| From
the Sept 15, 2005, edition of 'Northwest News' Newsletter.
by Dana Ternus
Lined with trees, covered with seasonal
flowers and home to a myriad of wildlife, the Northwest campus
seems to be ever alive and growing. A major reason for this is
the Missouri State Arboretum, which was created in 1993 and embraces
one of the most diverse tree stands in the region.
In 1857, Thomas Gaunt moved to Maryville
and started a nursery on land that eventually became the University
campus. He built an elegant brick manor, now the official presidential
residence, and developed a successful business.
Gaunt grew all sorts of plants and trees,
including fruit trees, fruit vines and evergreens. In 1906, the
Gaunt property was purchased by the state of Missouri for $12,000
and became home to the newly established Fifth District Normal
School.
When the Administration Building was completed
in 1910, it stood behind a row of large birch trees, most likely
planted by Gaunt himself. At this time, the campus was considered
a long way from Main Street and the courthouse square. Many students
asked why the school had been built so far from town. The locals
always replied, "To get it behind the birches."
As the campus expanded, more trees
were planted. From 1915 to 1927, groundskeeper J.R. Brink set
out more than 300 trees a year. Brink also helped develop a campus
nursery with more than 7,000 trees. A great number of these were
later moved to the main grounds.
Today, the campus is home to many varieties
of trees - pines, maples, sycamores, gingkoes, catalpas and redbuds
to name a few. The arboretum is currently divided into three trails:
the Thomas Gaunt Trail, the Tower Trail and the Chautauqua Trail.
Each contains more than 20 different species of trees.
Under the current direction of Lezlee Johnson,
the arboretum continues to grow, thrive and make the campus a
true garden spot. If you haven't been on campus for a while -
or even if you have - take some time to stroll beneath the boughs
and enjoying the beauty and calm that nature can provide.
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