The Cylburn Arboretum of Baltimore is centered around the Clyburn mansion and offers 207 acres of gardens, woodlands, and trails. There are over 20 gardens, which are themed as memorials, traditional gardens, or specific habitats. Each garden features both annuals and perennials to offer a variety of colors and textures throughout the year.

  • What gardens can visitors explore at Cylburn Arboretum?
    • The South Gardens in front of the mansion include several memorial gardens as well as an azalea garden.
    • The West Gardens feature a master gardener’s vegetable garden demonstration and composting site.
    • The North Gardens behind the mansion showcase small city backyard gardens and a shady garden.
    • The East Gardens include the Garden of the Senses, a formal garden, and a tree peony collection.
    • There are also a dahlia garden, a heritage rose garden, and a daylily garden.
  • What notable trees and plant collections are at the arboretum?
    • Some trees date back to the 1800s, including a grove of Japanese maple trees.
    • The arboretum features a conifer collection and a variety of flowering trees such as magnolias, weeping cherry trees, hollies, and flowering shrubs.
  • How large is the Cylburn Arboretum, and what activities are available?
    • The arboretum spans 3.5 miles of trails and woodlands, making it one of the largest wooded areas in Baltimore.
    • It serves as an important habitat for wildlife and wildflowers.
    • The arboretum is home to the Baltimore Bird Club, and the trails are open for hiking and dog walking (bikes are allowed on paved paths only).
    • The first floor of the Cylburn mansion is open to the public during limited hours, displaying period photos and original architectural details.
  • What is the history of Cylburn Arboretum?
    • The Cylburn mansion was built in 1868 by Jesse Tyson, President of Baltimore Chrome Works.
    • It was constructed in the Victorian Renaissance Revival style, using local gneiss stone, inlaid floors, leaded glass, and marble baths.
    • The home was used as a summer residence for the Tyson family and later housed orphaned children before becoming a park in 1954.
    • In 1982, the site was renamed an arboretum to reflect its stewardship of the land and gardens.
    • Between 2008 and 2010, a visitor center and education center were built to support the arboretum’s mission.
  • What educational programs and activities does the arboretum offer?
    • Visitors can help document wildlife by submitting photos with the date, time, and location.
    • The arboretum hosts birding activities and offers downloadable scavenger hunt lists for visitors.
    • Programs include yoga, gardening workshops, and educational talks.
    • Summer Nature Camps for children aged 5-11 focus on science, nature, and environmental education.
    • The Food Systems Lab, run in partnership with Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, teaches sustainable food production, including aquaponics.
  • What exhibits are currently available at the arboretum?
    • The Vollmer Visitor Center hosts a variety of exhibits.
    • Currently, award-winning Baltimore artist Kathleen Kotarba has paintings on display.
    • Admission to exhibits and grounds is free, and the arboretum is open year-round except on major holidays.
  • Where is Cylburn Arboretum located, and how can I contact them?
    • Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209.
    • Phone: 410-367-2217.

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