The Hamilton College Arboretum has been awarded a Level II Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism.
The red-shaled paths of the Root Glen are lined with markers identifying tree species.
Hamilton’s arboretum is also recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants. A Level II arboretum must feature at least 100 species of woody plants, employ a paid staff, and maintain enhanced public education programs and a documented collection policy.
With 787 trees, 114 shrubs, and perennials that are labeled on 1,350 acres, Hamilton’s arboretum includes 125 tree species. Plants are identified with plaques that list scientific and common names. All trees are tagged with a tree number tag and have been located and inventoried using GIS data. Of special note within the arboretum is the Grant Garden, home to the Saunders peonies. Professor A.P. Saunders hybridized tree peonies resulting in 80 named varieties.
