In addition to the activities facilitating the annual spring tree planting, the Arboretum has seen much activity this summer as various contractors have completed several keynote projects on the grounds. We remain so very appreciative of the donors and sponsors who have facilitated the realization of these truly iconic installations.
WEST PROPAGATION CENTER
The Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation, Inc., a magnanimous local philanthropy, elected to honor Van der Brohe Arboretum with a grant for construction of the West Propagation Center. This building will be the operational heart of the Arboretum. The extensive sheltered porch area allows volunteers and visiting groups to meet and organize activities. The extensive glazing creates a good environment for propagating and transplanting plant material. We will hold grafting classes in the building this spring. We will have several mobility carts arriving this year for the use of those who find our extensive trail network a bit too strenuous. These will be charged and stored in the building. The installation of utilities and final painting will complete the job when weather warms.
GEORGE E. & SUSAN E. SCHIERECK GRIMM COUNCIL CIRCLE
Mr. George Grimm has been a consistent supporter of the Arboretum’s activities. This year, he sponsored both the Council Circle and the Ivy Walls. The Council Circle is a traditional Midwestern landscape feature with a heritage based in Native American culture. The seating area is composed of locally-quarried Valders Limestone, with highlights of Bluestone making up the compass rose.
The angles of the solstice will be engraved on the floor. The central fire ring is to be used with propane. Those wishing to do so should contact the Arboretum Director or Coordinator. The paving stones making up the floor of the Council Circle are available for sponsorship. Several have already been sponsored, and we await a few more before having the engraver set up on site. Apologies to those waiting to see your sentiments etched in stone.
IVY WALLS
The four striking Ivy Walls stand in dramatic echelon on a slope in the Schweiger Prairie. As the prairie will remain free of trees, these “artificial trees” will be highly visible from almost all points of the Arboretum. Each wall has been planted with a different climbing ivy which will eventually cover the face, providing habitat and forage for a variety of bird species. The ivies include Boston, Englemann, Wild Grape, and very prolific clipping from an urban building in Tomah. The Arboretum is a threshold environment, celebrating the natural areas shared by both human and avian populations. The Ivy Walls exemplify this synthesis, exhibiting a constructed feature with great wildlife value.
PROPAGATION FIELD
Jim & Barbee Lester have been very generously facilitating the purchase and planting of the trees which comprise the core of the Arboretum. Approximately 500 large trees were planted this past year—most shipped from New York state. Additionally, over 250 small trees, mostly from Oregon, were planted in the Propagation Field. In this protected setting, trees will be nurtured until they reach a stature with a better expectation of survival. It is expected that a period of 5 years will be required for the trees to graduate. It has been demonstrated that impatience does not accelerate tree growth.