Permanent URI for this collection
The Rhodes Arboretum originated in the early 1950’s under the supervision of Dr. Arlo Smith, longtime Professor of Biology with support from the Lumberman's Club of Memphis and private donations. The Arboretum was last certified in 1995, and since then efforts have been made to keep the campus rich in tree diversity in the face of inclement weather and campus growth. Currently 90 species have been tagged for a Level 3 Arboretum. A number of Rhodes faculty, staff and students have been involved in the effort to conserve and increase trees species on campus. In particular, the Physical Plant staff has been instrumental in achieving this designation. Storms have destroyed some of the magnificent trees that beautified the campus for decades. A freak wind storm in the spring of 1998 took out some seventy trees the week before commencement. A generous gift from trustee Bruce Campbell and his wife Judith in 1999 made the planting of 15 large tree possible and was the first step in re-treeing the campus. The gift funded the eventual planting of 200 trees.