It is a modern tradition to combine Earth Day and Arbor Day into a two week celebration (April 19-May 3) by planting, appreciating and nurturing trees. These glorious giants of the plant kingdom help us and the earth thrive by replenishing the world’s oxygen. As we exhale carbon dioxide, trees “inhale” it and then “exhale” the oxygen we breathe! Visit some of Toledo’s amazing local tree hangouts this spring and show them the love with a hug!
Hug Opportunities:
The UT Stranahan Arboretum serves as a University of Toledo outdoor earth science lab.The 47 acre site is open (and free) for the public to stroll among the labeled native, ornamental and shade trees as well as wetlands, meadows and prairies. I love the quarter mile mulched Woods Trail (follow the main gravel drive to the trial head), part of an old growth forest remnant featuring some remarkable 125 year old oak trees. Horticulturist Walter Schulisch refers to oaks as “the true essence of America,” for their strength and perseverance. Savor a stroll along the grassy walkways this spring alive with layers of exquisitely flowering magnolias, dogwoods, crabapples and cherries. My pick is the massive umbrella pines; they have a soft weeping form with long elegant needles (left at the entrance gate). Schulisch’s favorite is the native Franklin Tree which hosts camellia like flowers in late summer. For maps, info and their tree database visit utoledo.edu/nsm/arboretum. 4131 Tantara Dr. M–F 9am-3pm. Curb side parking. If the gates are locked inquire at the maintenance building.
Toledo Botanical Garden is a beautiful 64 acre tapestry of green lawns and colorful gardens woven together with incredible trees giving this place a sense of lush grandeur. Paved pathways with benches offer you a respite to mingle with the shade garden’s old growth oak trees. The sunny Color Gardens hosts a visitors’ favorite, the unique weeping Katsuretree. Plant Records Curator, Jonathan Milbrodt notes that “children love to walk "inside" this tree underneath the mounding/cascading wall of green.” I love the silver linden trees gracing the grand alee. The trees actually shimmer as they sway in the breeze exposing the leaves’ silvery undersides. Milbrodt’s favorite is the 70 foot tall European Larch near the Crosby Lake Bridge. Unlike most evergreens, the needles turn a soft yellow in autumn and then fall off. TBG at 5403 Elmer Dr. is free and open 7 days a week, 7am until dusk. For maps and info go to toledogarden.org.
Woodlawn Cemetery and Arboretum’s one hundred and forty seven year old nationally recognized site is a tranquil home for over 300 species of trees growing among the tombstones and architecturally impressive mausoleums.“The tulip trees (lining the main entrance road), with their wonderful “surprise” tulip flowers, always amaze our visitors. At peak bloom the delicate flowers covering the trees are a spectacular site, and the falling petals provide a wonderful blanket of color,” say Associate Director, Patty Toneff. Don’t miss the Ohio State Champ European Purple Beech Tree. Visit historic-woodlawn.com for more information. Enjoy a walk or drive through the one hundred sixty acre property at 1502 W. Central Ave. open 7 days a week, 8am-6pm.
