the for-mar arboretum was established in 1968 and opened to the public in 1970. the facility is named after the conveyors of the property forbes and martha merkley; forbes-martha. the site was originally a dairy farm prior to its donation to the newly formed genesee county parks system in 1966. the 116 acre arboretum sits adjacent to a 267 acre nature preserve. it was martha's passion for gardening and the merkley's dedication to the community that prompted the establishment of the arboretum. since its establishment the for-mar arboretum has been dedicated to providing quality educational and recreational opportunities to the community. the arboretum houses many display gardens and several woody collections. collections include a flowering crabapple collection, maple collection, conifer collection and a native species collection. the gardens at for-mar include a native woodland garden, butterfly garden, rain garden, ornamental grass garden, a newly established butterfly house and hoop house as well as free community vegetable gardens. for-mar's dedication to the community also includes its truck farm. a mobile garden that is taken to schools and community events across the county and is a main component of our outreach efforts. for-mar is open 7 days of the week from 8 am until sunset, and the visitor center is open 8 am to 5pm seven days of the week.
