The James M Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation

(937) 277-4839

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    • About Us
      • History
      • Mission, Purpose, Vision
      • Board of Trustees
      • Publications
    • Your Impact
      • Master Plan
      • Accomplishments
      • Current Initiatives
      • OUTstanding Teachers
    • Contribute
      • Membership
      • Planned Giving
      • Memorial Donations
      • Tribute Gifts
      • Baldeosingh Tribute
      • Sponsorship
    • Facility Rentals
    • Visit/Learn
    • Contact Us
    • Seed Descriptions
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The James M Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation

(937) 277-4839

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • About Us
    • History
    • Mission, Purpose, Vision
    • Board of Trustees
    • Publications
  • Your Impact
    • Master Plan
    • Accomplishments
    • Current Initiatives
    • OUTstanding Teachers
  • Contribute
    • Membership
    • Planned Giving
    • Memorial Donations
    • Tribute Gifts
    • Baldeosingh Tribute
    • Sponsorship
  • Facility Rentals
  • Visit/Learn
  • Contact Us
  • Seed Descriptions

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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

  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

The Cox Arboretum Associates, a group of volunteers, are formed to raise funds for the Arboretum. 

1967

  Cox Arboretum hires its first director, Dave Stoller.

1972

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

A new visitor center and greenhouse opens to the public.

1980

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

  The Arboretum’s new Water Garden is dedicated and nicknamed the “Jean pool” in honor of founders Jean Mahoney and Jean Woodhull.

2001

  Children’s Maze dedicated.

2002

    Founders Society established, a group of high-impact donors who support the Arboretum’s long-term Master Plan.

2003

  The Zorniger Education Center—30,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility—opens to the public.

2004

  Internationally acclaimed landscape architect Francois Goffinet hired to create a Master Plan for the Arboretum grounds. 

2009

  The Maimon Memorial Garden is dedicated. 

2010

  Iris Garden dedicated.

2012

The Margaret Hong Peony Memorial Garden is planted and the Tree Tower opens to the public.

2013

    Happy 50th Anniversary Cox Arboretum!

2014

New Arbor installed. 

2015

      Niehaus Lilac and Magnolia Collection officially established. 

2016

    The Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture opens to the public, in May. 

2016

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

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