The arboretum grounds were once part of a larger plantation known as the Oak Grove Plantation.
It hosts an annual Camellia Show due to the high concentration and variety of camellias grown on-site.
The property includes a segment of an old stagecoach trail that historically connected regional communities.
The site acts as a certified wildlife habitat, providing food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise young.
The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48-acre botanical site serving as a 'classroom without walls' for local flora and environmental education. The property features a historic farmhouse dating back to the 18th century, representing early regional agricultural architecture. A network of woodland trails traverses mature hardwood forests and managed garden displays. Visitors can explore a dedicated camellia garden and diverse native tree species identified through botanical signage. The site functions as a public resource for horticulture study and passive outdoor recreation. Managed by the City of Chesapeake, it provides protected habitat for local bird and wildlife populations. The grounds are designed to showcase native plant life suitable for the Mid-Atlantic climate.
The wooden bridge spanning the pond provides a panoramic view of the arboretum's canopy and floral displays.
Bring insect repellent, as the woodland trails can have high mosquito activity during humid months.
Wear closed-toe walking shoes to navigate unpaved, potentially uneven forest floor terrain.
Check the official city website for scheduled volunteer garden days if you wish to assist with maintenance.
Do not wander off-trail into wooded areas during high tick season; avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain when trails become muddy.
Leashed pets are permitted; stay on marked trails to protect sensitive plant specimens.
