Arboretum

The Carleen Bright Arboretum extends over 16 acres that are home to lovely botanical gardens. Included is The Pavilion Event Center at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, a private event rental space with floor to ceiling accordion windows that sits overlooking the beautiful grounds. The original white chapel located at the entrance, is the Whitehall Tourist & Community Center. It welcomes and entertains local residence and guests as they discover all that Woodway offers. The Carleen Bright Arboretum, known as the “Jewel of Woodway” boasts a certified Monarch Way-station, a koi pond, fountains, meditation garden, the Todd Willis Nature Trail that winds through native woodlands suitable for all explorers and much more. The Carleen Bright Arboretum is the perfect setting for weddings, picnics, and adventure. Come enjoy one of the many city hosted events here at the property!

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Grounds

Massey Meditation Grove

The Massey Meditation Grove is dedicated in memory of Rondal and Mildred Massey, who were both lifelong residents of Waco. Dedicated by their children, they hope “people will come here and unplug from their devices and reconnect with their own thoughts, perhaps with a higher power, with their aspirations, and that they’ll have a truly spiritual communion with nature right here in The Carleen Bright Arboretum.” The grove features Mexican maple trees, pecan trees, and live oaks.

Hike & Bike Trails

The Todd Willis Nature Trail winds through native woodlands, suitable for explorers, young and old alike. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to the teahouse, where they can enjoy gorgeous views of the active creek below, from the comfort of a wooden gazebo compliments of a Woodway Boy Scout.

Gardens

The Carleen Bright Arboretum is home to two demonstration gardens, an award winning cactus garden, an impressive herb garden and gorgeous roses. Additionally, the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M provides plants and programming and monitors a test plot the property, developing research for the common Rose Rosetta Disease that has plagued the area.

Whitehall Tourist & Community Center

The Whitehall Tourist & Community Center is a replica of the first church that serviced the Woodway Area. It is nestled between lovely, maintained gardens and accented by a pond of lilies and koi. Stop by and pick up a map of the beautiful Carleen Bright Arboretum or some great Woodway merchandise!

Monarch Butterfly Waystation

The Carleen Bright Arboretum is a certified waystation for monarch butterflies, providing milkweeds, nectar sources, and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America. All of this serves to create, conserve, and protect the habitat for monarch butterflies. Come check out the butterflies!

Programs

Arboretum Explorers

Hosted on The Carleen Bright Arboretum grounds, the Arboretum Explorers program seeks to connect children and youth with nature, inspiring and engaging them outdoors. The goal is to help provide a future in which all kids spend time outside each day, creating a generation of happier, healthier children with more awareness and connection to the natural world and their impactful place in it.