By Mary Casey-Sturk
Whether you’re a student on a field trip or an adult seeking a beautiful place to relax, Rowe Arboretum has been a destination in Indian Hill for 100 years.
This nearly 10-acre site was founded by Stanley M. and Dorothy Rowe in 1926 as their personal estate garden and they were devoted to collecting botanical specimens from around the world.
Continuing that tradition, its mission carries on with displays of evergreens and plantings that inspire and educate. Owned by the Village of Indian Hill, it is a non-profit funded by members and visitors as well as an endowment. While admission is free, donations are welcome to keep the arboretum rooted in the community by providing funds for projects and upkeep.
Stanley Rowe, Sr. (1890-1987) was very active in charitable circles, politics, a Yale graduate and a well-known businessman. Born in Cincinnati on June 1, 1890, the son of Caspar, who was an orphan, and Fanny (Sarran) Rowe. In 1915, he married Dorothy Snowden, whom he had met in Weehapang, Rhode Island, and they raised their family locally.
His love of nature expanded beyond his gift to Indian Hill, he was also the driving force creating the Cincinnati Nature Center and was also on board of the National Audubon Society. Rowe led the charge to buy the what’s now the Cincinnati Nature Center property from the Krippendorf estate.
Indian Hill Living spoke with Jason L. Donovan, City Arborist and Rowe Arboretum Manager about the lasting impact of Rowe’s gift to Indian Hill.
IHL: How has the arboretum enriched the community these past 100 years?
Donovan shares, “the Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum has enriched the residents of the Village of Indian Hill and the Greater Cincinnati community for roughly a century by serving as more than a collection of trees, it has been a place where nature, education, conservation, recreation and community pride come together. This living legacy of plant specimens, established in 1926, gives visitors an opportunity to see rare, exceptional plants and experience Stanley Sr. and Dorothy’s passion for horticulture.”
IHL: What can people do on a visit?
“Guests can explore the grounds by utilizing a self-guided tour map listing several notable collections and points of interest located on the information kiosk near Arboretum center. Many visitors enjoy observing the many birds, wildlife, and insects that make the arboretum their home. The grounds provide opportunities for landscape and family photos.” Donovan adds, “program opportunities are provided throughout the season to members and include items like Guided Tours, Birds of Prey presentations, and Conifer grafting workshops.”
There are projects in the works at the arboretum, Donovan notes, “we are currently in process of renovating the Arboretum Center by adding needed updates including classroom space, public restrooms, additional parking spaces and a new maintenance building.”
IHL: How can the public help?
“The public can join the Arboretum’s growing membership base or if inclined donate towards the Arboretum’s endowment fund. The Arboretum operates solely off of funds generated by the endowment.” Donovan adds, “donations ensure the Arboretum’s mission “to provide a beautiful display of evergreens and companion planting in a setting that imparts an education about the plants and the history of the Arboretum” continues for the next 100 years”.
The arboretum is open year-round and welcomes visitors to enjoy this natural treasure.
Contact: (513) 561-5151
4600 Muchmore Road
Cincinnati, OH 45243
Operating hours:
Monday – Sunday
March – October: 7:00am – 7:30pm
October – March: 8:00am – 5:30pm
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