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Early History of the Arboretum:

Jenkins Arboretum opened to the public in 1976 and covers 46 acres. The twenty acres on which the Arboretum was first planned were formerly the property of H. Lawrence and Elisabeth Phillippe Jenkins, given them by Mrs. Jenkins' father, B. Pemberton Phillippe (left).

B. Pemberton Phillippe

Mr. Jenkins established the Elisabeth Phillippe Jenkins Foundation and created the Jenkins Arboretum as a living memorial to his wife (wedding picture at right),

Jenkins' Wedding

an avid gardener and wildlife enthusiast. He directed in his will that the property become a "public park, arboretum, and wildlife sanctuary for use by the public and responsible organizations engaged in the study of arboriculture, horticulture, and wildlife for educational and scientific purposes..."

In 1971, Mrs. Louisa P. Browning, owner of the adjoining property, donated her 26 acres to the Arboretum, more than doubling its size.

Jenkins Arboretum is incorporated as a member-supported, not-for-profit organization which relies solely on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations for its operating support.

For more recent news, see the News page.

Please send any questions to webinfo @jenkinsarboretum.org. Website comments may be sent to webmaster @jenkinsarboretum.org.

Please consider becoming a member of Jenkins Arboretum to support the arboretum as a non-profit organization.