If you have visited the Arboretum recently, you may have noticed we have been very busy. We have welcomed Ryan Martin as our new Executive Director and hired two seasonal members to serve as Land Stewards until the end of August.
While 2020 and Covid-19 has brought many challenges, the team at Viles has stepped up accomplished so much.
Sammee Quong - President of the Viles Arboretum Board of Directors helping out on the renovation.
Improvements to the building including, replacement of siding as well as a fresh coat of paint on the exterior and interior. A remodel of the Visitors Center was also necessary to safely allow for social distancing.
Thanks to our new land stewards, the outer trail loop has been completely cleared of debris. Additionally we are now able to mow and maintain the grounds around our orchard, Green Ash Collection, Oak Collection, American Chestnut Collection and many other locations on a more consistent basis. This means visitors are able to access and experience more of the Arboretum. You may have also noticed the grounds surrounding the Visitors Center are being maintained more often to allow for socially distant picnics.
Lauren Kircheis was able to successfully lead a socially distant tour of the Arboretum
We are also happy to report that thanks to the incredible expertise that our land stewards hold, we have been able to resume socially distant educational tours of the Arboretum.
If you see any of the staff working at the Arboretum, make sure to say hello and thank them for all their hard work!
Landon Knittweis and Ryan Martin move artwork in anticipation for upcoming construction
