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The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, nestled in the landscape of North Stamford, is a natural preserve like no other in this region. The property features 91 acres of irreplaceable open space, highlighting the best of Connecticut's native landscape: award-winning Champion trees, charming gardens, wildflower meadows, red maple wetlands and boardwalks, woodland walking trails, varied wildlife and native habitats.
The Bartlett Arboretum, a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, is one of Stamford's crown jewels and a must-see destination for residents and visitors.
The property was originally the home, training school and research center of Dr. Francis A. Bartlett, a dendrologist and founder of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. It was acquired by the state in 1965 under the Federal Open Spaces Program.
The development of the Bartlett Arboretum was spearheaded by a group of volunteers who banded together to preserve what Bartlett had created and to make it available to the public as part of what is now the Bartlett Arboretum Association.
The arboretum opened to the public in 1966. The grounds and facilities were under the auspices of the state Department of Environmental Protection, and the University of Connecticut's Department of Plant Services managed the operations and programming.
In 2002, title to the land was transferred to the city of Stamford with the Bartlett Association responsible for all managerial and operational oversight. At that time, an additional 27 acres was added to the existing land, bringing the total acreage to the current 91.
Today, the arboretum offers classes in English and Spanish in many subjects, including arboriculture (tree care and maintenance) for those who want a career in landscaping and maintenance as well as master gardener training. Its Herbarium and Research Institute will be based in the new $1.8 million Silver Education Center to be opened in July.
Each year the Arboretum holds two plant sales: The spring sale is the Saturday before Mother's Day and the fall sale is now the first Saturday in October. The plant sales are unique because of the plant offerings, the expert advice offered to the customer by Bartlett staff and UConn Master Gardeners, and the competitive pricing. Proceeds support the mission of the arboretum, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Bartlett is also looking to sponsor a Summer Music Series on Sundays.
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is open to the public every day of the year. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in the summer 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free to members or $6 per adult. Children under 12 are free and Wednesdays are free to all.
The Bartlett Visitor Center, Bartlett's former home, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed on national holidays. The Visitor Center houses a horticulture resource library, arboretum staff offices, a small gallery that features a variety of art exhibits and a plant clinic open during the growing season.
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is located at 151 Brookdale Road in North Stamford. To learn more about the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, visit its website or call 203-322-6971.
Have you visited the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens? What is your favorite thing there?
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