood, a 300 tree ginkgo grove, a cedar of Lebanon allele, an herb garden, and the Virginia Native Plant Trail.

Public Programs

Public programs at the State Arboretum provide opportunities for life-long learning in a variety of settings. Workshops, lectures, tours, and children’s camps offer opportunities to learn about environmental issues, natural history, gardening, and more.

Education

Our education programs meet the Virginia Standards of Learning in science, biology, and other fields of study. Inquiry-based education is at the heart of our PreK-12 programs, and students get the opportunity to develop observational skills and the scientific method.

Research

Field-based ecological research is at the heart of Blandy Experimental Farm’s mission. Current University-level research involves plant pollination studies, plant-animal interactions, deforestation caused by the destructive gypsy moth, and the effects of in-breeding on plants.