Pleasant Hills Arboretum

About Pleasant Hills Arboretum

Pleasant Hills Arboretum preserves sixteen acres of woodland and meadowland in Pleasant Hills where visitors walk among trees and shrubs cultivated for educational and scientific purposes. Many specimens are 200 to 250 years old and represent the kinds of trees that covered western Pennsylvania when the nation began. The arboretum includes a grove of virgin oak forest, meadowland for native plantings, and areas with wildflowers and shrubs. Visitors can experience the Pleasant Hills Story Hike, a seasonal trail through the meadow featuring pages from a picture book displayed at each frame, along with trivia and activity suggestions that combine early literacy learning with nature exploration. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year, allowing families with young children and visitors of all ages to walk the trails and observe the changing seasons. Founded in 1950 by A.W. Robertson, the arboretum was called a "Living Museum" by Carnegie Museum scientists in 1954.