THE MORGAN ARBORETUM

Located on the western end of the island of Montreal, the Morgan Arboretum is a 245-hectare area of protected forests, fields, plant collections and gardens. As part of McGill University’s Macdonald Campus, the Morgan Arboretum supports teaching, research and public education related to environmental conservation and the management of suburban green spaces. Covering an area larger than Montreal’s Mount Royal Park, the Arboretum is also an important outdoor recreation area with an extensive network of trails. A cherished green space, the Arboretum serves both as a unique educational resource and a continued source of enjoyment for generations of supporters and visitors.

A UNIQUE GREEN SPACE IN OUR BACKYARD

The Arboretum landscape supports a diversity of forest, wetland and old-field ecosystems, and its natural woodlands contain examples of most of Quebec's native trees. The Arboretum is home to more than 30 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 170 species of migratory and resident birds. We also maintain 18 collections of trees and shrubs from around the world, including firs, oaks, birches, maples, lindens, spruces and flowering trees. And all of this is within a few minutes’ drive of most of Greater Montreal.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

For many of the species that call the Arboretum home, it provides critical habitat that is scarce or nonexistent on the island of Montreal or in southern Quebec. The Arboretum is also a crucial wildlife corridor, connecting off-island green spaces with those in Cap St. Jacques Nature Park and on Ile Bizard. In addition, it serves as a key rest stop for many birds and insects, including the monarch butterfly, as they migrate between their breeding and wintering areas in the north and south. The Arboretum’s management prioritizes conserving important habitat features that allow these species to thrive. Our educational programs are aimed at raising awareness about these species, their habitats and the conservation issues they face.

TEACHING AND RESEARCH

As a university facility, the day-to-day activities of the Morgan Arboretum have always been deeply rooted in research, including : the development of methods to improve the maintenance and health of the Arboretum’s plantations and woodlands; the development of new programs of plant selection to create varieties and cultivars adapted to our changing environmental conditions; and the development of silvicultural practices that preserve and enhance biological diversity in both natural stands and plantations. The Arboretum serves as a “living laboratory” for studies at all levels, from elementary school classes to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in wildlife biology, botany, ecology, forestry, and geography.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

The Arboretum community understands the importance of spending time in nature for our physical and mental health. Supported by a growing body of scientific research, the Arboretum’s management aims to make the site accessible to anyone striving to be fitter and more resilient to the challenges of life. Members and visitors enjoy 23 km of g trails on which they can walk, ski and snowshoe l. Whether the goal is to work up a sweat or let go of stress, the Arboretum provides myriad opportunities. In this way, the Arboretum contributes not only to the health and well-being of its users, but also to the health of the environment. The living, breathing forest helps provide clean air, supports the biologically diverse ecosystems of southern Quebec and acts as the headwaters for three streams on the western end of the Island of Montreal.

HELP PRESERVE OUR GREEN SPACE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

We are proud of our past and focused on our future. Our members and donors share in our goals of environmental conservation, public education, teaching and research and health and well-being. We invite you to join our growing community of supporters and embrace our vision for the future.