3-7-03
PENN STATE BEHREND BECOMES ARBORETUM
Long recognized by area environmentalists as a haven for some of the area's most interesting trees, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has gained membership in The American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. This formalizes the college's status as an arboretum and opens the way to developing public education, outreach, and research programs focusing on the college's extraordinary collection of native and exotic trees.
"Becoming an arboretum gives credibility to the conservation work that has been accomplished at Penn State Behrend for the past fifty-five years," said Dr. Thomas Wortman, special projects assistant to the dean. "We are delighted to be able to share the irreplaceable landscaping of this beautiful campus." Wortman is also leader of the college's ecological sustainability team.
Penn State Behrend was formerly the site of Ernst and Mary Behrend's Glenhill Farm. The Behrends lived on the farm from 1928 to 1948 and during those years added exotic trees from East Asia and elsewhere. Arthur Wescott Cowell of Penn State's Department of Landscape Architecture developed the landscape plan for the farm, and a full-time gardener cared for the vegetable, herb, and flower gardens.
Since 1948 the college's landscape crew has worked to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the campus. Mrs. Behrend's original gift of 400 acres has grown to 725 acres that include spectacular gorges, ravines, and trails. The Carrie T. Watson, Gospel Hill, Lawrence Park, Fairview, and Westminster Garden Clubs have donated trees to enhance the beauty of the campus. Dr. Edwin C. Masteller, professor emeritus of biology, and a student, Neil Tator, have ensured that trees from all fifty states are planted on the campus grounds, in academic buildings, or in the campus greenhouse.
Members of the Greener Behrend Task Force, which worked to gain arboretum status, include Wortman, Masteller, R. Thomas Guth, landscape supervisor, Dr. Paul Barney, assistant professor of biology, Dr. Zachary Irwin, associate professor of political science, Dr. Roger Knacke, director of the School of Science, Dr. Michael Campbell, associate professor of biology, Jane Ingold, assistant librarian, and Dr. Robert Light, associate dean.
The college plans a formal unveiling of the arboretum in April to coincide with Earth Day activities. The day will include a short program, tours of the grounds, and outreach to local schools.