Connecticut College exists in a singular environment known as the Connecticut College Arboretum, which offers a quality of life and a conservation classroom unique among liberal arts institutions. The Arboretum's very diverse 750 acres support the College's mission of preparing the next generation of citizen-leaders, whose diverse responsibilities will include crafting a sustainable relationship with the natural world. Our institution distinguishes itself by a long-standing commitment to conservation and supporting research and teaching in ecological and environmental studies. The symbiosis of the Environmental Studies Program, the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment and the Arboretum provides an outstanding model of an ethically and environmentally sound community.
Mission Statement
The Connecticut College Arboretum provides a welcome connection with the natural world, offering opportunities for: teaching, research, conservation, collections, stewardship of cultural resources, public education and recreation. Our Mission Statement link.
Land Acknowledgement
Connecticut College Arboretum honors the Mashantucket Pequot, Western Nehântick, Eastern Pequot, Mohegan, and other tribal nations who are indigenous to Nameaug, now called New London, and the land surrounding Coastal Alqonquin, also known as the “Long Island Sound Region.” We appreciate your careful stewardship of the land over many generations and acknowledge the suffering endured by your ancestors through the historical period of settler colonialism. Finally, we express gratitude that your tribal nations remain as neighbors in the region and that we continue developing opportunities for greater connection and partnership.
History of the Arboretum
Since its establishment in 1931, generations of students and professors have used the Connecticut College Arboretum as a living laboratory to learn about the natural world. With a wide diversity of natural and managed habitats a few steps away from the lecture and residence halls, over 20 courses regularly use the Arboretum. Honors and master's thesis projects, as well as student individual study projects, commonly use the Arboretum as a field site for research.
The Arboretum supports a number of ongoing, long-term ecological research projects, including the Bolleswood Natural Area vegetation surveys begun in 1952 and the detailed bird breeding census begun in 1953. Both of these research projects were initiated by former botany professors and directors of the Arboretum, William Niering and Richard Goodwin.
Staff
The Arboretum staff of six full time and one part time employee manages 750 acres and it is a tall order. With this strong and talented team, we are able to keep our precious lands in good order. Our Director, Maggie Redfern, leads her staff. Meet our team by following the link below.
We could not accomplish all that we do without the strong support of our 20 academic year student workers and our three summer interns. They are an invaluable part of our team.
Annual Report
The Arboretum Annual Reports provide an illustrated summary of major events in programs and activities, teaching and research and public outreach. View and/or download a PDF of our Annual Reports which are found on Digital Commons, the College's electronic archive.
Arboretum Office
Mailing Address
Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT 06320
Main office
33 Gallows Lane, Suite 114