Other Education

 Visitor Center

The Arboretum's Visitor Center has provided learning experiences for visitors since 1985. Open from April through October on weekends, the VC features native amphibian and reptile terraria, microscopes for exploring tiny seeds and bugs or looking up-close at feathers and snakeskins, "touch me" exhibits, reference books, and a working viewable bee hive. Working in the Visitor Center offers volunteers a chance to interact with the public, explore nature with children, and learn new things about the Arboretum.

 Interpretive Signs

In 2001, the Arboretum installed its first interpretive sign overlooking the Great Meadow to educate visitors about oak savanna habitats. The sign discusses the importance of this habitat for native peoples, and how the area is being managed to conserve this vanishing ecosystem type. More interpretive signs are planned for each major plant community found in the Arboretum.

Self Guided Nature Trails

For independent learners, the Arboretum offers two brochures that hikers can use on a self-guided tour of the trails. The "Children's Guide to the Nature Trail" leads users along a one-mile long nature trail with numbered stations to follow along with. "Exploring the Forest" is a brochure for all ages that offers ecological information for a variety of habitats and along several different trails. Both brochures are available at the entrance kiosk, Visitor Center, Office, or in printable form here.



Other arboretum collections that are educational in nature and available to the public include: (1) A collection of framed, scientifically accurate watercolor paintings of native Willamette Valley plants by the late artist Frances Cushing Hall. These are hung in the administrative offices. (2) A collection of approximately 700 slides of Arboretum plants, animals and ecological features. (3) A library containing hundreds of natural history and gardening books. Contact Fran Rosenthal, Education Manager, to find out about these latter two collections.