Growing in every way

By Kristen Hoverman
The Collegian

Deep in the armpit of the Central Valley, there is a 327-acre arboretum containing thousands of trees, bushes and flowers.

Hundreds of species of trees canopy over walkways and gardens on a college campus sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Though this may seem like a folktale, Fresno State is host to more than 500 species of trees, with more than 4,000 trees on campus.

“It was officially designated as an arboretum in 1978,” said Chuck Garcia, interim grounds manager at Fresno State. “This is a prestigious honor. We have thousands of trees on campus and a huge collection of plants.”

Among the varieties of trees are palm trees of different varieties, Japanese Maples, Red Buds, Red Woods and Giant Sequoias. Special plant collections include Rotary’s Sneezeless Garden, Allen Lew Memorial Grove, the Rose Garden and the Library Magnolia Collection, said Department Administrative Assistant and a board member of the Friends of the Arboretum, Lynn Traber. Sculpture that can be seen around campus is also included in the collection.

Friends of the Arboretum is a non-profit community group that raises money for the maintenance of the Arboretum, raises community interest and participates in the planning of programs and services, Traber said.

“It started as a committee, set up to establish a botanical garden here,” Traber said. “They had to go through the chancellor’s office for permission. “The chancellor nixed the idea of the botanical garden so they looked for another way to beautify the campus,” Traber said.

Traber has volunteered for the Friends of the Arboretum for more than two years. “We have a membership of about 250 people,” Traber said. “We’re always looking for new members.”

“Students can join for $10.”

More than 100 trees are a part of three available tree walks on campus.

“The campus is divided into thirds and each tree on the walk has a plaque with its number and botanical name,” Garcia said.

Students can arrange for free guided tours by calling Plant Operations or students can pick up free guides for the walks. The tours are available year round so that people can experience the four seasons at the Fresno State Arboretum.

The park-like setting of Fresno State is constantly being maintained, replanted and improved by Plant Operations.

“The Arboretum is basically the whole campus,” Garcia said. “Our work is never finished.”

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