It was formally established in 1970 by the university[2] and aims to conserve biodiversity and connect people with nature through teaching, research, and community outreach.

[3] The University of Guelph Arboretum is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the Society for Ecological Restoration.

[3] Since Guelph is located in a climatic zone significantly different from other Ontario arboreta in Ottawa (Dominion Arboretum) and Hamilton (Royal Botanical Gardens), it was seen as a site particularly valuable for research endeavours.

[5] The climate in Guelph is classified as Dfb (humid continental, no dry season, warm summer) by the Köppen-Geiger system.

[6] The Guelph Arboretum is located at 43°32′27″N 80°12′54″W / 43.54083°N 80.21500°W / 43.54083; -80.21500, in close proximity to the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa rivers,[7] and less than a kilometre from Hanlon Creek.

As a result of repeated glaciations, the rock is covered by a mantle of loose materials called drift which varies from a few inches to several hundred feet in thick.

[citation needed] The Arboretum possesses a large amount of biodiversity despite its size and location within city limits, as well as the adjacency to the populous University of Guelph main campus.

Many species have been recorded on the grounds including: The Arboretum participates in several initiatives with a focus on ecosystem stewardship and conservation, such as:

Some collections involving larger plants that take longer to mature, such as the World of Trees, are well-developed and have been Arboretum staples for several decades.

Many of Ontario's native woody plants (including several rare species) are represented here along with their relatives from Europe or Asia.

[29] The Rosaceae collection represents a large family that spans from roses to crab apples to service berries.

Though several gardens have changed thematically and expanded over time, their designs retain an emphasis on approximating the size of urban/suburban backyards, which inspires visitors to attempt similar plantings at their homes.

[35] Beyond the bridge is a small reflective teahouse structure designed to hold a tea ceremony called cha-no-yu.

Between the central pool and the tall beech hedge, are a ring of boxwood-edged flowerbeds containing lavender and sage species, accented by four European hornbeams.

The OAC '56 Park in The Garden is a large lawn shaded by 20 specimen trees framed with a path, benches, and verge plantings.

[31] Victoria Woods is an old-growth hardwood forest made up of sugar maple, white ash, black cherry and beech.

[38] High moisture content in this woodland's soils make it unsuitable for agriculture, which is a reason why its trees have never been cut.

[40] Opened in 1978, the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre is the site where school children have learned about topics such as maple syrup, insects, pond life, wildlife gardening, feeder birds and forest habitats.

In the early 1970s, the barn was demolished to build the Service Centre on its foundation, and was re-named in the 1980s in honour of inaugural director, Dr. R.J. Hilton's contributions to The Arboretum.

[42] Today, the R.J. Hilton Centre continues to serve as a hub for Arboretum horticultural staff, propagation greenhouse and nursery facilities.

[43] The Wild Goose trail consists of 1.5km of boardwalks and dirt paths that meander through areas of marsh, forest, and swamp habitat.

[44] There are workshops available which include topics on owls, mushrooms, shrubs, sketching nature, wildflower photography and garden design.

[38] Individuals can also sponsor Century Pines and Spruces that were planted in 1907 by Canada's father of forestry, Edmund Zavitz.