Arboretum & Gardens

Welcome

Nestled among the embassies and residential neighborhoods of Northwest Washington, the Arboretum and Gardens of American University are one of the city’s hidden gems. Dedicated in 2004, the arboretum encompasses the entire 85-acre campus.

AmericanUniversity is a global academic community, home to nearly 11,000 students and 1,100 faculty from more than 100 countries. Diversity is also the hallmark of AU’s arboretum, which contains one of the most varied collections of ornamental plantings of any university in the country.

More than 2500 trees—over 130 different species and varieties—provide a shady canopy, beneath which thrives a layered understory of flowering trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and seasonal plantings. Beds display bold arrangements and striking combinations of plants, all carefully selected by our landscape architects and tended by staff arborists and horticulturists. Throughout the arboretum, you will find an array of pleasing features and unexpected spaces—sculpture gardens, pocket parks, ponds, and streams—that invite you to pause, for contemplation or conversation.

Our History

The original campus plan for AU, which was founded in 1893, was created by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., America's most noted landscape architect and designer of the U.S. Capitol grounds and New York's Central Park. While his plan for AU underwent changes over the years, we are now revisiting his original design to revive and incorporate elements in our award-winning arboretum, which continues to grow and gain recognition as a community resource and a horticultural showplace.

Mission

More than just a pretty place, the arboretum is a leader in sustainable management of an urban landscape. In 2006 AU launched the American Dream is Green campaign. Our new LEED Certified Gold School of International Service building showcases many new green technologies. In 2008 the university joined 200 other institutions when President Neil Kerwin signed the American College and Presidents Climate Commitment. This ambitious commitment challenges AU to develop a plan to become carbon neutral. And the arboretum remains a big part of American University’s commitment to promote environmental stewardship.

Friends of the Arboretum

We invite you to join the Arboretum and Gardens of American University with a tax deductible contribution. Your support will help sustain the continuing development of these collections. Friends of the Arboretum receive special invitations to tours, programs, and events. Gifts of $1,000 or more entitle donors to membership in the President’s Circle, AU’s most prominent annual giving society.

Volunteer

Every year more than 400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and neighbors participate in Campus Beautification Day. This annual April event is a great way to learn about the arboretum—and pick up some gardening tips. Please contact us for information about this and other volunteer opportunities..