The Gardens at SIUE

Rest, Relaxation, and Education without Walls

The Gardens at SIUE comprises existing woodlands, ponds, grasslands, and an arboretum on a lush and rolling 36-acre expanse. The Gardens is a respite for the community's mental and physical well-being and provides a living classroom for the educational mission of the university. Our gardens, facilities, and amenities feature renewable, recycled, and sustainably produced materials. The Gardens is designated on the Pollinator Pathway; it is recognized by the City of Edwardsville's Green Thumb Award; and it is home to one of the NASA Artemis Moon Trees. Environmentalism, conservation and stewardship are cornerstones of The Gardens' vision to implement old and new gardening methods to restore age-old ecosystems, protect native species, and preserve the wonders of nature for generations to come.

Mission

The mission of The Gardens at SIUE is to create a venue of beauty and distinction that will support the educational and research components of the University; that will engage the public in educational opportunity and campus life; and that will provide a haven for relaxation and enjoyment for all.

History of The Gardens at SIUE

In 1990, Donal G. Myer, the Dean of the SIUE School of Sciences, and Frank Kulfinski, an SIUE environmental science professor, began planning the creation of an arboretum. After Myer's passing, the SIU Board of Trustees dedicated the arboretum to him. Kulfinski was the Myer Arboretum's first director.

In 2004, the Arboretum became The Gardens at SIUE. Since then, The Gardens has grown into a well-loved recreational venue and community resource.

In 2016, the Illinois state budget crisis severely reduced The Gardens’ budget. The Certified Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists began working as volunteers to maintain and further develop the gardens and continue operations without state funding. Currently, The Gardens relies on these volunteers and donation funds through the SIUE Foundation to continue its operations.  

In the April 2023 edition of the AAA magazine, The Gardens was named among the “10 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens to Explore.” It was listed again in 2026. From its inception as a university arboretum to its present as a volunteer-driven garden, The Gardens at SIUE has been cherished by the local community and visitors from far beyond.