The University of Tennessee - Forest Resources Research and Education Center

A "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" for a new Arboretum Trail was held on Saturday, February 16th. In keeping with the natural surrounding of the trail area, the "ribbon" was actually a muscadine grape vine. Members of a local Boy Scout troop performed the cutting duties with pruning shears. Richard Evans, Arboretum Director, escorted over sixty participants along the trail and described the many unique and interesting natural and historical features found along this 0.7 mile loop through the Arboretum's forested area. Mr. Evans complimented the hike with a presentation of aerial photos and pictures of this area from the 1930's and explained how past human activities influenced the composition and makeup of forest conditions observed today.

A contest was held to determine the name for the new trail. The UT Arboretum Society Board of Directors, serving as judges for the contest, chose the name Cemetery Ridge for the trail from the twenty-two entries in the contest. David Scanlon submitted the winning entry. Read more about the New Trail and plans for more new trails >>

Welcome to the Arboretum

The Arboretum is a project of the University of Tennessee Forest Resources Research and Education Center. It generally hosts more than 30,000 visitors annually. This 250 acre research and education facility has over 2,500 native and exotic woody plant specimens that represent 800 species, varieties, and cultivars. The UT Arboretum is truly a place for all seasons. Even on a winter day a brisk walk along any one of the four self-guided walking tours can be a rewarding experience.

For tourist information and details about the plant collections, visit the UT Arboretum web site at http://www.discoveret.org/utarboretum.

The Arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom to university students in a variety of fields. It is also a place that provides a natural laboratory for research in plant uses, genetics and adaptability, insect and disease control, and the management of associated natural resources. The facility is recognized as an official Wildlife Observation Area and part of the National Watchable Wildlife Program by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is also recognized by the Holly Society of America as an official Holly test garden and the trails are part of the Tennessee Recreational Trail System.

Our Mission

(1) To establish a collection of woody plants, including species and cultivars, and those plants with potential commercial value as forest species or for landscape development, from which materials are obtained for breeding and propagation. (2) To provide a place open to the public where individual groups may study the woody and associated herbaceous plants which are adapted to the environs of Tennessee. (3) To provide land and supporting physical resources to facilitate associated plant research programs.

Looking to the Future

The University of Tennessee, The UT Arboretum Society, and other partners have launched a campaign to secure the future of the UT Arboretum by building a $3 million endowment.

This effort will fund the following critical features of our grand vision for the UT Arboretum:

Please consider making a tax-deductible pledge to the University of Tennessee Arboretum Endowment. Every gift will be critical to our successful campaign. Click here for more information about the Endowment.

The Arboretum Society

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society (UTAS) is a non-profit organization of volunteers from throughout Tennessee, dedicated to furthering the objectives and programs of the Forest Resources Research and Education Center's Arboretum Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Chartered in 1965, the Arboretum Society has assisted the Arboretum by providing support and funding for such projects as expanding plant collections, constructing facilities to enhance the public's use and enjoyment of the Arboretum, and informing the public of the unique value and importance of the Arboretum to the area. Recently, the Society accepted the challenge of providing a portion of the operating funds needed to assure continued public access to the Arboretum.

Information about the Society and membership opportunities are available at www.utarboretumsociety.org or by e-mail at utas@discoveret.org.

Arboretum Hours

The University of Tennesee Arboretum Visitors Center and Office is routinely open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - Noon and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (excluding holidays.)

The Arboretum grounds are open for walking daily from 8:00 am until sunset.

The parking lot is accessible during office hours, but is subject to restrictions after office hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Rules for Visitors

All public access is walking only. (Persons with disabilities may obtain permission to drive on roads.)