Planting Fields Arboretum hiking , Long Island, New York, United States

Why hike at Planting Fields Arboretum ?

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, which includes the Coe Hall Historic House Museum, is an arboretum and state park covering over 400 acres (160 ha) located in the village of Upper Brookville in the town of Oyster Bay, New York. Near the end of America's Gilded Age, the estate named Planting Fields was the home of William Robertson Coe, an insurance and railroad executive, and his wife Mary "Mai" Huttleston (née Rogers) Coe, the youngest daughter of millionaire industrialist Henry H. Rogers, who had been a principal of Standard Oil. It includes the 67-room Coe Hall, greenhouses, gardens, woodland paths, and outstanding plant collections. Its grounds were designed by Guy Lowell, A. R. Sargent, the Olmsted Brothers, and others. Planting Fields also features an herbarium of over 10,000 pressed specimens. The name "Planting Fields" comes from the Matinecock Indians who cultivated the rich soil in the clearings high above Long Island Sound. The estate's architectural grandeur is further enhanced by its Tudor Revival style, a design choice made by architects Walker & Gillette. This style is prominently featured in structures like the Camellia House. The Planting Fields Foundation plays a crucial role in preserving this historic site. The foundation ensures that visitors can enjoy both natural beauty and historical architecture. Robert Winthrop Chanler's artistic contributions to Coe Hall add another layer of cultural significance to this location. James Byrne from Brooklyn was instrumental in developing parts of this estate alongside other notable figures such as Mai Rogers Coe herself. Her influence is evident throughout the property as she worked tirelessly to maintain its splendor. Visitors can explore various themed gardens that reflect influences from England and Massachusetts, offering a diverse botanical experience. Nassau County proudly hosts this gem where history meets horticulture.

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