Ciara Benham

Staff Writer

cbenham@murraystate.edu

If you look closely at the small town of Murray, you will find a hidden gem where you can get in touch with nature.

Since 2013, the Arboretum at Murray State has been a blossoming staple of learning and relaxing for the community.

“At the Arboretum, we believe that plants are the basis of all life on Earth, as well as a basis of spiritual and emotional well-being,” according to its webpage. “The Arboretum at Murray State University will build upon our love for nature and sanctuary, stewardship of the natural world, and the need to nurture environmental learning.”

Arboretum Manager Dava Hayden said the Arboretum is a way to honor the area’s history.   

“The purpose of the Arboretum is to provide and display a collection of both native and introduced plants, with emphasis on native trees, shrubs and flowers of historic significance to the western Kentucky region,” Hayden said.

The Arboretum has something for everyone—even dogs. Guests can take their furray friends for a walk on its 0.8-mile track and take their children to play on the playground by the butterfly garden.

Senior Abagail Lanier has a special connection to the Arboretum.

“The Arboretum is somewhere I visit to get away from the busyness that comes with being a college student,” Lanier said. “I have been on walks there and even went there to study or read for a class. It’s a hidden gem that I wish more people took advantage of.”

In February, Lanier even got engaged on “the mountain” of the Arboretum. The mountain is a picturesque pavilion, complete with a waterfall, that allows visitors to look across the gardens.

Each year the Arboretum hosts several events that allow students and community members to get involved.

“Our fundraising event, Hutson Harvest Gala, is coming up Sept. 12,” Hayden said. “It features great food, live music and silent auction items. Just two weeks later, we host Fall on the Farm where thousands of grade school children from around the region will visit and enjoy various games and activities. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the activities are open to the public.”

The Arboretum also offers the Community Garden Program which provides a location for community members to plant a vegetable or flower garden if they do not have their own space to do so due to rental property regulations or unfavorable conditions at their own property.   

Students interested in volunteering at the Arboretum can contact Dava Hayden at [email protected].

“We love having volunteers help at the Arboretum,” Hayden said. “In the spring, we need help planting bedding flowers. In the summer, we need volunteers to help water and pull weeds. In the fall, we need help raking leaves.”