The mission of the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum is:

  • To curate a diverse collection of woody plants that is available to students, faculty, and staff for teaching and research in an environment conducive to studying, learning about, and enjoying the natural world.
  • To promote environmental literacy through the engagement of community members and visitors in experiencing Rice’s campus as a living laboratory of attractive and diverse wildlife.

The Arboretum highlights species native and naturalized to Texas in an effort to showcase local biodiversity. Non-native species of relevance to teaching and research are occasionally planted.