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.
Funded by Charles G. Duffy III (MBA ’87), the Duffy Leahy Japanese Garden reflects Japanese aesthetic and philosophical principles. It includes 17 species of Japanese maple trees and features a torii, an iconic arch that traditionally marks the entrance to Shinto shrines.
The Carl Mason Franklin Pedestrian Bridge – a gift from the Morris S. Smith Foundation under the direction of Sterling, Larry and Mei Kwong Franklin – is a visual centerpiece of the Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens for visitors to the Forum Hotel.
“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
The Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens feature 200 different species of trees and shrubs. In total, the nearly 27 acres of green space includes 114,385 plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, vines and bulbs, underscoring Darden’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
The Class of 1987 Amphitheater and Outdoor Classroom features tiered seating suitable for everything from lectures to concerts and was funded through the collective efforts of the class with a gift from Robert W. Smith (MBA ’87).
Inspired by the experience of viewing Chinese scroll paintings, the Chinese Garden invites visitors to wander slowly as symbolic garden elements such as the Moon Gate, the dry stream bed representing water (yin), and boulders representing mountains (yang) appear during their walk.
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.
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Molly Mitchell
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Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
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