Ladd Arboretum

Evanston, Illinois, United States

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Ladd Arboretum in Evanston, Illinois, is a 23-acre green space dedicated to the memory of Edward Rixon Ladd, a local newspaperman.

Established in 1960, it stretches along a narrow corridor between McCormick Boulevard and the North Shore Channel. The arboretum features a diverse collection of trees arranged by plant family, including birch, legume, maple, oak, and pine, with gardens such as the Meadow Garden, Prairie Restoration Area, Cherry Tree Walk, Nut Tree, and the International Friendship Garden created by the Rotary Club of Evanston. It also includes a Women's Terrace, a gazebo, and a bird sanctuary.

The Evanston Ecology Center located within the arboretum serves as a hub for nature education with exhibits on fossils, seeds, and mounted animal specimens and offers programs for all ages. The arboretum is a notable natural refuge in Evanston, supporting native plant restoration and bird-friendly habitat, making it an important community resource for recreation and environmental education.​