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Arboretum Without Walls
Centennial Park

On Friday, 26 April 2001, a bright and sunny morning, a goodly crowd gathered to witness the opening of the Arboretum, and to take part in the ceremonies.

County Executive Jim Robey presided and announced the official opening.

The Chairman of the Howard County Forest Conservancy District Board, Steve Parker gave a magnificent speech, thanking all assembled for their hard work and generous support.

Tod Ericson, the Central Region Urban Forester from the Department of Natural Resources was on hand to present the 12th Annual Tree City USA award to Jim Irvin, Director of Howard County's Department of Public Works.

Jim Irvin recognized the hard work of the Department, and especially the efforts of Steve Parker and his crew in this achievement.

Tod Ericson also presented the P.L.A.N.T (People Loving And Nurturing Trees) Community award to the county executive, Jim Robey.

Jim Robey then unveiled the entrance sign placed at the beginning of the arboretum.

The sign reads:

An arboretum is a collection of trees dedicated to teaching us about the natural environment in which we live. It also helps raise our consciousness about the impact each of us has on that environment.

Howard County's Arboreta are unique in that there are no boundaries, no fences, no admission charges.

We live in an ecologically rich environment with an extraordinary variety of native trees. Added to this naturally occurring abundance is a wonderful assortment of exotic species planted by Howard County planners, landscape artists, developers and individual landowners.

Through our arboretum program the value of these natural resources are enhanced by identification tags, interpretive signs and other educational services.

By helping you to become familiar with the names and nature of trees, we open a pathway to understanding - one that provides insight into our local ecosystem and helps strengthen our environmental program.

The Centennial Arboretum is sponsored by the Howard County Forest Conservancy District Board in partnership with the Howard County Government.

I hope you enjoy your stroll through the Centennial Arboretum. It is a wonderful reminder of the quality of life that exists naturally here in Howard County.

In honor of the ceremony a special Red Buckeye was planted at the entrance to the arboretum to commemorate this event.