Southern Adventist University Arboretum

About the Arboretum

The Southern Arboretum: Where Heritage Meets Horticulture

The Southern Arboretum at Southern Adventist University is more than just a collection of trees—it is a living library of our region's botanical legacy. We invite you to explore a landscape where forty years of curated beauty meet cutting-edge digital innovation.

Why the Southern Arboretum is Unique

While many gardens focus on aesthetics alone, we specialize in the intersection of technology and taxonomy. Here is what sets us apart:

• A "Living Laboratory": Across campus, over 1,200 trees and woody plants have been identified, representing 91 species — 57 of which are native to Tennessee.
• The Individual Voice: We believe every tree tells a story. Even when multiple trees of the same species are tagged, each individual specimen features a unique audio lesson. You can listen to every one and learn something new every time.
• Taxonomic Audio Guides: To aid in learning, each plant family is assigned its own unique "voice" in the recordings, helping visitors intuitively recognize botanical relationships.
• ArbNet Accreditation: Recognized for an online presence unlike any other, our website allows you to explore from home through macro photography of buds and flowers, aerial photography of the canopy, and our newest endeavor: individual videos for every tagged tree (in development).

Interactive Exploration & Future Growth

We know that Master Gardeners value both the science of the past and the education of the future. When you walk our trails with our Live Map, you'll experience:

1. Geolocation Technology: As you walk across campus, your phone acts as a live guide. A "dot" lights up as you approach an Arboretum specimen, granting instant access to audio presentations.
2. Memorial & Celebration Trees: Read the bios of alumni and family members honored by our "living monuments," tying the university's history to its soil through trees planted for Earth Day and in memory of loved ones.

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership

The Arboretum is a "work in progress," growing through the collaboration of dedicated professionals and inspired students:

Southern Arboretum Leadership & Scholars

Mark Antone (Director of Landscaping)
For over 40 years, Mark's thoughtful vision and dedication have shaped the breathtaking beauty of the campus landscape. His work has transformed the grounds into a well-groomed sanctuary, creating a stunning environment that serves as the foundation for the Southern Arboretum. Visitors frequently note that the campus's vibrant flora is a direct reflection of Mark's decades of expertise.

Dr. Ben Thornton (Director of Southern Arboretum)
In 2016, Dr. Ben Thornton, Director of the Southern Arboretum, partnered with student McKenzie Martin and a dedicated group of freshmen to formally establish the arboretum. Their mission was to document the campus's immense diversity by geotagging over 1,200 woody plants. Today, the arboretum features 91 distinct species, including 57 native to Tennessee, creating a robust digital and physical botanical resource.

Victoria Tsikayi (Student Scholar)
During the 2025–2026 academic year, Victoria served as the voice of the arboretum by authoring over 140 unique audio tour scripts. Her research skillfully bridges the gap between scientific botanical facts and rich historical data. Through her work, Victoria has created a seamless educational experience, allowing visitors to engage with the arboretum's diverse collection through immersive storytelling.

Our Mission: Students earn academic credit and wages to maintain these collections, ensuring that the Southern Arboretum remains a vibrant, evolving sanctuary that fosters a healthy relationship between people and trees.