Old Growth Forests & Natural Areas

Landis Arboretum is one of three arboreta in eastern North America that have old growth forests. The other two are the New York Botanical Garden and Rutgers University. Among its two Old Growth Forests stand a widely diverse range of species that comprise the old growth forests. The dominant trees are white and red oaks, American beech, sugar maple, hemlock, yellow birch, and black birch. The old growth forests are accessible to visitors by walking the Great Oak/Woodland Trail, starting in the corner of the field behind the Arboretum’s greenhouse to the Great Oak area. The route, approximately three miles round trip from the parking lot to the larger Old Growth Forest area and back, is clearly marked for visitors to the Arboretum.

The natural areas of the Arboretum provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and study native plants and ecosystems, open field evolution, effect of undesired invasive species, endangered plants, and forest communities of the region. These areas are vital to the Arboretum as a study area for ecosystems of the Northeast. The various stages of succession and various ecosystems that exist on the property are significant in that a wide range of environments can be studied or researched at one site. Trails wind through mature and near mature forests and wildflower fields.

The extensive natural areas at Landis is also makes it an outstanding location for wildlife viewing. This property is considered excellent for bird watching. Bird walks are offered occasionally as part of our Calendar of Events .

tough trees for tough sites

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ornamental trees