The 26-acre, world-class arboretum on the campus of Cal State Fullerton recently received a new name to more accurately align with its mission and focus.
The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton aims to support the academic mission of CSUF by serving as a living laboratory for Titans from across the university’s eight colleges. With a focus on education, research and conservation, the CSUF-owned arboretum provides unique opportunities for students and faculty in a one-of-a-kind setting.
“We work with all of the colleges here,” said Arboretum director Greg Dyment. “Whether that be engineering, the arts, natural sciences, you name the college, there are classes that meet out here.”
Formerly an orange grove at the north end of CSUF’s campus that had succumbed to disease and was originally slated to become a parking lot, the concept to convert the land into an arboretum originated in 1970 from Titan faculty and students. With the backing of fundraising and community support, the idea was brought to life when the Fullerton Arboretum opened in October 1979.
In December 2020, the Arboretum transitioned from its 40-year Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Fullerton to university governance as a fully integrated department within CSUF’s Extension and International Programs.
Today, Titan students can be seen on the Arboretum grounds in a variety of capacities, such as discovering methods to generate electricity through wind turbines, researching ways to divert and collect water during rain events or installing artwork exhibits for the public to view.
The Arboretum also hosts the Engaging Environmental Experiences (E3) Internship program, a pathway for CSUF students to receive hands-on opportunities to train in the areas of science, conservation and environmental education through real-world projects while under the mentorship of Arboretum staff members.
Springtime at the Arboretum showcases the beauty of the facility’s landscaping. (Courtesy of CSUF News Media Services)
“We take very seriously this place, this Arboretum, being the lab for all the colleges and all the students here at Cal State Fullerton,” said Dyment, who has been in the role of Arboretum director for more than 27 years.
In tandem with its academic mission, the Arboretum also serves the broader Southern California community where visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of the botanical garden but engage in programs that support environmental and conservation education, many of which are hosted by Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum, the nonprofit group that provides support through volunteers, education and events.
“When we look at the people who visit us on a daily basis and the people who are members, we get people from more than just Fullerton,” Dyment said. “We get people from all over Orange County and all over the greater metropolitan L.A. area. So with the name change, we’re looking to broaden our reach.”
Visitors can enjoy the unique plant life that makes the Arboretum such a special place, including native plant collections from locations such as the Channel Islands and the Galapagos Islands.
“Our collections that we have are tremendous,” Dyment said. “We have plants here that aren’t anywhere else, except in their native habitats. That speaks to the diversity that we have within our collection.”
Upcoming events
The Arboretum also hosts several community events throughout the year for locals to explore, shop and learn, including several springtime activities that are on the calendar in the coming months.
On April 18, the Garden Flea Market will be open from noon – 4 p.m. on the Orchard Lawn. This event is entirely planned and executed by CSUF students majoring in event planning and management and will feature food trucks, music and a variety of items for sale by student vendors.
For those looking to jump-start their spring vegetable garden, VeggiePalooza will be happening at the Arboretum on April 18-19 from noon – 4 p.m. and on April 20 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Guests can purchase a wide variety of vegetable seedlings, all grown in the Arboretum nursery. California native plants and other SoCal climate-friendly plants will be available for sale as well. Additionally, monthly plant sales this spring will be held on May 4 and June 1.
Art lovers can enjoy two different exhibits this spring. “Symbiosis” will run April 18 – May 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature 18 colorful and whimsical environmental art installations in the Arboretum’s Garden. And “Graphic & Interactive Design” exhibit, a thesis presentation by a CSUF Master of Fine Arts student, will be on display from April 29 – May 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Nature Center.
Now in its 45th year, the Arboretum’s new name not only reflects on its roots but points forward by providing alignment with the university and further championing CSUF’s mission of environmental research and education for all.
“Our dream is to have every student come through here,” Dyment said. “This is our place, and we hope that they’re all able to enjoy it. Come out here, learn out here, recreate out here and relax out here.”
For more information, visit fullertonarboretum.org.
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