Mission and Strategies

The Holden Arboretum envisions a Northeast Ohio in which trees, forests, and gardens provide maximum ecological and social benefits to the region’s people and communities.

-- Growing Trees and Communities: Interconnected networks of trees and wooded environments – from street trees to home gardens to green spaces – sustain the ecological health of the communities where we live and work.

-- Conserving Native Forests: The diversity, health, function, and ecological services of forested ecosystems in human-impacted landscapes are conserved for future generations.

-- Engaging Children With Plants: Children have an appreciation for and knowledge of regional plants and their environments, and will be able to apply their understanding to real-life situations.

-- Place and Purpose: People value Holden as an enjoyable and enriching place to visit and as an important institution that inspires popular support for improving trees, forests, and communities of the region. 

About The Holden Arboretum

At Holden, cultivated gardens come alive with color in the spring; cool forest trails offer a respite from the summer heat; woodlands are set ablaze with rich hues of fall; and paths lead you deep into the beauty of the winter woods. 

Named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, Holden is a haven for bird watchers as well hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts. 

Covering 3,600 acres, The Holden Arboretum is among the largest arboreta in the United States. Documenting more than 120,000 plants, Holden’s horticultural focus is on a recognized collection of trees and shrubs, which are displayed in gardens accompanied by groundcovers and perennials, and in themed collections. We collect and display a diversity of plants and trees for evaluation and educational purposes, in order to convey sustainable plant choices recommended for our region. By sustainable, we mean plants that are adapted to our soils and climatic extremes, free from chronic diseases and significant pests, and non-invasive of natural areas. Plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, conifers, nut trees, wildflowers, lilacs and viburnums. A visitor center, reference library and picnic area are on the grounds. Holden connects people with nature for inspiration and enjoyment, fosters learning and promotes conservation.