The Arboretum was established in 1984 at the behest of Harry Balcom (college Board of Trustees member) and Donald Webb (the college President), with Mr. Balcom providing the necessary funds. The present arboretum site was chosen both for its proximity to foot traffic and its poor physical condition. Construction of a dam to ensure a permanent aquatic habitat, the installation of sprinklers and the layout and carving of a system of walking paths were completed in the fall of 1984. The first plantings were made by Professor Ed Leuck in the spring of 1985. Since that time, plants have been added continuously. In recent years, as trees and shrubs become larger, new acquisitions of woody plants to the collection has slowed. More attention is now given to observing, maintaining, and encouraging diversity in the herbaceous component. The Arboretum collection comprises 187 woody native plant species, 13 woody exotic plant species, and more than 70 non-woody native plant species.