Mission Statement
The establishment of an Arboretum on the James Madison University campus is based on the philosophical viewpoint that an appreciation of nature is part of intellectual development. In an increasingly urbanized society, natural environmental areas must be provided where different segments of the public have places to meet together to discuss their common interests. Since an environment is common to all forms of life, and the quality of that environment is contingent upon the interactions of people, it follows that a natural Arboretum, emphasizing native plant species of the mid-Appalachian region would be a desirable and productive facility. Development of some limited gardens with cultivated varieties would be an asset and serve horticulturists. The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum serves as an excellent example of how public open space can make a significant contribution to the quality of life in a suburban environment.

An arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes. This arboretum provides an ideal combination of botanical gardens and natural forest, each complementing the other and serving the purpose of research, teaching and demonstration. The complex serves as an outdoor biology laboratory as well as an environmental center for this region.