John C. Gifford Arboretum

Coral Gables, Florida, United States

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The John C. Gifford Arboretum in Coral Gables, Florida, located on the University of Miami campus, was founded in 1947 by professors Frank Rimoldi and Roy Woodbury with an initial donation of over 350 plants.

Named in 1949 for John C. Gifford, the first graduate forester in the United States and a professor at the university known for his expertise in tropical woods and forestry, the arboretum has since grown to house more than 1,300 plant species. It serves as a living laboratory for education and research on tropical and subtropical plants, with several natural areas including collections of native Floridian and exotic plants.

The arboretum has faced development threats but was preserved through community efforts and has recovered from hurricane damage with careful restoration efforts supported by grants. It is open for self-guided visits and educational programs, making it an important resource for botanical study and public enjoyment in South Florida.