Van der Brohe Arboretum inculcates a vibrant bond between trees, nature, art, and people.
The Van der Brohe Arboretum (VDBA) is engaged in the conversion of a former 65-acre golf course into an ecological center focused on providing an environment for the cultivation and display of the variety of tree types and species which will be suitable for the location in Two Rivers, WI. The trees will be displayed in meadows, and in migratory bird food plots, providing a rich diversity of value to the avian communities. The grounds will ultimately provide an expository narrative of the value of trees to the earth, the climate, the biota of the region, and of course, to human interests. The nature of the arboretum grounds will lend itself to secondary uses such as an art park, passive recreation, birding, meditation, and relaxation.
Our Mission
Van der Brohe Arboretum inculcates a vibrant bond between trees, nature, art, and people. It is a place where contemplation and discovery are fostered. Committed to the support of sylviculture, migratory stopover, stewardship of the landscape, artistic expression, and education, Van der Brohe Arboretum intimately links visitors with the natural environment through the grounds, exhibitions, and programming.
Trees
As a nascent enterprise involving the growing of trees, much of the fulfillment of the arboretum’s interests will be in the future. The act of creating a forested area in the age of climate fluctuation will allow the discourse on planting to engage the creators in the investigation of potentially non-traditional approaches to afforestation. Further, as a “tree museum”, the nature of the plantings will investigate the full range of plantings which will survive in this zone, increasing the bio-diversity of plantings beyond the native species which are characteristic of the area.
Birds
Trees and birds are naturally complementary. The VDBA will utilize the understory and open-lands plantings to greatly augment the available sustenance for migratory birds. Viburnum hedges and fruit bearing shrubs and trees will fill out areas of the planting scheme to insure that both resident and migratory birds find the grounds to be a healthful and re-invigorating migratory stopover. Open meadows will be planted to maximize cover and seed generation.
Art
One of the best ways to make manifest a condition and to clarify an experience is to re-present experience in a contrived setting. Thus the lessons to be learned from the natural ecologies inherent in an arboretum are to be configured as artistic installations. While there may be some room for permanent installations, the grounds will be laid out with openings and settings (nodes) designated for temporary displays. Juried exhibitions will be placed for public viewing, and when appropriate, removed.
Education
The Arboretum will offer, through the development of the plantings, many opportunities for learning. VDBA will encourage the use of the grounds by school groups of all ages through visitation and programs.