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Media Contact: Barb DeGroot, PR Specialist, 952-443-1459
Chanhassen, Minn. (Jan. 21, 2010) - The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum grounds are now entirely tobacco-free, effective immediately.
No smoking or use of tobacco is permitted on the grounds of the 1,137-acre University of Minnesota public garden and research facility located in the west metro suburb of Chanhassen.
This is an expansion on an earlier arboretum policy that banned smoking in the all arboretum buildings. The decision to implement an arboretum-wide tobacco ban grew out of concern over the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke on the human body and a desire to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the arboretum's landscaping and gardens for all to enjoy.
"All visitors can enjoy cleaner air in the outdoors - especially in our gardens and natural areas," said Mary H. Meyer, Arboretum interim director. "We expect the transition to be a smooth one. We appreciate the public's support in keeping the arboretum green."
According to the American Lung Association, 50,000 nonsmokers die each year from diseases related to secondhand smoke. In the past 20 years, scientific research has linked secondhand smoke to health issues such as coronary heart disease, lung cancer and other potentially fatal health conditions.
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The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and was developed as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. Gate admission is $9 adults; free for members and ages 15 and younger. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
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