Public Horticulture

The Holden Arboretum, located in Kirtland, Ohio, is a well recognized arboretum that connects extremely well with the residents of greater Cleveland, Ohio. The arboretum’s slogan, “Connect, Learn and Conserve,” conveys their mission well. The arboretum has a reputable plant inventory consisting of a ornamental hedge , lilac, viburnum, crabapple, rhododenron, and other woody ornamentals collections. Yet alongside their plant collections are numerous natural conservation areas that are being managed for natural ecological preservation. These areas are becoming more important to the arboretum as they seek to connect with their community in new ways. As people become more aware of the global climate and ecological change, they also seek renewed interest in natural plant conservation. Holden is meeting this shift in conscience with their mission statement. Holden offers classes and lectures revolving around natural plant communities of Northeast Ohio and conservation issues. They also offer more conventional educational and recreational events such as tree identification and night hiking. Holden is employing new initiatives in horticultural therapy and traditional internship programs simultaneously, which is enabling the institution to increase its impact on a greater portion of the community.

For more information please visit the Holden Arboretum website.

Submitted by Dan Burcham