Trees have existed on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Most trees long outlive people, with 100-200 years being a typical lifespan. Some of the oldest living trees are the Bristlecone Pines in the mountains of California, estimated to be nearly 4,800 years old. Trees are the largest of living things – some species grow over 300 feet tall and may weigh 600 tons.

Trees are big time multitaskers. By taking in carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen, they help combat global warming. The leaves and fruits of trees provide food and medicines for animals and people. Trees provide a site for nests for birds. They provide shade in the hottest of temperatures, reduce noise pollution, prevent soil erosion, and are often used as windbreaks to shelter sensitive crops. Trees add beauty to our world, they lift our spirits. One interesting research study showed that surgery patients who could see a grove of trees recuperated faster and required less pain-killing medication than matched patients who viewed only brick walls. Trees also provide important symbolic links with the past – think of the Chestnut tree made famous in Anne Frank's diary – and with the future.

Nestled in a picturesque, wooded area of gently rolling hills, a 15-acre site near Toronto, Canada is home to the Legacy Center arboretum.

A diversity of trees – from Colorado Spruce, Jack Pine, and a 100-year-old White Pine to Birch, Maple, and Ironwood – create different environments throughout the arboretum. A lush, 50-foot high Cedar hedge frames the grounds. A Maple forest – dotted with white Trilliums in the Spring and bursting with reds and golds in the Fall – fills one corner. A large spring-fed pond – a thriving ecosystem teaming with fish, birds, and water plants – is cradled in another corner. Three islands are linked with walking bridges.

The arboretum is a place for exploration and discovery, a place to connect with yourself and the natural world. While some areas are cultivated, others are uncultivated. And the more you look, the more you see. The microcosm of the arboretum is filled with natural delights, from wildflowers to mushrooms to wild berries.

Environmental research and education for children and adults are a big part of the arboretum through the Legacy Project's Our World program. A variety of workshops along with guided Tree of Life Walks offer a chance to relax and enjoy nature, to learn the stories of the trees, to understand how you can care for your own home environment, and to explore the idea of trees as a metaphor for the life course and intergenerational connections.

The beauty of the arboretum is being documented on
an ongoing basis by acclaimed nature photographer
Peter Van Rhijn. From scenic landscapes to macro close-ups, his eye for uncovering the wonders of nature is keen. If you're unable to visit the arboretum in person or want to keep up-to-date on what's blooming, his photos and our other Our World activities online give you access to all the ideas, insights, and inspiration growing in the arboretum.

There is a science to understanding and nurturing trees. Bartlett Tree Experts is the official tree care company for the Legacy Center arboretum. Their support is making environmental education opportunities possible through the site itself, and through the books and online resources based on the arboretum that will reach millions of children and adults.

You can help support the Legacy Center arboretum by becoming a member of the Legacy Project. For updates on the Legacy Center, join our e-mail newsletter. For
a workshop schedule and guest passes, call us at
1-800-772-7765.