Donald E. Davis Arboretum: A Native Plant Sanctuary

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum, nestled on the campus of Auburn University, serves as a sanctuary for native plants of Alabama and the Southeastern U.S. [4, 5, 14]. Spanning 13.5 acres, the arboretum features over two miles of accessible walking trails that wind through diverse plant collections and native southeastern plant communities [4, 20]. Founded in 1963 and dedicated to Dr. Donald E. Davis in 1977, the arboretum's mission is to preserve and display living plant collections, inspire understanding of the natural world, and promote conservation, research, and education [4, 6, 7]. Visitors can explore representations of Alabama's varied ecosystems, including coastal dunes, blackbelt prairies, longleaf pine savannas, and carnivorous bogs [8, 9]. The arboretum boasts almost 900 trees, with over 300 different species represented [8]. Its nationally accredited collections of oaks and native azaleas are particularly noteworthy [8, 20]. Self-guided tours are available to explore the oak collection, large trees, and small trees and shrubs [8, 9]. The Arboretum also demonstrates sustainable practices, offering an 11-stop self-guided tour on stormwater management [8, 9]. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is open to the public, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset every day of the year [3, 20]. It serves as a valuable educational resource for Auburn University students and the wider community, hosting workshops, guided tours, and events throughout the year [9, 14].