The University of Virginia has a vision to be “great and good” – both as an institution of higher learning and as a force for good in the world. The recently named Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens on the Goodwin Family Grounds in Charlottesville pursues both goals with aplomb – often in bright colors.
Opening in April 2023, this expansive green space demonstrates Darden’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with the school’s mission to improve the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unprecedented transformative learning experiences. It also helped Darden rank No. 2 in carbon footprint. The Financial Times“Global Business School Rankings 2024, Top US School in Category.”
Designed by Waterstreet Studio, the arboretum and gardens offer a living library of 95 tree species and 105 shrub species among more than 8,250 trees and shrubs (and 114,385 plants in total). The biodiversity habitat spans 10.66 carefully designed acres that include an outdoor amphitheater and classroom, learning and event spaces for Darden students, alumni and others, themed gardens, water features and bridges, walking trails, and connections to the UVA School of Law and the popular Rivanna Trail.
“Come out, take a walk with a friend, have fun, talk, get in touch with nature. We believe this will create a community here at Darden.”
Dean Scott Beardsley
Get to know Visit the Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens in person or explore them online in incredible detail.
Photos by Melody Robbins.
About the University of Virginia Darden School of Business
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled, transformative learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs, offered through the Darden School Foundation, create the foundation for lifelong professional advancement and influence. Known for teaching excellence, Darden’s top-ranked faculty inspire and shape modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has campuses in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the greater Washington, DC area, and a global community of 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was founded in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a leading public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1819.
Press contact
Molly Mitchell
Associate Director for Content Marketing and Social Media
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
[email protected]