# United States National Arboretum

> national arboretum and research institution in Washington, D.C., US

**Wikidata**: [Q8203264](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8203264)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Arboretum)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/united-states-national-arboretum

## Summary

The United States National Arboretum is a living museum and research facility dedicated to the study, display, and conservation of trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Located in Washington, D.C., the arboretum serves as both a public garden and an institution for botanical research and education. The grounds feature diverse collections of plants organized by taxonomic groups, geographic regions, and thematic displays, providing visitors with opportunities to explore various horticultural and landscape design styles throughout the seasons. Established to promote interest in American horticulture and forestry, the arboretum maintains extensive plant collections that support scientific study and public engagement with the botanical sciences [1][2][3][4][5][6].The United States National Arboretum was founded in 1927 [3][5][6], establishing a national resource for botanical research and public education in the nation's capital. Since its founding, the arboretum has developed into a premier destination for visitors seeking to experience diverse plant collections while learning about the importance of trees and woody plants in urban and natural environments. The institution continues to fulfill its founding mission through ongoing research programs, educational initiatives, and the maintenance of its living collections for the benefit of the American public [3][5][6].

## Summary
The United States National Arboretum is a 446-acre research institution and urban park in Washington, D.C., operated by the Agricultural Research Service. Established in 1927 by an Act of Congress, it serves as both a center for environmental research and a major tourist attraction featuring gardens, collections, and educational programs.

## Key Facts
- Established in 1927 by an Act of Congress, making it over 95 years old
- Covers 446 acres of land in Northeast Washington, D.C.
- Operated by the Agricultural Research Service, a division of the USDA
- Annual budget of $11,758,181 (as of 2017)
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since April 11, 1973
- Features the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum (opened 1976) and National Capitol Columns (installed 1980)
- Houses a herbarium and five greenhouses (built 1962)
- Located at 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Designated as a District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites since March 7, 1968

## FAQs
### Q: What is the United States National Arboretum?
A: The United States National Arboretum is a 446-acre research institution and urban park in Washington, D.C., operated by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. It combines environmental research, botanical collections, and public education while serving as a major tourist attraction.

### Q: When was the National Arboretum established?
A: The National Arboretum was established in 1927 by an Act of Congress. It was designed under the influence of the McMillan Plan and the United States Commission of Fine Arts.

### Q: What can visitors see at the National Arboretum?
A: Visitors can explore gardens and collections including the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the National Capitol Columns, a herbarium, and five greenhouses. The arboretum also offers environmental education programs and serves as an eBird hotspot for birdwatching.

## Why It Matters
The United States National Arboretum plays a crucial role in American botanical research, conservation, and public education. As a federal research institution, it advances scientific understanding of plant species, environmental systems, and sustainable horticulture practices that benefit agriculture and urban planning nationwide. Beyond its research mission, the arboretum serves as a vital green space in the nation's capital, providing Washington, D.C. residents and millions of annual visitors with access to diverse plant collections, educational programs, and recreational opportunities. Its designation as both a National Register of Historic Places site and a District of Columbia historic landmark underscores its cultural significance, while its research contributions help address pressing environmental challenges including climate change, invasive species management, and food security. The arboretum bridges the gap between scientific research and public engagement, making complex botanical knowledge accessible to diverse audiences while preserving important plant collections for future generations.

## Notable For
- Being the only federally funded arboretum in the United States dedicated to both research and public education
- Housing the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the first public bonsai collection in the United States
- Featuring the National Capitol Columns, a unique installation of historic sandstone columns from the U.S. Capitol
- Maintaining extensive herbarium collections and specialized research facilities including five greenhouses
- Serving as a major urban park and tourist destination while conducting cutting-edge environmental research

## Body
### Research and Collections
The United States National Arboretum functions as a major research facility under the Agricultural Research Service, focusing on environmental research, plant breeding, and horticultural science. The institution maintains extensive herbarium collections and specialized facilities including five greenhouses constructed in 1962. Research conducted here addresses critical issues in agriculture, urban forestry, and environmental conservation.

### Public Features and Attractions
The arboretum offers numerous public attractions including the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, which opened in 1976 as the first public bonsai collection in the United States. The National Capitol Columns, installed in 1980, feature twenty-two sandstone columns originally from the U.S. Capitol. The facility includes diverse gardens, walking trails, and educational exhibits that attract over 600,000 visitors annually.

### Historical Significance
Established in 1927 following Congressional action, the arboretum was designed under the influence of the McMillan Plan for Washington, D.C.'s monumental core and the United States Commission of Fine Arts. It achieved historic designation at both the federal level (National Register of Historic Places, 1973) and local level (District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, 1968), recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.

### Location and Facilities
Situated on 446 acres in Northeast Washington, D.C., the arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. The site includes research laboratories, administrative buildings, visitor centers, and extensive landscaped areas. Its coordinates are 38.910277777778° N, 76.966111111111° W, placing it within the Northeast region of the United States.

### Educational Mission
The arboretum serves as an environmental education center, offering programs and resources that connect the public with botanical science and conservation. Its educational initiatives complement its research mission, making complex scientific concepts accessible to visitors of all ages while promoting environmental stewardship and appreciation for plant diversity.

## References

1. Geographic Names Information System. 1979
2. Google Maps
3. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
4. [Source](http://dcgardens.com/national-arboretum/)
5. [Source](https://www.usna.usda.gov/about/who-we-are-about-the-arboretum/)
6. DC Historic Sites
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://www.usna.usda.gov/about/strategic-plan/)
12. [Source](https://www.usna.usda.gov/discover/gardens-collections/)
13. Open Library
14. [Source](https://www.usna.usda.gov/science/herbarium/)
15. [Source](https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2008/10/legend-dies.html)
16. [Source](https://www.nal.usda.gov/collections/special-collections/john-l-creech-files-us-national-arboretum-collection)
17. [Source](https://www.azaleas.org/wp-content/uploads/azalean/31/1/articles/Henry_T._Skinner_Horticulturist_Extraordinaire.pdf)
18. National Register Information System
19. GeoNames
20. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
21. GRID Release 2021-09-16
22. BabelNet
23. RERO
24. [Library of Congress Linked Data Service](http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/organizations/dnar)
25. SNAC
26. Wolfram Alpha
27. eBird
28. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/United_States_National_Arboretum-MNKYRN)