Bartlett Arboretum

The Bartlett Arboretum, the 91-acre former estate of Francis A. Bartlett, founder of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, is a great place for a casual walk or more focused study. Now operated by the Bartlett Arboretum Association, it showcases native wildflowers, ferns, shrubs and trees. A new education center is due to open this summer.The property has woodlands and freshwater wetlands, and special gardens contain conifers, rhododendrons and azaleas, a pollarded tree display, wildflowers, annuals, and perennials and there is an ecology trail that starts from parking area 3. Maps are available for self-guided tours. Admission is $6 for adults (free on Wednesdays).

Grounds are open from 9 a.m. to sunset daily and the visitors center is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 4:30. (Visitors center hours expand during warmer months.) Dogs are allowed on the forest trails, but must be leashed and picked up after. There are regular guided tours or visitors may choose to do a self-guided tour; classes are offered for adults and programs for children and there's an active group of volunteers, including master gardeners. There are summer concerts in the gardens, on Sunday mornings and evenings during July and August. The arboretum also hosts spring and fall plant sales.

Details

The arboretum is at 151 Brookdale Road off High Ridge Road (Route 137), Exit 35 off Merritt Parkway, Stamford. For more information, call 203-322-6971. The Web site is www.bartlettarboretum.org.

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