The University of Maryland College Park began as an agricultural college in 1856, and with the Morrill Act, became a Land Grant institution in 1862. In the 150 plus years since, the campus has expanded to 1250 acres, a spacious setting for the trees, shrubs, and flowers that now make up the UMD Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

The University of Maryland campus is an Arboretum and Botanical Garden that strives to be an instrument of horticultural distinction, landscape design and interpretation, and place-making reflecting the university’s education, research and service missions. The Arboretum and Botanical Garden incorporates the diverse heritage landscapes of the campus from its agricultural college beginnings to its current urban setting befitting a distinguished research university. Through exemplary practices of environmental stewardship, horticulture and urban forestry, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden enhances the campus’ aesthetic and promotes awareness of conservation and preservation of our natural environment for the enrichment of the university community, the citizens of Maryland and our visitors.