Phase I of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens will contain several key attractions, including an overlook pavilion and conservatory terrace to allow visitors to view the surrounding arboretum as it is developed, an event lawn, rose and fragrance garden, and horticultural demonstration gardens designed to benefit homeowners and industry. Several of these spaces will be available for private gatherings such as receptions and weddings, and for public events, including festivals, plant sales, and garden shows.

Occupying nearly 400 acres between Park Avenue and the Mount Nittany Expressway, The Arboretum at Penn State will be open to the public. The master plan for the botanic gardens includes plantings of species from around the world and state-of-the-art educational and research facilities. Future plans include a visitors' center, conservatory, and children's education center.

The Arboretum will be almost entirely funded by philanthropic support. “We have much to do, and more funds to raise, before all of the gardens and the remainder of the arboretum are finished,” says Steiner. “But I cannot imagine a more gratifying task than building the Arboretum, or one that will have a bigger impact on the quality of the university and the community.”

Visit http://www.arboretum.psu.edu to learn more about The Arboretum at Penn State.

—Laura Stocker