Kendal at Oberlin and The John Bartram Arboretum are open to outside visitors. But, if you are unwell, please visit us when you have recovered. We encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We encourage frequent handwashing.
Visitors to the Arboretum may wish to use digital maps that depict featured collections including the Kendal Tree Walk and Commemorative Trees other trees in the collection. Follow link to Tree Data, Walks and Maps above.
Trees and climate change! Kendal at Oberlin and The John Bartram Arboretum strive to do our part to reverse the climate crisis. To review these efforts, including planting trees that are champions at Carbon dioxide removal and the urban forest, iinstalling solar panels and encouraging electric vehicles see our blog page.
This is a perfect time for residents, visitors and staff to walk the Kendal Tree Walk perhaps while using the Tree Walk GIS Map. To access the map follow the Tree Data, Walks and Maps tab at the top of the page. Then click on Map about half-way down the page.
The John Bartram Arboretum is an integral component of Kendal at Oberlin’s green infrastructure. The Arboretum is managed primarily by the Grounds department of Kendal at Oberlin’s Facility Services (Grounds) with guidance and assistance from the Arboretum Committee of the Kendal at Oberlin Residents Association. We have a full-time certified arborist and Curator who manages most of day-to-day aspects of our collection. The residents who first envisioned the arboretum saw our more than 1,000 trees and 100 acres as an opportunity to enhance the lives of Kendal residents by creating a sustainable ecosystem for enjoying nature’s beauty, exercising, watching birds, and, of course, planting and fostering the growth and appreciation of trees.
As a community based on Quaker values, we named our arboretum in honor of John Bartram (1699 - 1777), a Pennsylvania Quaker and friend of Benjamin Franklin who is known as America’s first botanist. Bartram traveled widely in the colonies, including trips to Ohio, collecting and cataloging plant specimens and seeds. Many of these were shipped in “Bartram’s Boxes” for sale in Europe. His introduction of the American Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in Europe created a sensation when it was first seen. This inspired us to designate the Tulip Tree as the signature tree of the arboretum.
New at the Arboretum
The Kendal Peace Pole is here.
The Bartram Gallery featuring selected images of trees in our collection
A brief history of the John Bartram Arboretum, 2015 - 2024
Life-Long Learning: : The American Chestnut Tree: A Scientific, Social and Symbolic Perspective. Follow link for Robert Longsworth's presentation.
View: Chestnuts in The John Bartram Arboretum
If you venture off of the paved path be sure to check for ticks when you get home. The tick population in Ohio is exploding.
More Gazebos are coming to the Arboretum
New trees planted in Spring 2026 season. The collection continues to expand with the addition of 18 new genotypes this season. Click here to view.
Tulip trees are blooming all over the Arboretum. Click on Gallery tab at top of this page. A bloom on a tree near Triangle Pond is shown.
A tree Identification class sponsored by the Ohio Independent Arborist Association will be held June 30, 2026 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Exact location not specified but will probably begin in the Education Center (if nobody there, check Community Center Lobby). Click here for more information.
Mission Statement
The mission of The John Bartram Arboretum at Kendal at Oberlin is to be a model of responsible urban arboriculture to engage, sustain, and educate our residents and the broader community.
Accreditation
In October, 2022, The John Bartram Arboretum at Kendal at Oberlin was accredited as a Level II Arboretum by Arbnet, the international community of arboreta and other tree-focused institutions founded and run by the Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum is also a Tree Campus Healthcare Facility.
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Disclaimer: This web site was established and is maintained by The John Bartram Arboreteum Arboretum Committee memebers who are residents of Kendal at Oberlin. It is not an official publication of Kendal at Oberlin and the content does not necessarily reflect the views of the administration of Kendal at Oberlin.