MISSION
Troy University Arboretum awarded $25,000 grant for continued upgrades
https://today.troy.edu/news/troy-university-arboretum-awarded-25000-grant-for-continued-upgrades/
The mission of the Troy University Arboretum is to acquire representative species of the flora of Southeast Alabama and to display them in situations that mimic the natural conditions under which the species would occur. In particular, the Arboretum is interested in research on rare and uncommon species and communities. The Arboretum works to preserve representative members, communities and habitats of the Wiregrass region of Southeast Alabama on its 75-acre's adjacent to Troy University's main campus and on its 18 acre Pocosin Nature Preserve located approximately 6 miles due east of the main campus.
The Arboretum seeks to further the educational opportunities available to the University and the surrounding area. As such, the Arboretum serves as a living laboratory for ecology, field botany, field vertebrate zoology, environmental science, entomology, and other classes, introducing students to the variety and diversity of the Wiregrass region of Alabama.
The Arboretum also serves as a readily accessible area to the University and the city of Troy for such activities as picnics, bird watching and the simple enjoyment of nature. The Arboretum is open to the public from sunrise until sunset seven days a week.
Additional Educational Resources at Troy
- Herbarium: houses over 6,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens
- Center for Environmental Research and Service (CERS),provides environmental services to the state of Alabama
- Nonpoint Source (NPS) assists with environmental education for the residents of Alabama
- Science in Motion provides teacher education assistance in the physical and life sciences
Troy University Arboretum
Dr. Alvin R. Diamond, Jr., Director
210K McCall Hall (MSCX)
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Troy University
Troy, AL 36082
adiamond@troy.edu
Telephone: 1-334-670-3938
The rebirthing of a nature sanctuary in a city
By Jaine Treadwell
In the distance, there were sounds of a city. The hum of traffic, the occasional honking
of horns. Voices and a boom box. But, just down the trail, the sounds of Mother Nature
hushed - the chatter of squirrels, the singing of birds, the humming of bees, rustling
in the brush. And, then there were voices. Excited voices. Troy University Professor
Dr. Alvin Diamond, Jonathan Miller, a lecturer and biologist; Rose Horn, a graduate
student; and volunteers Clark Harris and Joshua Bailey were just where they wanted
to be and doing exactly what they want to do – bringing back the beauty of and purpose
for the Troy University Arboretum.
The Arboretum is a treasure for the university, the city of Troy and all who will
come to enjoy the “fruits” of Mother Nature. That was the consensus of the group.
“And the Arboretum has been left to linger too long.” The Arboretum has recently been
returned to the university’ biology department and efforts are underway to bring the
75-acre Arboretum back to where it has been and beyond. A $5,000 grant from Bass Pro
Shop was seed money for the projects that are underway including the replacement of
the deck on the education complex building. The roof is also in need of repair. “The
plan is to get the facility usable again,” Diamond said. “It can be useful for schools,
for groups including the Pike County Treasure Forest, master gardeners. The interest
of the volunteers is not limited to but focuses on the pond. “We’d like to clear around
the pond. It’s great view when you can see it,” Josh said. “We’ve been out on the
water a few times but we want to get canoes back out on the pond.” The arboretum includes
walking trails that total under six miles but only one mile is now open. “A lot of
debris has to be cleared and it includes a lot of big logs,” Clark said. “Dr. Diamond
said the logs will probably be used to line the trails rather than trying to remove
them.” Rose is in graduate school, mainly due to her interest in the restoration of
the arboretum. “This is such a great place with all kinds of wildlife and vegetation,”
she said. “I want to be a part of bringing the arboretum back to life and making it
a destination for those who enjoy nature.” For Miller, the arboretum will be a place
for students to come to learn and to enjoy and for the community as well. “More classes
can be taught out here and we can also have labs, “Miller said. “There are many teaching
and learning opportunities that will be available, not just for university students,
but high school and elementary students and also the community.” Diamond said the
arboretum is a natural park in the midst of a busy city. “It’s a place where people
can come to enjoy nature in many different ways, alone or with others,” he said. “We
are excited about the progress that is being made and the many opportunities the arboretum
will offer our community.”
