Visiting Adkins Arboretum in Easton Maryland: A Must-See Detour
- Lauren Matera
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
by Lauren Matera
We’d passed the signs dozens of times—those brown ones that just say “Adkins Arboretum” with an arrow pointing off the main road. Always on the way somewhere else—baseball games, running errands in Easton or field trips to Tuckahoe. It was always the same “I want to see what that is.”
Then one day I decided, 'today we are finally visiting Adkins Arboretum' and headed for Easton, Maryland.
Founded in 1972 as the designated state arboretum of Maryland, Adkins Arboretum was developed within Tuckahoe State Park on the Delmarva Peninsula. Officially opening to the public in 1980, the Arboretum was made possible by a major donation from Leon Andrus, a Queen Anne’s County resident. He named it in honor of the Adkins family—Eastern Shore conservationists and close friends—who symbolized the Arboretum’s environmental roots.
When you arrive at Adkins you can immediately tell you’re somewhere really special and unique. The gravel parking lot is seated against the entrance to the trails, you can go directly to the trail or take the boardwalk to the visitor center. If you’re looking for it, the entrance is adorned by branches crafted into an arch like a giant nest . -Pretty hard to miss-
We were greeted inside the building and given recommendations on various leaflets and maps to grab. There were some gifts and books as well as a water cooler to fill up before heading out. We were particularly interested in the trail that takes you to the Aviary where they have Owls, Eagles and a turtle pen. We grabbed some information on the importance of native species in Maryland and how to support native plants at home then hit the trails.
The kids with varying levels of excitement ran ahead, past the little houses and sculptures they’ve unfortunately outgrown.
The trails were maintained; mostly compacted dirt and a few roots, no steep hills or run offs like other trails we’ve visited. Adkins spans 400 acres and includes five miles of walking paths through diverse habitats—old fields, wetland zones, pine and hardwood forest, and meadows—showcasing over 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, grasses and ferns. The trails and plants are
marked with signage, so it was easy to just enjoy the pace without thinking you're getting lost.
Honestly I’m embarrassed it took us so long to visit. There are guided walks, classes and art exhibits which I’m regularly checking their website for. You can follow them on social media too!
It was a wonderful experience, I truly love their mission and passion for our native conservation and can’t wait to go back.
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