General Orientation:

The Arboretum has three entrances from University Boulevard. The westernmost vehicle entrance features a small parking lot with accessible spaces and provides access to the Frances Plecker Education & Welcome Center, the Plecker Pond Loop Trail (a wheelchair-accessible trail), the Upland Trails, and the Meditative Labyrinth. The largest and preferred parking area for general visitors is Lot R5, at the eastern entrance to the Arboretum. From R5, visitors follow a walking path to the Pavillion, where they can access additional information, restrooms, picnic areas, and additional trails.

Trail Descriptions:

The Plecker Pond Loop is a fully accessible trail beginning near the Welcome Center and encircling Plecker Pond. Along the way, visitors can explore several points of interest, including the Jurney Stage Garden, Monarch Waystation, Wetland Habitat, and Smith Shale Barren Garden.

Points of Interest:

• Frances Plecker Education & Welcome Center: Offers visitor amenities such as a water fountain, restrooms, and a picnic area.
• The William Christopher Kyle Labyrinth promotes relaxation and focus, allowing visitors to set their own pace. The Labyrinth includes a beautiful stone pathway, plantings that support ecosystem services, and a seating area for quiet reflection and listening.

The Arboretum is a tree, wildflower, and wildlife preserve.

Please help us in being good stewards of the Arboretum!

• Please discard all waste in the correct receptacles. Help us preserve this beautiful space!
• Do not remove any natural or man-made materials from the Arboretum (flower picking, plant or wood removal)
• No flames anywhere in the Arboretum, including grilling fires.
• Extinguish cigarettes, discard cold butts in trash cans
• Use biodegradable confetti rather than glitter or other non-biodegradable materials.
• Group sports on the lawn are prohibited.
• Please do not feed the ducks. The Arboretum’s pond habitat can support only a small number of ducks. When they rely on food from the public, they overpopulate and deteriorate the pond’s health.
• Leashed dogs are welcome! Please pick up after your dog. Courtesy bags are located at both of our welcome boards, please dispose of bag(s) in trash can.
• People and dogs must stay out of the pond, streams, and water features. Our ponds and streams are for ducks, turtles, frogs, and fish.
• Fishing is prohibited.
• No bicycles allowed on chipped trails. Use of gravel road between Neff Ave and University Blvd is allowed for student access to campus.
• Professional photographers must register in advance for photo sessions. See our photography policy.

If you witness an incident that needs rescue or law enforcement, please call:

JMU EMERGENCY LINE: 540-568-6911

JMU NON-EMERGENCY LINE: 540-568-6912