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History
The Cox Arboretum Foundation was created over 50 years ago by a small group of community activists who were passionate about preserving the Dayton area's undeveloped land. Once a barren farm, the Arboretum's 174 acres now gleam as one of the region's most beautiful natural jewels, welcoming more than 650,000 visitors per year.
Since its inception in 1963, The James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation has strived to provide an “living museum” for the Dayton community where people of all ages can come to learn about and engage with nature. The Foundation provides financial support to Cox Arboretum MetroPark in a unique public-private partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks.
Milestones
Early 1960s
Early 1960s
Early 1960s
A movement to "save open spaces" in the Dayton area gains momentum and catches the attention of Jean Mahoney, Jean Woodhull and others who are eager to take up the cause.
1962
Early 1960s
Early 1960s
Jean Mahoney presents a plan to James M. Cox, Jr. to establish an arboretum on the site of his 169-acre farm.
1963
Early 1960s
1963
The James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation becomes a legally recognized non-profit organization. Jean Mahoney is elected president of the Foundation Board of Trustees.
1965
1965
1963
The Cox Arboretum Associates, a group of volunteers, are formed to raise funds for the Arboretum.
1967
1965
1967
Cox Arboretum hires its first director, Dave Stoller.
1972
1965
1967
Cox Arboretum becomes part of the Montgomery County Park District (now Five Rivers MetroParks). The Cox Arboretum Foundation serves as a supporting organization of the Arboretum.
1979
1979
1979
A new visitor center and greenhouse opens to the public.
1980
1979
1979
Jean Woodhull recruits Marvin Olinsky from the New York Botanical Gardens to become Director of Cox Arboretum. Marvin is later named Director of the Montgomery County Park District (now Five Rivers MetroParks).
1994
1979
1994
The Arboretum’s new Water Garden is dedicated and nicknamed the “Jean pool” in honor of founders Jean Mahoney and Jean Woodhull.
2001
2001
1994
Children’s Maze dedicated.
2002
2001
2002
Founders Society established, a group of high-impact donors who support the Arboretum’s long-term Master Plan.
2003
2001
2002
The Zorniger Education Center—30,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility—opens to the public.
2004
2004
2004
Internationally acclaimed landscape architect Francois Goffinet hired to create a Master Plan for the Arboretum grounds.
2009
2004
2004
The Maimon Memorial Garden is dedicated.
2010
2004
2010
Iris Garden dedicated.
2012
2012
2010
The Margaret Hong Peony Memorial Garden is planted and the Tree Tower opens to the public.
2013
2012
2013
Happy 50th Anniversary Cox Arboretum!
2014
2012
2013
New Arbor installed.
2015
2015
2015
Niehaus Lilac and Magnolia Collection officially established.
2016
2015
2015
The Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture opens to the public, in May.
2016
2015
2016
Half a mile ADA accessible permeable paver Loop Path completed and ADA Monet bridge installed.
2018
2018
2016
New Allée planted.
2019
2018
2019
Rebuilding of the Meditation/Reflection Pond retaining wall.
2020
2018
2019
Terrace Pavers
2021
2021
2021
Decoding Nature
2023
2021
2021
Celebrated 60 years
2023
2021
2023
Nature play installed