
Southern Adventist University Arboretum

An interactive journey through the arboretum showcasing the location, photos, and information about each of our trees and woody plants.

Tutorial videos explaining ways to more fully enjoy the arboretum, and how to use our interactive journey through the arboretum on Plants Map.
Our Mission

Here at the Southern Adventist University Arboretum our mission is to educate others about the nature that surrounds us, provide the campus with aesthetic beauty, celebrate the lives of important people in Southern’s past, and preserve the unique and varied species of trees that inhabit our Tennessee mountains.
About the Arboretum
We are located on the beautiful campus of Southern Adventist University in Southeast
Tennessee. Southern is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Smoky Mountains
and covers over 1,300 acres, 800 of which are forested. Just steps from the residence
halls, students enjoy access to 37 miles of walking and biking paths, natural rock
walls with 40- to 60-foot climbs, a cave with underground trails and lake, and an
outdoor amphitheater.
The trees and woody plants of the Southern Adventist University Arboretum are spread
out among academic and residential buildings on campus. The best way to view Southern’s
Arboretum is to stroll the half mile down the campus promenade from the Hickman Science
Center, where our offices are located, to Brock Hall. Be sure to stop along the way
at the Garden of Prayer to see some of our memorial trees that were planted to celebrate
the lives of people who were instrumental in Southern’s past. Another beautiful spot
is the small garden between the Hickman Science Center and Thatcher South Hall which
contains some gorgeous white oaks and eastern hemlocks. During your stroll, take
a moment and scan the QR codes on the posts to learn more about each of the trees
you see.
Number of Trees and Woody Plants
Number of Species
Number of Native Species
Contact
HICKMAN SCIENCE CENTER, SECOND FLOOR PO BOX 370,
COLLEGEDALE, TN 37315