LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum was recently named among the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.,” according to a recent article by BestCollegesOnline.org.

“As one of the 50 locations selected for our list, LSU Hilltop Arboretum caught our attention for providing enriching educational opportunities for the community, in addition to cultivating a wide variety of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers,” said Joy Warner, an editor with BestCollegesOnline.org.

The article explains how each arboretum was ranked, based on a system that awarded points for categories such as awards and recognitions, variety of species, conservation and education programs, connected university degree programs and a “Wow Factor” for features unique to each facility.

“Donated to Louisiana State University in 1981 by Mr. Emory Smith, the LSU Hilltop Arboretum is 14 beautiful acres which showcase more than 150 different species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers native to the Southeast region,” the article reads. “Students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and especially those studying within the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at the university reap the many benefits of the arboretum, which is located just six miles from the campus. The arboretum maintains a strong community outreach program, offering a summer camp for young children, a Junior Master Gardener Program and many classes and programs for the adult learner. A symposium is held annually at the arboretum featuring lectures by nationally and internationally known experts in horticulture, architecture and landscape design.”

The full article can be viewed online at bestcollegesonline.org.

LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum is located at 11855 Highland Road. To learn more about the arboretum, call 225-767-6916 or visit hilltop.lsu.edu.

Written by Aaron Looney
LSU Media Relations
225-578-3871