Plan Your Arboretum Visit
Conditions of Use & Rules of Conduct
Visitors must follow city, state and federal laws, as well as Arboretum rules. Encouraging safe, responsible behavior is everyone’s business. Report non-emergency situations to police at (904) 630-0500. Report emergencies and immediate safety threats to 911.
We are not a city park. The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is privately managed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Visitors who do not comply with these rules will be asked to leave.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome – leash laws enforced & please clean up after your pet.Rules of Conduct
NOTE: Anyone found in violation of these rules is subject to removal from property. We will prosecute for trespassing, vandalism and destruction of property, in cooperation with JSO, to the fullest extent. Please do your part in assuring the Arboretum stays a beautiful place for everyone to visit.
- Respect other visitors and our facilities. Do not act in a manner that creates a nuisance for other visitors. This includes the use of abusive or foul language, playing of loud music, defacing trails, bridges, or other features.
- Treat our plants and wildlife with caution and respect. Do not introduce, remove or harm any animals, plants, plant parts, or artifacts.
- Do not litter. This includes cigarette butts and pet waste. When you leave, please leave no trace of your visit.
- Visitors and dogs must stay on designated trails and out of water bodies.
- No bicycles, scooters, or other vehicles except those used by visitors with mobility impairments are permitted on our trails. Bicycle racks are provided.
- No smoking, fires, or fireworks. Use of our fire pit is not allowed except during special events approved by management.
- Shirts, shoes, and attire appropriate for the woods and natural areas are required.
- Fishing is not permitted.
- Do not feed fish, birds, gopher tortoises, alligators or any other wildlife.
- Do not touch or attempt to lure animals closer to humans for any reason. If an animal appears to be injured or in danger, contact info@jacksonvillearboretum.org or call the Arboretum phone at 904-318-4342.
- Dogs must be kept on leashes that do not exceed 8 feet (City Ordinance 462.102). Dogs are not allowed within the gated areas of the Rosemary Scrub Vista. Visitors must clean up after their pets.
- The Arboretum is not an area suitable for unaccompanied minors. For their safety, persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (at a rate of one adult per three minors) at all times.
- Private parties, events, weddings, and organized social functions are not allowed without prior approval and may require a site rental contract. For more information, visit our site rentals page here. (hyperlink https://jacksonvillearboretum.org/rentals/)
- Professional photography sessions are not allowed without a permit. No props can be used for personal or professional photography. No area of the Arboretum can be blocked to other visitors for photographic purposes. For more information, visit our photography permit page.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
To preserve the natural environment of the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the following are prohibited:
- Smoking, chewable tobacco, vaping, and any illegal substances
- Firearms and weapons of any kind, including items that look like weapons
- Balloons, confetti, powder cannons, or any items that create debris
- Sports equipment, including footballs, baseballs, soccer balls and Frisbees
- Bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, Segways, remote controlled vehicles and drones
- Cigarettes, e-cigs, cigars, cooking fires, grills and other flammable or incendiary devices.
- Portable music players without headphones and musical instruments
- Rice, birdseed and flower petals
For more information or additional questions, please contact us at info@jacksonvillearboretum.org.