Connecticut College Arboretum, founded in 1931 in New London and extending into Waterford, encompasses 750 acres of botanical gardens and preserved natural landscape. Its terrain reflects glacial shaping from about 26,000 years ago, which left stony sandy loam soils that support varied plant communities from dry hills to wet peaty ground. Its best-known feature, the 20-acre Native Plant Collection, focuses on eastern North American woody plants hardy in the area and includes several specialized gardens added between 1956 and 1988. Additional collections include global ornamentals, extensive campus trees, and a greenhouse with tropical and cactus plants. It continues to serve both the college and the community.

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Gales Ferry, Connecticut · USA