There's a reason why Auburn is called the loveliest village on the Plains: its natural beauty.
The Donald E. Davis Arboretum, located at 181 Garden Drive, originated in 1963 as a 7.5 acre site that would be used to display native Alabama species. It is celebrating 50 years of operation this year.
Patrick Thompson, Arboretum specialist of 10 years, says that the land originally housed hogs and mature trees and was developed by Bill Reynolds.
"He took the tree collection from 17 originally occurring species to about 180 species and then he turned it from a hog farm to a park," Thompson said.
The Arboretum was named after Donald E. Davis, a professor of botany, after 35 years of distinguished service and has grown from 17 species originally to now approaching 1,000 species and has expanded to more than 14 acres.
According to auburn.edu/arboretum, the Arboretum is "an Auburn University facility dedicated to the display of native woody plants of the Southeastern United States and is a teaching resource for many university classes."
In addition to displaying native plants, the goal of the Arboretum is to promote ecological education through the study and observation of plants and their natural habitats.
The mission of the Arboretum is to promote an understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, emphasizing native southeastern plants and other associated organisms.
Originally, two main objectives were set for the Arboretum: to provide a named collection of woody plants to serve as a reference for study and research and to provide a place of beauty where people could enjoy the natural world.
The three main collections that the Arboretum has are the Oak trees, Azaleas and the carnivorous plants.
"It's just a beautiful place to work," said Teri Briggs, groundkeeper. "Working out there in nature is great."
Briggs said that people don't understand what the Arboretum is and are missing out on native plants of Alabama and surrounding states.
Thompson says that since the Arboretum was originated, it has become less of a park and more of a botanical garden.
To celebrate the 50-year anniversary, there have been several events held this year including a rainwater harvesting workshop and the Marie Wooten Memorial 5K. Events will continue throughout the year.
There is also be a photo contest ending April 12 for amateur photographers, and in which winning photos will be used in the annual calendar for the Arboretum which can be bought in the AU Bookstore.
Dee Smith, Curator the Arboretum, says that the big event to celebrate the anniversary will be August 24 and there will be cake and ice cream for those who attend. The new master plan will also be unveiled for the Arboretum.
Smith says that the Arboretum is also working on a joint publication with the Julie Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts in celebration of the anniversary that will include a map and tour of the Arboretum.
Not only is the Arboretum used for research, a natural classroom and house native plants, other events including weddings, concerts and workshops are held there as well.
Smith says the biggest event that the Arboretum hosts is Earth Fest, which averages anywhere from 500 to 800 people a year.
To find out more about the Arboretum and hosted events, visit its website at auburn.edu/arboretum.
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