For more information,
please contact us:
Alana Edwards -
Email: aedwards@fau.edu
In 2004, Florida Atlantic University set aside a one acre space on the Jupiter Campus as the site of the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum. Dr. Huckshorn's vision was not a formal garden but a natural area that would meld with the Abacoa Community surrounding the campus.
Dr. Huckshorn's Vision for the Arboretum: “I have always found that an arboretum provides a calm and tranquil place for students, faculty, staff and townspeople to visit and to momentarily escape from the bustle of everyday life. The arboretum will become a part of the unique Greenway that is a central part of the Abacoa concept. As such, it will serve as a teaching and research resource, expanding the educational mission of the MacArthur Campus. And that will make a lasting contribution to the campus and to the community.”
The Arboretum Design focusses on a variety of native trees and shrubs from several different Florida ecosystems. Starting in 2005, FAU's Center for Environmental Studies took the lead on transforming the space. With the help of hundreds of volunteers (mostly students from the Honor's College), native vegetation was planted section by section. In the last 15 years, those small plants and trees have flourished. The Arboretum today is a gathering space on campus, not just for students, faculty, staff and the community, but also for wildlife! The Huckshorn Arboretum is home to many native species of bird and butterflies.
Dr. Robert J. Huckshorn, after playing a variety of key roles at Florida Atlantic University, served as Vice President Emeritus of Florida Atlantic University until his death on December 6, 2018.
When Dr. Huckshorn retired, the University set aside a part of the campus to be dedicated as an Arboretum in honor of his many years of service, especially his last eleven years when he presided over the development of the John D. MacArthur Campus.
In memory of Dr. Huckshorn's vision, we hope that you will support the Huckshorn Arboretum.
