Starhill Forest Arboretum

Illinois, United States

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Starhill Forest Arboretum is a privately owned 50-acre arboretum located in southern Menard County, Illinois, on land that has been farmed and grazed since the mid-19th century, including the era when Abraham Lincoln traveled nearby.

Owned and managed by the Sternberg family since 1976, it features a diverse landscape with forested areas dating back to about 1850, along with thousands of trees and shrubs representing over 2,000 species and cultivars. The arboretum's primary scientific focus is a quercetum, or oak collection, recognized as one of the most comprehensive oak reference collections in North America.

The site includes natural forests, water features, herb and perennial gardens, a native prairie, several champion trees, and a network of trails that explore varied upland and floodplain habitats. Starhill Forest serves as a teaching arboretum affiliated with Illinois College, offering guided tours, lectures, and volunteer opportunities, emphasizing scientific research, conservation, and education about native and historic trees.