The mission of the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum is:
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To curate a diverse collection of 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.
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To promote environmental literacy through the engagement of community members and visitors in experiencing Rice’s campus as a collection of local, biological diversity.
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To provide a space that engages the community, while also protecting and supporting native ecosystems and wildlife.
The Arboretum highlights species native and naturalized to Texas and northeast Mexico, specifically oaks, elms, ashes, hickories, maples, pines, and other plants of horticultural interest in the region. In total, the campus contains 4,600 individual trees and 125 species.