Usage policies

Visitor guidelines

To ensure a safe, welcoming experience for everyone — and to protect the Arboretum’s living collections — we ask that all visitors follow the guidelines below. Thank you for helping us preserve the Arboretum’s beauty and serenity for all.

  • No pets are allowed at any time.
  • Do not drink or touch water from the sprinklers. It’s reclaimed water used for irrigation.
  • Bicycles and jogging are welcome, but please stay on established roads and trails.

Prohibited activities

  • Fires or open flames
  • Athletic games and organized sports
  • Slack-lining or hammocking
  • Winter sports (such as sledding or skiing)
  • Fishing, hunting, swimming or wading

Planting and Collections Policy

All planting and removal of plants is guided by the Arboretum’s Collections Policy, which helps ensure the scientific and horticultural integrity of the space.

View the Arboretum's Collections Policy (PDF)

Weddings and private events

At this time, weddings are not permitted in the Arboretum and Botanical Garden or the Shattuck Arboretum. However, a few campus locations nearby — including the Administration Lawn and Shattuck Amphitheater — are available to rent for weddings and events. These locations have associated fees.

Learn more about reserving campus venues

Education use and research

The Arboretum welcomes academic use and field-based learning. Instructors and students are encouraged to use the space for class projects and research. Past student studies have explored:

  • Water chemistry
  • Bird surveys and insect collections
  • Plant hardiness and flowering timelines
  • Landscape design
  • Tree inventories and comparisons to historical records

If your class or research group is conducting a study, we’d love to hear about it. Please contact Arboretum staff to share findings or discuss your project:

University of Idaho Moscow campus seasonal campus photos in the fall.