University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum

Wisconsin, United States

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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum is a large teaching and research facility located about four miles from the university's main campus in Madison, Wisconsin. Covering approximately 1,260 acres in Madison and managing an additional 520 acres elsewhere in the state, it is recognized as the birthplace of ecological restoration and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2021 for pioneering this field.

The arboretum features a diverse collection of restored ecological communities including tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands, several forest types, and extensive horticultural collections such as the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens with over 5,000 plants. It began in the early 1930s on farmland and pasture lands that had fallen into disuse, where efforts focused on restoring native landscapes and plant species that existed before European settlement.

The site also houses Native American effigy mounds and offers public recreational amenities like hiking, biking, and skiing trails. Educational programs, tours, research, and conservation efforts are key activities here, balancing public use with scientific study and ecological preservation. The arboretum serves as a living museum and an important center for learning about and protecting Wisconsin’s natural heritage.​