The historic Rhodes College Arboretum originated in the 1950s under the supervision of biology professor Dr. Arlo Smith. Over the decades, many Rhodes community members have helped to conserve and increase tree species on campus and to highlight the arboretum’s cultural and ecological significance.
During Rhodes College’s Homecoming/Reunion Weekend on Friday, Nov. 13, alumni, faculty/staff, and students will plant 12 young trees on campus 1-3 p.m., beginning at the entrance to Fisher Garden.
The arboretum’s collection has featured a diverse selection of trees, including the Southern magnolia, willow oak, American elm, red maple, flowering dogwood, and tulip poplar, alongside the crape myrtle, Kentucky coffee tree, shagbark hickory, black walnut, ginkgo, Japanese maple, and dawn redwood.
New species being planted include the arrowwood viburnum, spicebush, black locust, cedar elm, butternut, American bladdernut, American hazelnut, common buttonbush, corkscrew willow, and boxelder.
In addition to guidance from Rhodes’ Physical Plant, the arboretum planting event is receiving support from the Overton Park Conservancy, Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, and Memphis City Beautiful Commission.
Individuals who would like to volunteer or learn more about the event can contact Dr. Kate LeCroy, assistant professor of biology, at lecroyk@rhodes.edu.