College of Arts & Sciences
History of the Arboretum
Since 1874, Baker students, faculty, and staff have worked to build a collection of trees to provide an educational resource while beautifying the campus for all community members to enjoy.
More About the ArboretumBelieve it or not, back in 1858, when Baker University was founded, this entire area was prairie.
While the native vegetation on the site of the university was historically grassland, the founding of the university and the surrounding community in 1858 brought with it the establishment of planted trees and shrubs.
A work in progress, today the Ivan L. Boyd Arboretum is made up of over 100 species of trees and 400 specimens.
- 1858 | Baker University is founded on the 20-acre campus grounds in the middle of a tallgrass prairie, absent of trees and shrubs.
- 1872 | Championed by Sterling Morton in Nebraska City, Nebraska, Arbor Day was originally proposed as a tree-planting holiday. Today, all 50 states observe Arbor Day throughout the year, with Kansas celebrating the national holiday on the last Friday of April.
- 1874 | In the spring, Baker University faculty dismissed classes early campus-wide so students, faculty, and Baldwin locals could spend the afternoon planting trees on the northern part of the campus. Baldwin local W. Plashet donated maples and catalpas for the cause.
- 1978 | After decades of research and work to create a diverse community of trees across Baker’s campus, former biology professor Dr. Ivan L. Boyd was recognized for his endless dedication and effort that gave us the Arboretum we enjoy today.
- 1998 | The university remodeled the layout of the Baldwin City campus, including moving sidewalks and relocating the grape arbor. While some of the Arboretum’s trees were removed, new trees were planted in their place and throughout the new landscape.
- Present | As older trees reach the end of their lives, they are removed and replaced by new species of trees to keep the Arboretum vibrant and diverse for years to come.
