History

Dr. John W. Abbuhl, a local pediatrician and our founder, began planting trees around his home to create an attractive setting in 1966. His affinity for the land, interest in horticulture, and love of trees combined to inspire the creation of Pine Hollow.  Dr. Abbuhl's vision of “trees in a natural environment” established the arboretum as a unique entity within the community of nationally accredited arboreta.

Pine Hollow Arboretum was granted non-profit status in 2007 and became permanently chartered by the New York State Education Department in 2012. In 2013, the Arboretum was awarded Level I Accreditation, through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, administered by the Morton Arboretum in cooperation with the American Public Gardens Association and the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

In September of 2018, the Pine Hollow's headquarters and the entrance moved to the birthplace of the arboretum, our late founder’s residence located at 34 Pine Hollow Road.  

In October 2020, Pine Hollow Arboretum was granted a Conservation Easement through the Town of Bethlehem’s easement program, which will keep the arboretum as green space for perpetuity.

In 2022, the Pine Hollow Arboretum was awarded Level II Accreditation, through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. In 2026, the Pine Hollow Arboretum sponsored and was awarded Historic District Designation at the State Level for Pine Hollow Historic District, which includes the three Henry Blatner Homes on the road under the criterion of architecture. 

We are currently taking the necessary steps to create a wonderful space for both Arboretum and community activities. We appreciate your patience, encouragement, and support during this time of great change.