Landis Arboretum

New York State, United States

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The Landis Arboretum is a public garden and natural area located near Esperance, New York, covering approximately 548 acres, with about 40 acres dedicated to cultivated collections of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials from around the world.

It was established in 1951 by Fred Lape, a Cornell University graduate and writer, who developed the arboretum on his family’s former farm, Oak Nose Farm. The arboretum was named in honor of George Landis, a close friend and supporter who left a bequest that helped fund its creation.

The site includes a wide variety of native and non-native plants, including a comprehensive collection of New York State native trees and shrubs, along with gardens such as the Van Loveland Perennial Garden.

The grounds feature natural woodlands, wetlands, old-growth forests, open fields, and over eight miles of trails for visitors to explore. It serves as an educational and cultural resource, offering interpretive signage and audio guides, and hosts programs such as plant sales, music concerts, and community events. The Landis Arboretum is open daily without charge and relies on donations and volunteers for maintenance and programming.