Last week we had our first big meeting about the Arboretum, setting out a plan for what we want to accomplish. I think everyone left feeling that we were well on our way to making the Arboretum the place to see (and live in!) in Columbus!
Much of what we talked about were administration details and thoughts on where the Arboretum should go in the future.
Recent activities include:
- Transferring money to Ohio State University so that Dan Struve could purchase trees
- Design work on our brochure continues; this brochure will be handed out to each residence before any opt-out postcards are sent by the city of Columbus
- Researching possible tree markers for the large specimen trees in the public right-of-way, as part of a walking tour
- Meeting with the new city forester, Jim Gates, to review timing and actions discussed with the previous forester, who has since retired
For the future:
- The Arboretum will expand its reach to include conservation efforts. Some ideas discussed were brick streets, rain barrels, planted medians on Indianola and High, and flags and signs to delineate the area
- The Arboretum will host a meeting, most likely in late May, to allow residents the opportunity to brainstorm and create the ultimate wish list. It’s very important that our community become involved in this process from the very beginning
All in all, it was a very productive meeting, one that has laid the groundwork for the Arboretum. I am so excited to be a part of this legacy!
Lower Olentangy Urban Arboretum 