History

John and Dorothy Knippenberg, former residents of the Pines Lake community, purchased the 30-plus acre botanical oasis now known as Laurelwood Arboretum in the 1930s. From 1961 Laurelwood was operated as a wholesale nursery specializing in rhododendrons and azaleas. Laurelwood and Dorothy Knippenberg became renowned in the horticultural world for their registered hybrids, many of which still grow in the Arboretum today.

After the death of John Knippenberg, the Arboretum became part of the Wayne Township Parks System. Since 2004, Laurelwood has been preserved by Friends of Laurelwood Aboretum and maintained with the assistance of Mrs. Knippenberg (who passed away in June of 2006), volunteers and the Township.