Visit Maine's Pine Tree State Arboretum
Delightful Cross Between a Botanical Garden and an Arboretum
Jul 31, 2009
The Pine Tree State Arboretum does not simply offer tree groves and pretty viewing spots, it also welcomes walkers, joggers, bikers, and equestrians. Birders are welcome, too. The arboretum is part of the Maine Birding Trail—over 150 species, such as the American Tree Sparrow and Pine Warbler, have been spotted. Bring binoculars, camera, and comfortable walking shoes.
The Pine Tree State Arboretum is located at 153 Hospital Street (State Route 9) in Augusta, Maine's capital city. In fact the arboretum is directly across the steep banks of the Kennebec River from the State Capitol building.
Trails connect the tree and plant collections, creating attractive loops of varying lengths and interest. Approximately six miles of trails weave in and around the gardens, fields, and tree plantations that cover the 224 acres. Trail surfaces vary from mown grass, packed gravel, and packed soil/clay. The trails are easy to navigate and are well marked.
Dogs on leashes are permitted. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Wintertime visitors will find groomed cross-country trails for a pleasant day's outing. The trails are open dawn to dusk, and maps are available at the trailhead kiosk and the nearby visitor center. The Viles Visitor Center is open weekdays, 9am-4pm and is also available for conferences, workshops, and private functions.
Trees, Native Plants, and Historical Plant Collections
The arboretum's plant collections consist of over 300 species of plants, trees, and shrubs. Emphasis is on well-established Maine flora, including native species. The plantings consist of:
- Urban & Community Forestry Demonstration Area
- Conifer Collection
- Governors Grove
- Chestnut Collection
- Daughters of the American Revolution Historical Garden
- Lilac Collection
- Hosta Garden
- Native Plant Garden
- Rock Garden
Visit Highlights at the Pine Tree State Arboretum
Urban & Community Forestry Demonstration Area: This is the arboretum's largest collection and consists of over six dozen specimens chosen for their success in surviving the challenges of an urban environment. The arboretum is a certified Tree Farm Demonstration area.
Governors Grove: A collection of over 60 Eastern white pines, Maine's state tree (Maine is known as the Pine Tree State). Each one was planted in honor of Maine's governors and are labeled with his name and dates in office.
Hosta Garden: A great photo op in July and August when the hosta have reached full size and the dappled shade from a canopy of white birches provides interesting light contrasts. This collection was donated by the Case Estate of the Arnold Arboretum in Massachusetts and is one of the largest in Maine.
The Viles Pond Loop is the best introductory walk in the arboretum and is only about a mile long. It goes through the beautiful hosta garden, past the piggery, and to Viles Pond. It's easy to connect to other trails to make a longer walk, if desired.
Arboretum Once Part of the Augusta State Hospital
The acreage the arboretum sits on was once used by the adjacent Augusta State Hospital (renamed Augusta Mental Health Institute and now titled Riverview Psychiatric Center). From mid/late 1800s to the early 1900s, the "inmates" (patients) tended vegetable gardens and livestock here and mowed the fields for hay.
These activities not only provided food for the institutiion, but also provided exercise in the belief that it might lead to a "cure" for mental illness. The patients were especially adept at raising and breeding pigs, and the foundation of the piggery (a three-story barn) still can be seen today.
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