Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum at SUNY Buffalo State
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of an arboretum is; "a place where trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes". This means there is no better place for the Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum than right here at Buffalo State. This outdoor classroom has brought 1000's of students closer to nature on the 100+ acre urban campus, along with the educational benefits. The approximate 1400 trees boast over 85 varieties and cultivars of native and nonnative species. There are numerous shrub and ornamental plantings throughout the campus to offer beauty to the campus 12 months of the year. Besides the obvious ecological benefits of these plantings, the serene beauty of campus trees may want someone to slow down and "smell the roses".
The Arboretum at SUNY Buffalo State was formally dedicated in 1962 with the ceremonial planting of a Scotch elm in honor of Maud Gordon Holmes, founder of the Garden Center Institute of Buffalo. See the historical documents of the arboretum at the Butler Library Digital Commons.
The Friends of the Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum have made great strides in our campus re-treeing efforts. Check out the Story Map of what trees have been planted!
The SUNY Buffalo State campus and Arboretum are in constant flux, changing and growing to suit the needs of the students. Check out the on-going and future projects happening on campus at Facilities Construction & Maintenance.
