Arboretum

If you are looking for an informative and interesting way of spending a few hours outside, why not visit CNC's Howard L. Garrett Arboretum of Michigan Trees and Shrubs? Some of the trees in this 30-year-old arboretum are now sixty-feet in height, with trunk diameters of 18 inches!  Trees are organized into two types of plantings in the arboretum: specimen trees and community trees.

Specimen Trees
The specimen trees are arranged along the trails by plant family. This way, all of the trees from a particular family may be viewed together to compare and contrast them to closely-related species. These specimen trees are useful for comparing the twigs, buds, leaves and flowers of various species, compare growth forms and tree shapes. Eventually, there will be 320 specimen trees and shrubs in the arboretum.

Community Trees
The second type of arboretum planting is in community groups. These are small groups of trees that make-up the forest types common in Michigan. Communities represented in CNC's arboretum include: Aspen Successional, Elm/Black Ash/ Yellow Birch, Hemlock, Oak/Hickory, Northern Hardwood. Jack Pine, Red Pine, White Pine, Spruce/Fir, Swamp White Oak/Pin Oak, White Cedar/ Tamarack/Black Spruce. These community plantings will eventually host 49 species, with over 1,400 trees and shrubs when completed, giving the entire arboretum (specimen plantings plus community plantings) a total of over 1,700 trees and shrubs!

Giving Opportunities
If you are interested in supporting CNC's arboretum, there are many options. Several trees are available  as designated memorial or celebration trees for a $100 donation. Shrubs are also available for a $50 donation. Another contribution option is "Friends of the Arboretum" which supports an Endowment Fund for the arboretum without designating a specific tree. This fund supports long-term maintenance of the arboretum.

If you prefer to make a donation of time, CNC's horticulturist, Karen Breternitz, would be happy to talk to you about the possibility of helping with watering and transplanting trees and shrubs throughout the growing season! Give her a call (989)631-0830 for more information.
 

Make a pledge to yourself to visit the arboretum each month this year.

You will be amazed at the beautiful seasonal changes,
and how much there is to learn!