MiSA Perspectives: The Arboretum San Antonio, A Vision Rooted in Community and Ecology

San Antonio is defined by its landscapes—its river, creeks, and the unique mix of plant communities born at the crossroads of Texas ecoregions.  Now, with the creation of the Arboretum San Antonio, our community has the opportunity to celebrate, restore, and learn from these landscapes on a whole new level.

Located on the site of the former Republic Golf Course along the Salado Creek in southeast San Antonio, the Arboretum spans 200 acres of diverse green space.  Acquired in 2023, it is the first arboretum in San Antonio and South Texas, and the second-largest in Texas. What makes the site remarkable is its position at the crossroads of four Texas ecoregions—Edwards Plateau, Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savanna, and South Texas Plains—a unique setting that captures the incredible ecological diversity of our region. Heritage trees, Salado Creek frontage, a recycled water pond, and four miles of existing paved trails anchor the landscape, just minutes from downtown yet offering a sense of natural retreat.

As one of the local landscape architects at MP Studio, collaborating with SASAKI on the master plan, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the Arboretum is becoming more than just a destination. It’s a living, evolving vision grounded in research, stewardship, and community engagement.

From the very beginning, the planning process placed people at the center. Through pop-up events, open houses, and hands-on workshops, San Antonians helped shape the Arboretum by sharing their stories and aspirations. We introduced three design concepts to spark dialogue, inviting the community to tell us what resonated most. Those conversations guided the evolution of a plan that reflects both ecological priorities and local identity.

The Arboretum will serve as a research and education hub, where visitors can explore the impact of trees on air quality, climate resilience, and urban well-being. It will demonstrate how restoring native habitats and removing invasive species strengthens ecosystems—and teach why these efforts matter. Equally important, it will be a platform to advocate for trees, inspiring a culture of environmental awareness across generations.

“The Arboretum has the potential to transform how San Antonians see and experience their natural environment,” said Adriana Quiñones, recently appointed CEO of Arboretum San Antonio. “This is not just about preserving trees—it’s about creating a place where people can learn, gather, and become lifelong stewards of the land.”

Already, programs like the annual Bexar Branches Alliance-sponsored Tree.1 (Mile) Run, community Creek clean-ups, Latino Outdoors Youth journaling and stakeholder tours are activating the site and proving the Arboretum’s potential as a gathering place. These early events hint at the energy and civic pride the future Arboretum will foster.

Behind the vision is a remarkable coalition: environmentalists, arborists, educators, designers, and a passionate board, all committed to making the Arboretum a world-class example of what happens when design, ecology, and community come together.

“Our goal has always been to design a place that feels distinctly San Antonio,” noted Andrew Sell, Lead Planner at SASAKI. “By working hand-in-hand with local partners and listening closely to residents, we were able to craft a vision that celebrates both ecological restoration and community connection.”

Looking ahead, the Arboretum will embark on a four-phase development plan, with groundbreaking and public accessibility anticipated by 2028. By focusing on the existing canopy, adding new tree collections, minimizing development, and restoring habitat, the Arboretum San Antonio will become a haven for nature and discovery—and a landmark destination that positions San Antonio as a leader in ecological stewardship.

Learn more about the master plan here.

Cecilia Garcia-Hours, PLA is a Landscape Architect, Principal, and Studio Leader at MP Studio. She is also a member of the 2025 M!SA Advisory Panel and is a contributing writer for Modern in San Antonio.