Arboretum

An arboretum is a dedicated green space where trees and shrubs are intentionally cultivated for scientific and educational purposes. ArbNet, the network for tree-focused professionals that accredits arboreta, requires arboretums to conduct scientific research and conservation, engage in public outreach and education, and manage beautiful and diverse tree collections.

Lakewood, a sanctuary in the city—with rolling hills, shady lanes and bucolic lake views and a thoughtfully planned ecosystem that’s home to diverse wildlife and more than 4,000 trees in a wide variety of species, is now formally accredited as an Arboretum. Lakewood visitors will find a rich and renewing nature experience on our walking paths and 9 miles of wide, winding roads. There is also Jo Pond, a popular spot for nature lovers, with benches and quiet open spaces to reflect along its wide shores.

There are four arboreta designations, based on various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Level 1 is the most common. Level 2 arboreta (which is Lakewood’s designation) have at least 100 species of woody plants, employ paid staff, have enhanced public education programs and a documented collections policy. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska (Level 4) has received the highest ranking and is the only arboretum in Minnesota at a higher level than Lakewood.

The arboretum designation acknowledges that all Lakewood’s 250 acres of wooded grounds are a place of great natural beauty that meets the criteria of a certified arboretum. Lakewood’s grounds are always open to visitors at no charge, 365 days a year. Gate hours change based on the seasons.

Yes! Lakewood offers public programs like birding and nature walks. Click the events link above to see our upcoming arboretum programs.

In the months and years ahead, Lakewood will continue to expand these educational programs related to the arboretum: special events, tours, courses, volunteer opportunities, etc. based on people’s increasing interest in spaces and programs that embrace a more natural and environmentally sensitive approach.

For nearly 150 years, since its founding as a Garden Cemetery, Lakewood has built a diverse and beautiful array of trees and bushes. Lakewood’s earliest leadership included influential Minnesotans who were very interested in plants and landscape architecture. Since then, Lakewood’s trees, shrubs and gardens have been a living laboratory of botany and horticulture. Thanks to these early efforts, Lakewood is home to one of the most beautiful collections of trees in Minneapolis. These efforts continue today, in the past year Lakewood began an extensive tree planting initiative, with 150 new trees just added.

The diversity of Lakewood’s ecosystem creates a variety of habitat for birds and animals. Today, the cemetery is a haven for fox, rabbits, owls, pheasants, songbirds, falcons and more. Lakewood is directly adjacent to the Roberts Bird Sanctuary (and in fact donated the land for it) and is home to many diverse species as a result.

Lakewood’s plans are being shaped, in part, by delving into its roots in the Garden Cemetery movement, which was characterized by landscaped, park-like settings with winding roads and long views. Lakewood’s future landscape plan will carefully shape guests’ experience as they move through the grounds by enhancing certain sightlines and viewpoints from different vistas—all while increasing biodiversity.

Around a century ago Lakewood, like many places, simplified its tree-planting approach and began planting more common choices like elms and ash trees. Sadly, when diseases like Dutch Elm and pests like the emerald ash borer hit, Lakewood lost many trees. As our climate changes and new tree diseases emerge or migrate here, our trees will continue to face new threats. Planting a biodiverse woodland is key to both a beautiful setting and a resilient landscape.  

To increase biodiversity, we are using up-to-date technological and strategic tools to select a diverse tree range both in species and size. In addition to choosing hardy, native varieties such as maples, lindens and oaks, we have selected trees for planting that are new to Lakewood, including:  

• Katsura, a newer tree species  
• Tulip trees, which typically would not have done well with Minnesota winters, but should thrive now that our climate is changing  
• Two kinds of magnolia trees  
• Sycamores, a majestic shade tree  

We will also experiment with a variety of sizes from more mature trees down to saplings. The plan takes into consideration new and potentially threatening diseases and pests that are known to be coming.    

There will be no effect on existing burial sites. In fact, becoming a certified arboretum will provide even more seasonal beauty and the shady spaces that so many families appreciate. 

Maintaining and improving our beautiful landscape is a high priority in the Lakewood operating budget. That said, the Lakewood Heritage Foundation has generously helped us raise funds specifically to purchase and plant new trees. Our master plan calls for the addition of more than 25 types of trees over the next few years. We are grateful to donors to the Foundation for their support of this critical initiative.