With increasing value being placed on our natural heritage, The Crosby Arboretum is the premier native plant conservatory in the Southeast. The Arboretum was established as a living memorial to L.O. Crosby, Jr. (1907-1978) and has expanded to become a resource for education in the region and the world. Today, it provides for the protection of the region's biological diversity as well as a place for the public's enjoyment of plant species native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin of south-central Mississippi and Louisiana. It allows us to study and learn about plants and plant products so that we may use them to their best advantage and ensure their continuous propagation in the future. Aesthetic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial contributions of native plant species and ecosystems can be examined in a real-life setting at the Arboretum.

The 104-acre Native Plant Center of The Crosby Arboretum serves as the focus of Arboretum activities and development. It includes the Pinecote Pavilion and the Piney Woods Lake for display of native water plants in their natural setting. The Pinecote Pavilion and the many wooden bridges that complement the lake were designed by award-winning architect Fay Jones, of Fayetteville, Arkansas to enhance the artistic and functional aspects of the Arboretum.

The Crosby Arboretum also manages over 1,000 acres in seven associated natural areas. The assemblages of carefully selected and protected lands nurtures over 300 species of indigenous trees and shrubs as well as wildflowers and grasses. Rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants and wildlife are present at throughout the Arboretum's preserves. Unusual plants have their place as well. The Arboretum protects and manages several lovely pitcher plant bogs both on site and within the natural areas. Edible, poisonous, and aromatic plants, too, are found at the Arboretum. As the seasons unfold their splendor, the Arboretum provides a clear, unobstructed view of the variety and beauty of our natural resources.

More than attractive features of our landscape, plants are an integral part of the environment we inhabit; our own survival will be threatened if they do not flourish. Therefore, humankind's best interests can be served by the study of our plant neighbors with which we share this planet.

Click to download overview of the Crosby Arboretum.