The Kitty Todd Arboretum of native and naturalized shrubs and trees provides Merryspring visitors with an ideal place to study Maine's woody plant ecology. The ten acre arboretum was clear cut just before the land was purchased for the Park in 1974. Since then a wide variety- over 74- of new plants have appeared, most of which were brought to the arboretum by nature. We have developed a well-labeled guide to where specimen plants can be found and many more exist throughout the park. This area of the park is also an example of how managing land can increase chances of plant survival and diversity.

Students will be shown the common tree and shrub species that greatly influence Maine's environment. Depending on their age, students may learn some of the more obscure species and botanical names of plants as well. The importance of some of these plants will be discussed. We are also in the process of developing an herbarium so that this program can be taught during winter months and taken outside of the park to classrooms.