Arboretum San Antonio

ASA has selected nationally-renowned landscape and design firm Sasaki to develop a master plan for the design of the Arboretum. While the 188-acre space has not yet been transformed into the Arboretum, the natural area is already ideal for promoting physically and mentally healthy lifestyles. Research confirms the significant physical, mental, and cognitive health benefits experienced by time spent in nature, including decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing self-esteem. ASA is currently developing walking thrive as our climate changes, and a comprehensive roster of nature-based and health and is under development. Once developed, the Arboretum will feature pedestrian and bicycle trails, recreational amenities and activities, a tree nursery to propagate native and naturalized trees that are able to adapt and thrive as our climate changes, and a comprehensive roster of nature-based and health and wellness bilingual education programs to be offered in the Arboretum and targeted locations around San Antonio. ASA will also offer an outdoor educational curriculum pertaining to the science of trees to be developed through partnerships with regional schools and youth organizations, and environmental research opportunities for botanists, biologists, arborists, and other natural resource professionals that will enhance knowledge of nature-based solutions and native species relevant to the San Antonio River Basin and surrounding areas. Additionally, the Arboretum will be an important expansion of San Antonios greenway network by connecting to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System, a network of approximately 82 miles.