LSU Hilltop Arboretum

LSU Hilltop Arboretum The mission of LSU Hilltop Arboretum is to provide a sanctuary where students and visitors can learn Friends of Hilltop Arboretum, Inc.

In 1981, because of his love of the natural world and his belief in education, Mr. Emory Smith donated his Hilltop property to Louisiana State University. It was placed under the management of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture with the intent that it remain a model of the natural landscape and continue its use as an outdoor classroom. Native plant enthusiasts; students from LSU and Southern University; public, private, and parochial schools; and the greater Baton Rouge community continue to use the Arboretum as an extension of the classroom to learn about natural systems, plants, and landscape design. However, rest assured each visitor will find not only a place of learning, but also a quite place far removed from the pressures of life ... a place of solace, comfort, and contemplation. is an independent, non-profit organization that works in partnership with LSU to preserve, protect, and enhance this natural wonder to ensure it forever benefits the Greater Baton Rouge Community. Established in 1982 with thoughtful guidance from Emory Smith, its office was located on site in 1991. Realizing the positive impact Hilltop has on education, Friends of Hilltop made the commitment to build a facility to accommodate programming in its outdoor classroom. The building design was created by Ted Flato, a vernacular architect with nationally recognized firm of Lake/Flato Architects of San Antonio, Texas. The building respects the natural landscape, is enviornmentally sensitive, and recognizes the legacy of the founder Emory Smith and the unique history of the area.

PlantFest! 2026 RECAP!!!! Thank you to everyone who came out! Our Spring Fling will be April 10-11, 2027!
10/15/2026

PlantFest! 2026 RECAP!!!! Thank you to everyone who came out!

Our Spring Fling will be April 10-11, 2027!

🍯 Sweet news! Hilltop Honey is here! 🐝Our $15 bottles of honey will be available TOMORROW 10/10 during our PlantFest! 🍯✨...
10/09/2026

🍯 Sweet news! Hilltop Honey is here! 🐝

Our $15 bottles of honey will be available TOMORROW 10/10 during our PlantFest! 🍯✨ These limited-quantity bottles are made from honey produced by our very own bees right here on Hilltop Arboretum’s property!

Through our partnership with the Capital Area Beekeepers Association (CABA), Louisiana’s largest local beekeeping community, we care for five on-site beehives while supporting pollinators and educating our community about sustainable beekeeping.

🐝 Only $15 a bottle — and quantities are limited! These are sure to go fast, so stop by tomorrow to get yours while supplies last! 💛

10/08/2026

Things to do this weekend in Baton Rouge 🌱🎻:
🔶Friday, Oct. 9: Enjoy a night of classical music at Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra's “Bachtoberfest”
🔶Saturday, Oct. 10: Attend the Cat Tails & Cocktails fundraiser benefiting Cat Haven
🔶Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11: Shop for new garden additions at LSU Hilltop Arboretum’s PlantFest!

There’s still time to join us for our Flower Pressing Workshop! 🌸🌿Whether you’re new to flower pressing or already love ...
10/08/2026

There’s still time to join us for our Flower Pressing Workshop! 🌸🌿

Whether you’re new to flower pressing or already love collecting little pieces of nature, we’d love to have you with us!

Only a few spots are left, so be sure to register soon!

Registration: https://lsu.edu/hilltop/programs/adult/art_wellness.php

Today was lovely! Join us this weekend for more!
10/08/2026

Today was lovely! Join us this weekend for more!

BATON ROUGE —The annual Plant Fest at LSU's Hilltop Arboretum opened Wednesday for members-only sale, with the public invited to visit Saturday.

🌿 Thank you to LSU Reveille for helping spread the word about Hilltop’s PlantFest! Our members-only sale begins tomorrow...
10/07/2026

🌿 Thank you to LSU Reveille for helping spread the word about Hilltop’s PlantFest!

Our members-only sale begins tomorrow, October 7, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Public sale hours are Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday, October 11, from noon–4 p.m.

Make plans to join us! 🌱

LSU Hilltop Arboretum plans the PlantFest! Fundraiser in memory of the arboretum's creator.

https://lsureveille.com/290131/entertainment/lsu-hilltop-arboretum-plant-sale-fundraiser/

09/29/2026
🌿 Get a sneak peek at the Hodge Podge Nursery and enter to win a featured plant! Join us one week from today for our Pla...
09/27/2026

🌿 Get a sneak peek at the Hodge Podge Nursery and enter to win a featured plant! Join us one week from today for our PlantFest! Teaser.

Longtime Hilltop volunteer and lifelong plantsman Bob Dillemuth will share stories, photographs, and favorite plants for Louisiana gardens in celebration of Hilltop founder Emory Smith’s legacy. Bob’s father was a close friend of Emory, and Bob has grown and admired many of the plants that shaped Hilltop’s early landscape.

📅 Sunday, October 4 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
🎟️ $20 Friends of Hilltop members and students | $25 non-members

Save your spot! Click link in bio or visit below to register:
https://lsu.edu/hilltop/events/plantfest/teaser.php

We’re grateful for our partnership with First Tuesday and for the volunteers who show up each month to help care for Hil...
09/25/2026

We’re grateful for our partnership with First Tuesday and for the volunteers who show up each month to help care for Hilltop. Your time and hard work make a real difference across the arboretum. 🌿

It’s about the people who show up. 💜

The ones who give a few hours of their day because they know those hours can mean something to someone else. The ones who say yes — to helping, to serving, to being part of something bigger than themselves.

Every volunteer who shows up becomes part of the impact we’re making together. And we’d love for you to be one of those people.

Join us for First Tuesday on October 6 and sign up to volunteer today: https://app.servingforward.org/volunteer-signup
[First Tuesday • Community Impact • Volunteer Leadership • Baton Rouge • Community Service • Giving Back • Volunteerism]

Address

11855 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA
70810

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 8pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 8pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 8pm
Saturday 6am - 8pm
Sunday 6am - 8pm

Telephone

(225) 767-6916

Website

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