Welcome to the Barton Arboretum of Medford Leas
With an abundance of caution as the guideline,
the walkways and trails of our Arboretum
are closed at present to visitors.
They are open for residents and staff to enjoy
with maintenance of social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet.
The Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve of Medford Leas is a unique blend of accessible public gardens, collections, and preserved natural areas set amidst private residential space. With campuses in Medford and Lumberton, NJ, spanning more than 200 acres, the Arboretum offers visitors a diverse horticultural array of designed gardens, landscaped grounds, meadows, natural woodlands and wetlands, and one of the most extensive plant collections — including natives — in all of southern New Jersey.
Accreditation
The Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve holds Level 1 Accreditation from the Arbnet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The program is an international initiative, sponsored by the Morton Arboretum in cooperation with the American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. As Jane K. Weston, former Director of Development and Community Relations at Medford Leas, said in response to the accreditation by ArbNet:
“The ArbNet accreditation provides a benchmark to assess our strengths as well as to identify areas for future development of the Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve of Medford Leas. Residents and staff of Medford Leas have long been proud of our Arboretum, and the ArbNet accreditation serves as recognition of the work we have done over the years. We are proud to have attained this designation and to be in the company of so many well-regarded arboreta.”
Out and About in the Arboretum
April 19, 2024 – Crabapple, Malus sp.
Crabapple trees produce fruit that is smaller and more tart than the common apple, suitable for jellies, preserves, and cider. However, we prefer just to look at the beautiful flowers!
Avian Life at Lumberton
May 4, 2020 – Spring Harbingers
Birders are no different than people, in that they eagerly await the renaissance brought on by arrival of spring. We begin looking for signs in February as the early migrants make their appearance. This article features arrivals, departures, and year-round resident birds that change their colors and behavior to welcome spring.
You might also enjoy Lumberton Meadow Wildflowers by Miriam Swartz and Robert Koch
and this video of photos from an early morning walk in the Medford campus meadow
made by Dave Bartram in September 2022.
Upcoming Events
May 2024
Fri, May 3
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
Pathways: Spring Trail WalksFri, May 310:00 am – 12:00 pmPathways: Spring Trail WalksLois Forrest Nature Center
Enjoy the sights and sounds that only spring can bring! Join resident experts as they guide you through the various trails of both Medford and Lumberton. From birds and their nests, to blooming trees and shrubs, these trails have it all.
Please note: walks will take place in most weather conditions; severe weather forecast may result in a cancellation.
Walks on each campus will be led by resident members of the trails committee. These well-seasoned guides and can show you incredible hidden beauty of our campuses.
Fri, May 10
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
Pathways: Spring Trail WalksFri, May 1010:00 am – 12:00 pmPathways: Spring Trail WalksLumberton Campus Community Center
Enjoy the sights and sounds that only spring can bring! Join resident experts as they guide you through the various trails of both Medford and Lumberton. From birds and their nests, to blooming trees and shrubs, these trails have it all.
Please note: walks will take place in most weather conditions; severe weather forecast may result in a cancellation.
Walks on each campus will be led by resident members of the trails committee. These well-seasoned guides and can show you incredible hidden beauty of our campuses.
Wed, May 15
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
Arboretum Workshop: Front Porch PlantersWed, May 1510:00 am – 12:00 pmArboretum Workshop: Front Porch PlantersLumberton Campus Community Center
Spillers, fillers, thrillers, oh my! What does it all mean and what does it have to do with your summer potted plantings? All flowers and materials will be supplied, including a container. You will be inspired by Debbie Lux, Medford Leas Horticulturalist, as you learn not only how to plant the container for optimum results, but how to enjoy the beauty of your planter through the summer season.
Debbie Lux, Medford Leas Horticulturalist.
Wed, May 22
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am
-
Pathways: The Secret World of Plants & PollinatorsWed, May 2210:00 am – 11:00 amPathways: The Secret World of Plants & PollinatorsTheater
This presentation will focus on the incredible ways in which plants communicate with animals. Flowers are not pretty colors and pleasant smells for us—it’s all about the pollinators. Discover amazing strategies of plants, the colors that pollinators see, and ways in which both plants and animals can help or deceive each other. Did you know that a bee’s eye view is extremely different from what we see, and from what a bird sees? Participants will find that taking a much closer look at flowers can open up an entire hidden world that is more complex and fascinating than one ever imagined.
Jennifer Bulava is the Senior Park Naturalist for the Burlington County Park System. Jennifer is responsible for planning and conducting nature programs and all other aspects of environmental education for the public within the County Parks System. She has worked for the Department of Resource Conservation for 22 years and for the Division of Parks for 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management with a specialization in Conservation and Ecology from Cook College, Rutgers University.
To find out more about these or any of the other public events offered by Medford Leas’ Pathways to Learning program, please visit the Medford Leas website.