Chadwick Arboretum: Plants and Trails Candice Harris, June 16, 2024June 7, 2024 Did you know that Chadwick Arboretum is quite big? It’s 60 acres large and is home to over 1,000 trees. These trees come from more than 120 species. It’s part of the huge 1,600-acre Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio. Visitors can explore many trails and enjoy the stunning plant varieties. Chadwick Arboretum Columbus welcomes everyone. It’s perfect for those who love plants and even those just looking for a peaceful spot. You can visit any time from dawn to dusk without paying an entry fee. If you can’t make it in person, they offer virtual tours on their website and YouTube channel. They have a special collection, the Dr. Emanuel Rudolph Botanical Print Collection, with 700 prints. You can buy prints like the bottlebrush and red buckeye to help support the gardens. Key Takeaways Chadwick Arboretum covers an expansive 60 acres on the Ohio State University campus. It features over 1,000 trees representing more than 120 species. No entry fee and accessible from dawn to dusk year-round. Virtual tours are available through the arboretum’s website and YouTube channel. The Dr. Emanuel Rudolph Botanical Print Collection offers 700 botanical prints for purchase. The Rich History of Chadwick Arboretum Chadwick Arboretum at Ohio State University is full of history, just like its plants. It started on July 11, 1980. But its roots go back to the 1880s. It has made the campus more beautiful with lots of gardens and landscapes. We will look into its major milestones and lasting impact from various efforts. The Origins and Development The Chadwick Arboretum was a big step forward for Ohio State University’s horticulture. It was already helping education before it opened in 1980. Today, it spreads over 60 acres. It has more than 1,000 trees of over 120 species from Ohio. There are special groups of plants like buckeyes, native trees, conifers, and willow. Key Contributions of Lewis C. Chadwick, PhD The arboretum is named for Dr. Lewis C. Chadwick. He was very important to Ohio State University’s horticulture. He was an Assistant Professor of Horticulture from 1929 to 1967. Chadwick started the OSU Nursery Short Course and the Tree Evaluation Program in 1929. His work over ten years made the Wooster Shade Tree Evaluation Plots. This helped urban forestry research a lot. His hard work greatly helped OSU’s horticultural education and research. Significant Milestones and Expansions The arboretum grew a lot over the years. In 1995, it added the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Plaza. This place gives a quiet spot for thinking and healing. In 2003, two major gardens got a new home near Howlett Hall. They are the Katherine H. Van Fossen Wildflower Garden and the Bert & Josephine Kleinmaier Perennial Garden. Other big parts of the arboretum are the Green Roof on Howlett Hall and the labyrinth from 2000. These are used for teaching and as calm retreats. Feature Year Introduced Description Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Plaza 1995 A reflective space dedicated to cancer survivors. Katherine H. Van Fossen Wildflower Garden 2003 Relocated to Learning Gardens, showcasing diverse wildflowers. Bert & Josephine Kleinmaier Perennial Garden 2003 Part of Learning Gardens, featuring perennial plant species. Green Roof on Howlett Hall Not specified A 12,000 sq.ft. sustainable green roof. Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth 2000 A Chartres-style labyrinth providing a centering experience. Exploring the Gardens and Plant Collections The Chadwick Arboretum at The Ohio State University covers a large 62-acre area. It’s a key spot for educational tours and nature walks. It consists of the Learning Gardens, Lane Avenue Gardens, and Arboretum North. The Learning Gardens features a 12,000 square foot green roof. It’s an eco-friendly wonder that cuts utility costs, improves air quality, and manages stormwater. Besides looking good, it also helps teach various subjects. Since 1979, the Lane Avenue Gardens have been known for their stunning perennial borders and wildflower displays. They attract both locals and visitors with their beauty and plant variety. Arboretum North was redone in the 1980s. It offers a calm spot with over 1,000 native Ohio trees and a peaceful 3.5-acre lake. It’s perfect for those interested in Ohio’s native vegetation, showcasing over 120 species. Chadwick Arboretum’s plant collections are critical for studying urban design and ecology. It boasts unique collections like hostas and seasonal displays for beauty all year. The Plant Search Database and the Ohio State Tree & Plant App offer lots of useful info for visitors and researchers. If you love wildflower gardens and perennial borders, the Chadwick Arboretum is a dream spot. Each garden offers its own special beauty and educational opportunities. Each visit is memorable and informative. Noteworthy Attractions at Chadwick Arboretum Columbus Chadwick Arboretum Columbus has many amazing sights. You’ll see the Howlett Hall green roof, Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Plaza, and Cultivar Trial Gardens. They are great for sustainability and wellness. You can learn a lot about plants and nature here, making it a top place to visit. Green Roof on Howlett Hall The Howlett Hall green roof is a leader in urban eco-design. It covers 12,000 square feet. This green space is pretty and good for the planet. It’s also a place to study plants. You can learn how green roofs help the environment and enjoy the design. Cancer Survivors’ Plaza The Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Plaza is peaceful and hopeful. It has quiet spots and paths for thought. It honors cancer fighters’ courage and nature’s healing. It offers comfort and strength to everyone. Cultivar Trial Gardens The Cultivar Trial Gardens are where new plants are tested. They check how well they do in our weather. This shows Chadwick’s role in plant science and helps local gardeners. Visitors see the latest in plant breeding, understanding more about landscape beauty. Chadwick Arboretum’s attractions, like the Howlett Hall green roof, Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Plaza, and Cultivar Trial Gardens, blend eco-friendliness, community care, and plant research. Every visit is a chance to learn and see the value of city green spaces. Visiting Tips and Trail Information A visit to the Chadwick Arboretum is like stepping into a green oasis. It’s located at Ohio State University. You’ll find it’s perfect whether you’re there for a quick visit or a long exploration. Here, we’ll share some tips to make the most of your visit. Parking and Accessibility For Chadwick Arboretum parking, use the ParkMobile app or kiosks by the Agriculture Administration Building. We suggest buying a parking pass early for a hassle-free visit. With open gates from dawn to dusk, this place welcomes everyone. Its paths are made for all, no matter your way of getting around. Trail Highlights and Points of Interest The trails at Chadwick Arboretum are filled with wonders. You’ll love the willows and the tranquil lake for catch-and-release research. There’s also seasonal tree plantings and picnic spots for unwinding. For bikers, the 2015 bike path along the Olentangy Corridor is a highlight. Special Tours and Educational Programs Make your visit special with a tour that teaches you more about the arboretum. Learn about everything from the Barbara Jean Johnson Promenade to the Katherine H. Van Fossen Wildflower Garden. With trail guides and seasonal programs, your visit will be both fun and informative. Conclusion Chadwick Arboretum is a beautiful place where nature meets learning in Columbus. For over 40 years, experts have nurtured its 62 acres. It shows Ohio State University’s dedication to gardening, research, and caring for the environment. Visitors enjoy peaceful paths and varied gardens. They see how plants and city life can flourish together. The arboretum’s work in 2020, like volunteer weeks and improving habitats for pollinators, shows its commitment to helping nature and people connect. Weekly upkeep, online learning events, and soil studies are part of this effort. These actions ensure plants and soil are healthy. No wonder the arboretum is good at capturing carbon, thanks to its careful maintenance. Chadwick Arboretum is like a classroom under the sky. It teaches about soil, plants, and garden care. People can volunteer, learn from experts, and see research in action. The goal is to make visiting here insightful. Guests leave knowing more about plant diversity and the value of green spaces in cities. Resources