RiverWoods Arboretum on NPR: A Tree Grows in Exeter - RiverWoods Exeter Retirement Community

RiverWoods Arboretum, RiverWoods Retirement Community, Exeter NH — A Kentucky Coffeetree, one of the 49 (and counting) varieties of species on view at the RiverWoods Arboretum in Exeter. Credit Todd Bookman/NHPR

New Hampshire has no shortage of trees, no lack of leaves or roots. Still, it’s nice when all that bark gets some formal recognition.

Exeter is now officially home to the newest and largest arboretum in New Hampshire, a 49 species (and counting) oasis nestled among the tasteful homes of the RiverWoods Retirement Community.

Residents gathered for a ribbon cutting last week, complete with champagne, poetry and guided tours. Plenty of questions were asked, too, about the ground’s newest addition: a spindly Kentucky Coffeetree that residents were assured would soon produce lush leaves.