Jan. 4 - The year 2008 will be a momentous one for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the 1,047-acre University of Minnesota public garden and horticultural research showcase in suburban Chanhassen.
Not only will the Arboretum be celebrating its 50th anniversary, but the University of Minnesota's Horticultural Research Center (now part of the Arboretum) will be marking its 100th year of existence. Its research has resulted in the introduction of several notable cold-hardy grape varieties and fruit trees, now planted around the world.
Also in this milestone year, longtime Arboretum director Peter J. Olin will be stepping aside in June 2008, after nearly 25 years of visionary leadership. As part of a "phased retirement," Olin will continue to work on select Arboretum projects and teach as part of the faculty of the University's Department of Horticultural Science.
While we will be celebrating all year, we have planned the following showcase events to mark these significant achievements and transitions.
"Tree-ology," our 2008 Summer Exhibition - Opening May 24 and continuing through Oct. 12, "Tree-ology" is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition that celebrates the beauty and wonder of trees. The exhibition comprises: an Art 'n Trees Trail art walk featuring 17 juried works of interactive public art inspired by trees; a "Grown Home" open-air rustic abode created from living birch branches; a "Tree-mendous Trees" walk encompassing favorite Arboretum trees, and much much more!
50/100th Anniversary Wine & Pairings Event, Friday, June 13. Gala event for Arboretum friends and supporters featuring samplings of local varieties of wines, paired with cheeses and other hors d'oeuvres.
50/100th Anniversary Dinner Dance, Wednesday, June 18. A 1950s-themed garden dinner dance celebrating the Arboretum.
50/100th Anniversary Family Day, Sunday, June 22. A gala all-day "birthday party" for the Arboretum, featuring family activities and, of course, birthday cake!
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota and developed as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.
Dear Editor: Mr. Olin and other Arboretum and Horticultural Research Center staff members are available for interviews. Contact Barb DeGroot at 952-443-1459 or degro035@umn.edu to arrange.