Located in the southwest area of the arboretum, the
site of the Environmental Preserve was formerly used for composting and materials storage. Through a land restoration project, it is now home to an ecologically diverse garden of plants native to our region and designed to educate the public on the importance of biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems.
Central to the area is the Upper Pond, encircled by a woodchip trail and featuring an aerating fountain that helps maintain water quality. A work in progress, the preserve already boasts an expansive variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants that provide shelter and nourishment for birds, pollinators, and insects. From a young redwood and a stand of sweetbay magnolias to a line of American elms, red twig dogwood, hollies, and more, the preserve offers a safe haven and sustenance for all fauna to thrive.
Under construction is a learning circle—a seating area made from the remnants of a fallen tree. It’s recycling at its finest, providing an outdoor “classroom” for students to understand the interdependency of plants, wildlife, and the ecosystems they share.
