San Antonio will become home to a man-made sanctuary of trees and you could play a part in its design.
A new arboretum—the first of its kind in South Texas—is transforming the landscape of San Antonio’s Southeast side, creating an immersive “living tree museum” on 188 acres at the site of the former Republic Golf Course. Known as Arboretum San Antonio, this unique space will soon bring together the rich ecological heritage of our region, featuring native trees, rare Blackland Prairie landscapes, and Salado Creek winding through the site, connecting past with present. With construction underway, it’s slated to become the second-largest arboretum in Texas.
The project’s vision is to establish an urban sanctuary dedicated to the protection and celebration of trees and natural landscapes, allowing both residents and visitors to interact closely with the ecosystem. As part of a year-long community engagement and design planning phase, San Antonio locals have the exciting opportunity to shape the arboretum’s development through mid-2025.
Once complete, the Arboretum will offer miles of hiking and biking trails, connections to the extensive Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System, and a diverse array of native tree species grown in an on-site nursery. Educational programs, recreational spaces, art installations, and tranquil areas for exercise and relaxation will round out this green space.
But Arboretum San Antonio aims to be more than a destination; it will serve as a vital ecological resource. With its ability to absorb carbon and filter pollutants, the arboretum will contribute to improving air quality and boosting biodiversity in the region. The site also pays homage to the cultural heritage of the Coahuiltecan tribes who once camped seasonally along these grounds. Furthermore, through its partnerships with schools and local organizations, the Arboretum will be a hub of hands-on education, helping foster a deep appreciation for trees and the balance they bring to urban spaces.
San Antonio’s continued growth and development demand green oases to support a healthy balance, and Arboretum San Antonio promises to be just that. So if you’re a San Antonian looking for ways to get involved, from community input to volunteer work, now is the perfect time to help shape a legacy that will last for generations.
Photo from https://www.arboretumsa.org/
