Homewood's Ravisloe Country Club Achieves Status As Arboretum

HOMEWOOD, IL — Ravisloe Country Club made history in October by becoming the world’s first golf course arboretum, the Village announced Thursday.

Ravisloe leadership worked with Morton Arboretum to finalize the details of the status for several weeks, the Village said in a release. Ravisloe qualified for level 1 arboretum by having a minimum of 50 species of trees lining their course and property. Currently, the property boasts nearly 3,000 trees of over 100 varieties; the trees are identified, tagged and should peak in color.

“I was able to find a 1980 tree study of our existing 2,200 trees. We added tags and identification for an additional 600 trees since Dr. Claude Gendreau purchased the course. This information was submitted to Arbnet and it took only three weeks to register and certify as an official arboretum,” said General Manager Bob Carpenter. “It is incredible to think we are the first arboretum golf course in the world!”

Ravisole Country Club is hosting an open house on Monday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ravisloe will plant an additional 50 new trees with the option to be dedicated to a loved one, family member, pet or organization. The $100 donation for a dedicated tree goes to the Homewood Science Center and includes a small plaque denoting the honored individual, family, pet or company. Tours are also available for the 102-year-old historic landmark building.

“What a wonderful honor for Ravisloe Country Club, the Homewood community and all future visitors to relish in the beauty and history of Ravisloe,” said Mayor Rich Hofeld.

Ravisloe Country Club is located at 18231 Park Ave. in Homewood, Illinois.