Welcome to the first posting on the Olentangy Urban Arboretum Blog. We are very excited to begin planting native trees in Clintonville tree-lawns. Although it might not feel like it outside with all the ice, snow and cold temperatures, spring is just around the corner. Once this project takes root, we envision an arboretum where spring brings leafy green buds, and beautiful dogwoods and redbud trees in bloom, with people strolling along the streets, enjoying it all.
Some steps towards making the arboretum a reality are already underway. We are in the process of transferring some of the grant funding from the Columbus Foundation to OSU’s Horticulture & Crop Science nursery. These funds will be used to buy larger specimens of certain slow-growing trees that were identified as being part of the original tree-scape. These trees, grown in pots to a sufficient size so that they can be planted in the tree-lawns in a few years, will include hickories, buckeyes, and dogwoods. Additionally, both the city of Columbus and OSU Horticulture & Crop Science are gearing up to plant a total of 200 native trees this fall.
Planting native trees is only part of the work that will be taking place in the Arboretum. Earth Day will present an opportunity for members of our community to volunteer to improve our local green-space. We will be working in Glen Echo Ravine on April 16th & 17th, 2011 to remove non-native species. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know and we will add your name to our list of volunteers.
Lower Olentangy Urban Arboretum 