Growing, Maintaining, and Interpreting the Arboretum's Tree Canopy

Abstract The Arboretum’s mission is to showcase Kentucky landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research, and conservation. Our 100-acre public garden includes over 5 miles of walking paths and is open to the public 365 days per year from dawn to dusk. This proposal request funding to support the expansion of our tree canopy, maintenance of our specimen trees, and educational interpretation of trees and shrubs across The Arboretum. We propose the purchase of 130 nursery-grown trees of unique species that are not yet represented in our collection but that we expect to do well in our Kentucky soils and climate. We also propose the propagation of at least 200 Kentucky native trees and shrubs from wild-collected seed for planting on The Arboretum grounds and distribution to the public. In addition to the trees, we ask for funding for sta? and student internships to see that the trees are properly planted, maintained and to help with yearly maintenance of our existing tree canopy. Finally, we propose the design, manufacture, and installation of new plant interpretive labels across The Arboretum. Through this project, we hope to increase the diversity and resilience of The Arboretum’s tree canopy while expanding educational resources for university faculty, sta?, students, and arboretum visitors.