Here is an article I wrote on the CSUF Arboretum for my JOUR 232 Multi-media course!
Hidden behind Cal State Fullerton’s backyard is a 26-acre Garden that needs your help.
Photo By: Allison Crawford 20th September 2024
The Fullerton Arboretum, once a neglected orange grove, has transformed into a cherished sanctuary of nature, history, and education since its official opening on October 21, 1979.
The 26-acre land was given to the University by the Gillman family which had once owned the Orange grove under Gillman lands. After being funded by the community that surrounded the acreage, the Arboretum Committee was finally formed. Years of careful planning and approval went into the initial start of the garden’s existence. In early 1972, the Friends of the Arboretum was formed to provide help for the development of the garden. To this day the garden still runs with the guidance of these individuals. However, this hasn’t been easy work.
During the Arboretum’s start-up, the Trustees of California State University and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Fullerton signed a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement on March 24, 1976. This would establish help from the City of Fullerton to the University’s funding for the Gardens function.
Harriet Bouldin Development/Membership/Volunteer Manager at the CSUF Arboretum.
Harriet Bouldin has worked with the Arboretum for over 18 years, noting that she had come to work as a part-time event coordinator when the position had opened up.
“I was looking for a part time job for extra income because our oldest son had just started college…I loved the outdoors and loved to garden…plus I had been organizing volunteers for PTAs for many years” says Harriet.
After working for close to 3-4 years, she was moved into a full time position as a Development Manager where she works with all aspects of the support for the arboretum. She explains that her work ranges from, “volunteer program, membership program, working with donors, foundations, and grants”. Her call for help from the community comes as no surprise in reference to her experience and history with the Arboretum.
However, the garden’s long-standing partnership with the city ended in December 2020—amidst the chaos of COVID-19 closures—leaving the Arboretum in a precarious financial state. With no funding from the city and mounting operational costs, they were forced to close for over a year, and left with a non-existent budget.
After a year of closure, they reopened in July 2021. This would also be the first time in more than 40 years of the Arboretum’s first opening that the city wouldn’t be funding their program.
Harriet also noted the issue with enforced paid parking for the lot in front of the garden, especially with the recent internet rage surrounding it.
Signage around the Arboretum parking lot. Photo By: Allison Crawford 20th September 2024
During the closure in 2020, the parking lot had been previously dirt filled until the University Park and Transportation began turning into an actual lot. After this renewal, the University began enforcing a $4 per hour parking during weekdays. All state-funded Universities are required to collect money for each of their parking spaces. Harriet makes note that the Arboretum has zero control over the charges for parking or any University affiliated charges.
“We do not receive any of the parking money… Unfortunately the community outrage was pointed at the Arboretum when we had nothing to do with it” Harriet comments.
For more than four decades, the Fullerton Arboretum has been a green haven for families, students, and nature enthusiasts. But now, its very survival hinges on the community’s willingness to step in. Without university or city funding, the Arboretum relies solely on memberships, donations, and volunteer support. This is where memberships come into play. However, many community members do not realize this.
“Everything here has been free forever, and so that is a nice thing for it to be free. But the problem with it being free is that it gives the impression that, “oh it’s probably free because it’s part of the university or the city” but they don’t understand our need for support”.
The Arboretum needs help from the community of Fullerton, and currently the garden is under stress from lack of support. Harriet explains that their goal for members is 2,500. They are
currently at 1,000 members, still seeking the other 1,500 community members to come support this historical site. They also function off of volunteer programs and help, especially with low finances during this time.
CSUF News Image, CSUF Faculty and Staff Take Education Outdoors at Fullerton Arboretum
To help preserve this historic garden, consider becoming a member or visiting one of their popular plant sales. Every contribution, big or small, brings the Arboretum closer to its goal of welcoming 2,500 community supporters. To get involved, visit their website for more details on how you can make a difference
Garden within the Arboretum. Photo By: Allison Crawford 20th September 2024
With the increased pressure of technology and separation from nature. The Arboretum offers a peaceful environment to be in touch with nature.