WHAT IS AN ARBORETUM?
A place for Trees
An arboretum is a specialized
botanical garden devoted to specimen
plantings of trees and shrubs.
A living museum for the enjoyment,
education, and inspiration of all people.
WHY AN ARBORETUM?
Focused on beauty, education, research,
and the opportunity to observe and
admire nature, arboretums offer many
benefits for the city of San Antonio.
Hover over each benefit to learn more.
1 I San Antonio Legacy
1 I San Antonio Legacy
All organic species thrive under ideal conditions, just like the first pecan, elm, and oak trees that flourished and beautified our city centuries ago. Arboretum San Antonio celebrates this rich botanical heritage and, as a living museum of trees, will inspire a green future for everyone who calls our city home by reflecting on the stories of our deep cultural heritage that can be told through trees.
2 I Wellness
2 I Wellness
Arboretum San Antonio offers tranquil and beautiful settings for exercise, recreation and relaxation. Current research supports the link between time spent in nature and increased happiness, feelings of well-being, and positive social interactions. Evidence also suggests that walking in natural settings can enhance mental and physical well-being and motivate a sense of purpose and meaning, helping create a more positive overall quality of life.
3 I Sustainability
3 I Sustainability
Trees absorb carbon emissions and filter air pollutants, which purify our breathing air. As San Antonio continues its rapid growth in population and development, it is important that we balance our numerous construction projects with green spaces to maintain a healthy environment in which all residents can live and thrive
4 I Equity Balance
4 I Equity Balance
Arboretum San Antonio will strive to ensure equitable access for all members of the community. Locating an expansive natural area in the Southeast quadrant of San Antonio and one dedicated to increasing our tree canopy citywide will provide an appropriate investment balance as well as a green equity balance throughout the city. Arboretum San Antonio will reflect the diversity of the communities we serve in our staff, volunteers, and decision-making bodies involved in the Arboretum's management.
5 I Research & Education
5 I Research & Education
The Arboretum will be a valuable educational resource for San Antonio and beyond, offering hands-on opportunities to view and study a wide variety of species native to our region; gain greater understanding of the relationships between the trees, animals, and resources that make up our ecosystem; and allow us to learn more about the ecological characteristics that influence healthy growth of our trees.
6 I Public Art
6 I Public Art
Natural beauty from various tree species provides acres of recreational outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. The expansive 188 acres with a variety of different landscapes will afford spectacular venue for large public art.
WHERE IS THE ARBORETUM?
The Arboretum San Antonio will be located in the old Republic Golf Club Conveniently located on SE Military between I-37 and I-410about a mile east of Brooks
ABOUT THE SITE
● 188 acres total, Purchase transaction to close Oct 2023
● Strategic partnership with Brooks
● Many amenities align to an Arboretum:
○ Abundant mature trees, diverse species
○ Significant acreage out of floodplain
○ On the Salado Creek
○ Existing Cart paths (Approx 4 miles)
○ Water infrastructure - Large SAWS recycled water contract
○ SE Military Access, Main Entrance
○ Right of Way established for Greenway trails