Welcome to The University of Arizona Campus Arboretum
A living laboratory promoting stewardship and conservation of urban trees through research, education, outreach and example.
The Campus Arboretum is a living collection of trees planted throughout the nearly 400 acres of open spaces on the main University of Arizona campus in Tucson, AZ. The collection evolved as trees from arid climates around the world were planted on campus as a series of research experiments aimed at finding drought tolerant plants. The result of this dedication yielded the creation of major agricultural industries for the state and introduction of hundreds of low water use landscape ornamental plants now used in cities throughout the southwestern US. In the 21st century, the arboretum continues this legacy of integrating science into campus landscapes as a living laboratory - testing and promoting climate ready trees, supporting university research, education and outreach and modeling a path to resilience for desert cities worldwide.
We Are Rooted in University Mission
RESEARCH
A Living Laboratory For All
The Campus Arboretum supports research activities that fuel innovation through discovery and application. Our priority is to promote biodiversity, conservation and stewardship of urban trees, and to use the campus to model science-based practices and to showcase UA excellence in a variety of related disciplines.
EDUCATION
Experiential Learning and Leading
The Campus Arboretum supports a diverse array of formal classes in the life-, natural-, health-, and social sciences! We also engage individual students in service-learning activities and collaborations that refine leadership skills and deepen their commitment to make a difference.
OUTREACH
More Than Just a Walk In The Park
Through public outreach, we impact Arizona and a growing global community as we exercise the University mandate to educate and inspire. The Campus Arboretum provides a wealth of knowledge through its online resources, statewide programs and campus tours and events.
Register to Attend an Upcoming Guided Tour
TREE-mendous People, Projects and Plants
The Campus Arboretum touches us all! Meet some of the dedicated people involved who understand the economic, environmental, and community value of urban trees and engage in fulfilling the arboretum's mission.
Explore resources to help you design, build and care for resilient urban desert landscapes that feature desert adapted trees and integrate science based management practices.
Help us find climate-ready trees! Do you have experience growing or observing desert adapted trees in nature or cultivation? Complete a short survey to add your knowledge and inform our research.