Concept Statement

University of Arizona Campus Arboretum

Concept Statement

This document describes the University of Arizona Campus Arboretum, defines its mission, and briefly states the principles that will guide our intents through the years of full development.

DEFINITION

Webster defines an arboretum as “a space for the scientific study and public display of various species of trees and shrubs”. The University of Arizona campus has over 400 different tree species from around the world, and a comparable number of shrubs. The 125-year-old collection is valuable for its breadth, its age and the rarity of dozens of individual species. The grounds are used for instruction, research and outreach.

BOUNDARIES

The University of Arizona Arboretum comprises all space on which the University has developed facilities: the Main Campus from Euclid to Campbell Avenue and from south of Sixth Street to the north, across Speedway, and including space surrounding the University Health Sciences. All plantings adjoining UA buildings or defining University open space, in Pima County, Arizona, may be considered as a part of the University of Arizona Arboretum.

MISSION STATEMENT

The UA Campus Arboretum is a living laboratory promoting stewardship and conservation of urban trees through research, education and outreach.

ADMINISTRATION

The University of Arizona Campus Arboretum is administered by a Director. This position is housed within College of Agriculture and Life and Environmental Sciences (as part of ALVSCE - Agriculture Life, Veterinary Sciences and Cooperative Extension). It is anticipated that the program will function most effectively as an inter-unit collaboration,  including Planning, Design and Construction, Facilities Management, and other associated units of Business Affairs.

The Arboretum programs require integration within academic, operations and fundraising entities within the University of Arizona. This may include partnership with those charged with marketing, communications, development and deployment of educational programs, outreach events, and those involved in the planning, development, and maintenance of the physical campus including greenspaces. The Arboretum currently functions with assistance from these groups:

Campus Steering Committee - made up of faculty and staff from several academic and service units. Members provide on-site expertise, support ongoing landscape efforts, represent the interests of the Arboretum on campus, and work to use University resources to implement the goals defined by the Mission Statement.

Advisory Board - composed of alumni, Tucson citizens, and other arboretum subject matter experts. These off-campus individuals provide assistance with long range planning, project design and implementation, public relations, advocacy, and financial support.

*The Concept Statement was developed by University of Arizona Campus Arboretum Committee with assistance from University of Arizona Campus Arboretum Advisory Board

August, 2001 with revisions in 2010, 2011 and 2025.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

The following Principles guide the Intent and Objectives of the University of Arizona Campus Arboretum.

The University of Arizona is first, and foremost, an EDUCATIONAL institution.

• Correctly identify and label all tree species
• Utilize the campus plants in formal University of Arizona classes
• Support the use of campus plants in University research projects
• Foster student awareness and support of campus beauty
• Support visitor experience with opportunities to learn about campus trees
• Partner with UA Cooperative Extension in utilizing the campus as a resource
• Encourage correct arboricultural maintenance techniques
• Support Grounds staff in their tree care duties

Preserving University of Arizona HERITAGE honors the founding educators and their vision.

• Preserve the Historic District on the University of Arizona campus.
• Preserve trees integral to the heritage of the UA campus
• Interpret early efforts at beautifying the campus

STEWARDSHIP of campus trees adds to the University’s national reputation.

• Maintain accession, botanical, geographic, and curatorial records on all trees
• Advocate respect for the University of Arizona landscape as a whole
• Promote stewardship of genetic resources by pro-active propagation and replacement
• Safeguard and showcase “heritage trees” planted by former faculty and students
• Enhance collection according to a well-defined Collections Policy
• Advise on new construction landscaping
• Maintain health of woody plants by means of correct arboricultural techniques

The campus landscape AESTHETIC attracts new students, engenders alumni loyalty and rewards the University’s campus community.

• Recognize that mature trees are an integral part of campus open spaces
• Showcase unique trees from arid climates around the world
• Preserve and improve shady retreats and open spaces
• Advocate for landscaping that is in scale with buildings
• Maintain beauty of woody plants using correct arboricultural techniques

Developing regional and global SUSTAINABILITY standards supports the reputation of the University of Arizona as a leader in environmental stewardship by defining and modeling sustainable landscapes.

• Collaborate in research to determine the economic value of University tree collection
• Encourage world-class tree selections appropriate for new buildings
• Display plants that reflect Tucson’s desert setting
• Advocate for increased use of trees to reduce reflected heat, shade western exposures, reduce stormwater runoff, and assist with sustainable building efforts