Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum

Lakewood, New Jersey, United States

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The Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, is a beautifully landscaped 100-acre botanical garden established in 1989 on the site of the former George J. Gould estate, which is now a National Historic Landmark.

Named after Sister Mary Grace Burns, a former professor of biology, the arboretum features a diverse collection of over 2,200 woody plants from more than 190 species, including many native to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The garden includes four historic gardens designed before 1910: the Sunken Garden, Italian Garden, Formal Garden, and Japanese Garden.

These gardens are adorned with sculptures, statuary, and structures such as a teahouse and waterfalls, creating a serene, artistic environment that integrates native and exotic plant collections. The arboretum emphasizes conservation, scientific study, and education, with a mission to preserve and interpret the unique botanical heritage of the estate while providing a peaceful place for visitors to explore, learn, and enjoy nature.