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Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve

of Medford Leas

Lois Forrest Nature Center

The Nature Center was built in 1988. On May 16, 2015, it was dedicated to Lois Forrest, the amazing woman who was Executive Director of Medford Leas for 21 years. An avid gardener and lover of nature, Lois Forrest was a certified Master Gardener and instrumental in the development of the Lewis W. Barton Arboretum.

Lois Forrest Nature Center Library

In support of the Barton Arboretum’s mission “to promote the appreciation and knowledge of horticulture and to emphasize the importance of integrating nature into peoples living, working and recreational environments,” the LFNC library maintains a collection of how-to and reference materials about local horticulture as well as materials about birds and birding, ecology and the nearby Pine Barrens. The collection is searchable via the MLRA online catalog. Most of the collection can be borrowed by Medford Leas Residents and Staff.

The Library also holds “Let’s Talk Gardening” programs on various topics.

Lois Forrest Nature Center Greenhouse

The greenhouse is used primarily by staff, and also by residents of Rushmore and Bridlington to store their outdoor plants in the winter, just as the Haddon Greenhouse is used by residents of the Courts.