An Internationally Recognized Collection 

In December 2024, Strawbery Banke’s arboretum earned Level I Accreditation from ArbNet, the global standard for professional arboreta.

Home to nearly 400 trees and woody plants representing more than 100 species, the collection is both a defining feature of the Museum’s historic landscape and a vital ecological resource. From legacy trees that have shaped the site for generations to newer plantings that support biodiversity, the arboretum reflects an ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Trees are thoughtfully organized to highlight their educational, ecological, cultural, and historic significance, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the landscape and its role within a changing world.

  • Ecological Collection

    Native to Strafford and Rockingham Counties, these trees support the health of the local ecosystem while enhancing the landscape’s natural beauty. They provide shade, improve air quality, sequester carbon, and help stabilize soil—creating essential habitat for native wildlife.

  • Historic Collection

    This collection includes significant specimens planted by neighborhood residents before the Museum’s founding, offering a direct link to the site’s past. Highlights include a century-old Eastern Hemlock and Silver Maple, as well as a Tulip Poplar approaching 100 years in age—living reminders of earlier stewardship of the land.

  • Indigenous Collection

    Honoring the botanical knowledge and traditions of the Abenaki people, this collection prioritizes Indigenous plant names on signage. These species reflect a pre-colonial landscape and offer insight into Indigenous lifeways and the cultural importance of native flora.

  • Memorial Collection

    Memorial plantings serve as living tributes to the individuals and organizations who have shaped the Strawbery Banke community. Made possible through donor support, each tree is marked by a dedicated plaque, creating a lasting and meaningful legacy within the landscape.