The Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum

I was assigned many tasks to help the progress of the arboretum. Some of these included: compiling a plant and tree list so that we could begin to research nurseries and prices, updating various publications (such as the adopt a tree flyer), researching pathways and signs, and contacting several community members including representatives from FP&L (for mulch) and Meadow Beauty and BeGreen (local native plant nurseries). Additionally, it was a personal goal of mine to promote the arboretum to the students and faculty on campus. I wanted them to be aware of the green space out there, and know that it’s open and ready for use, but also that there are big plans in store for the entire space. There are also many opportunities for the students to get service hours for maintaining and keeping up the arboretum, as well as a wealth of mental and emotional health benefits. Finally, there are a lot of educational opportunities to be offered by the arboretum in terms of natural Florida ecosystems through appropriate signage.

The progress of the arboretum, as well as use by members of our campus community, is truly the indicator for success in this project. As a result of the hard work of the many people involved in this big group project, the arboretum is now quickly moving along in its stages. The irrigation system will be going in soon, and that means that planting can begin as early as January. Also, students are already beginning to take increased interest in the arboretum; for example, a new club on campus called the Hotteas recently held a very successful tea party in the gazebo of the butterfly garden, where several faculty and staff members were in attendance. The arboretum will be a great educational tool one day, and it’s on the path to that day now.