Cultivating a unique environment for recreation, education and inspiration.

Conservation: To provide stewardship of the Arboretum lands by protecting, sustaining, and enhancing biological diversity by means of large tracts of open-space. The Arboretum also provides leadership locally and beyond in conservation matters, such as the eradication of invasive species, water conservation, and the responsible use of chemicals.

Teaching: To provide an outdoor laboratory for use by college faculty and students in Botany, Zoology, Biology, Environmental Studies, and other departments. In both teaching and research the Arboretum is a unique and valuable academic resource and support facility.

Research: To support and conduct research in a broad range of subjects including ecology, field biology, conservation, and natural history. Arboretum research has and continues to emphasize useful long-term studies.

Collection: To maintain, develop, and interpret well-documented plant collections for teaching, research, and public education and enjoyment.

Public Education: To provide programs and publications about conservation, horticulture, gardening, botany, and natural history which work to enhance public understanding of the natural world and foster an appreciation of the Arboretum’s mission.

Recreation: To provide a place where people from the community may enjoy passive recreation and where they may come to learn, reflect, and renew themselves through contact with the natural world. By all the elements of the Arboretum’s mission, the Arboretum enhances the quality of life both for northeast Florida and the residents of the community.