Endowments in Action: The Arboretum at Penn State

The Arboretum at Penn State is more than a beautiful space — it’s a place where community, learning, and sustainability come together. Its gardens, trails, and natural landscapes invite people to learn, reflect, and connect with nature. None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors who believe in what the Arboretum stands for.

As we reflect on the support we’ve received, we want to share a heartfelt message of thanks from Larry Terry, vice president for Penn State Outreach: “Your generosity is a force multiplier that exponentially increases the impact of Penn State Outreach’s work and its benefits to citizens across the Commonwealth. With a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect, I thank you for choosing to support us and our mission to connect Penn State to Pennsylvania.” His words are a reminder of how donor contributions continue to drive the Arboretum’s growth and future success.

A garden path surrounded by lush greenery and blooming trees at the Arboretum at Penn State. A wooden bench is placed along the winding pathway.

Earle S. Lenker ’62 Endowment for Student Internships in The Arboretum at Penn State

The Earle S. Lenker ’62 Endowment for Student Internships in The Arboretum at Penn State helps students grow into environmental leaders by offering practical, hands-on learning opportunities. During 2023–2024, the endowment supported educational trips to various gardens in New Jersey, where interns learned about local farming techniques and environmental practices and built strong teamwork and collaboration skills. They also gained valuable insights into sustainable ecosystems in action.

Looking ahead to 2024–2025, interns will explore Philadelphia’s botanical gardens and urban agriculture centers, visit agricultural businesses like Way Fruit Farm and Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, and study how watershed ecosystems function in Massachusetts. Tours of Penn State’s recycling and composting facilities will further enhance their understanding of today’s environmental challenges and practical, sustainable solutions.

As Rachel Duke, public programs manager, explains: “Investing in the professional development of our interns not only empowers them with essential skills but also nurtures their potential to become tomorrow’s leaders. By endowing opportunities for growth, we create a ripple effect that elevates both individual careers and the collective strength of our organization. This commitment to giving back enriches the industry and fosters a culture of excellence and innovation.”

Group of students and educators posing together on a wooden platform in a lush, green forest setting, smiling as sunlight filters through the trees.

Endowment for Avian Impact Education in The Arboretum at Penn State

A northern mockingbird being carefully handled by researchers during an avian education session, with tools and a reference book open on a wooden table.The Endowment for Avian Education in The Arboretum at Penn State offers hands-on, meaningful experiences that help students grow and deepen their understanding of bird-friendly environments.

During 2023–2024, the endowment gave interns the chance to dive into impactful learning experiences focused on local environmental history, the importance of pollinator-friendly landscapes, and sustainable ecosystems. A key trip to New Jersey gardens allowed students to get hands-on experience exploring innovative avian habitats while building collaboration and teamwork skills, which are essential for their professional growth. As Casey Sclar, H.O. Smith Endowed Arboretum Director, shares, “Having an endowment that specifically supports avian education and outreach activities benefits hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Arboretum. The endowment not only highlights solutions like bird-friendly glass but also directly helps students succeed by funding internships that lead to great outcomes.”

Looking ahead to 2024–2025, the endowment will offer more hands-on learning opportunities, support the creation of educational materials for audiences of all ages, and help develop bird-friendly locations within the Pollinator and Bird Garden. It will also fund a speaker series designed to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the birding community.

Marilyn and Ned Price Natural Lands Stewardship Fund

The Marilyn and Ned Price Natural Lands Stewardship Fund plays a vital role in protecting and restoring The Arboretum at Penn State’s most sensitive ecological areas. During 2023–2024, the endowment supported key maintenance efforts, providing the supplies and materials needed to improve natural spaces like Hartley Wood, the Marilyn Quigley Gerhold Wildflower Trail, and the Prairie Restoration Site. These efforts helped keep invasive species in check and preserved biodiversity across the Arboretum’s landscapes.

For 2024–2025, the endowment will help purchase a new utility vehicle, increase staffing focused on land care, and renovate key structures, including upgrades to the deer exclusion area. As Casey Sclar, H.O. Smith Endowed Arboretum Director, explains, these funds are critical to ongoing efforts in stewardship and conservation within ecologically sensitive areas. Without this support, the Arboretum wouldn’t have the tools and staffing needed, leaving these lands vulnerable to neglect and invasive species. Thanks to donor generosity, more than 100,000 people who live, learn, and work nearby can continue enjoying the Arboretum’s natural beauty.

A scenic trail lined with red and green foliage, framed by vibrant autumn trees and a grassy field in the distance. The Bellefonte Central Rail Trail is captured during peak fall color.

Mark J. Tygel Endowment Impact for Educational Programs in The Arboretum at Penn State

The Mark J. Tygel Endowment for Educational Programs in The Arboretum at Penn State is driving meaningful outreach by supporting engaging, all-ages programs and community activities. During 2023–2024, the endowment helped bring interactive programs and events to life, including the Gardens of Gratitude initiative and the Arboretum volunteer appreciation event. As Casey Sclar, H.O. Smith Endowed Arboretum Director, explains, “The Tygel endowment is a flexible resource that allows us to provide timely, relevant programs and volunteer support.”

For 2024–2025, the endowment will further expand its reach by supporting speakers and performers for festivals and events, recognizing volunteers, and developing youth-focused programs to inspire future horticulturists and spark their passion for plants. Additional funding will go toward improving educational tools, creating engaging displays, and introducing new teaching methods to maximize the garden’s impact.

A children’s education session inside a greenhouse at the Arboretum at Penn State, with a teacher holding up a book and a group of attentive children sitting on the floor raising their hands.

Sandra L. Parker and Dennis K. Hall Educational Program Support to the Children’s Garden

“Dennis and Sandy’s lasting legacy of supporting every aspect of our family and youth programs is clear — not just through this generous endowment, but in the time and dedication they bring to us every day,” explains Casey Sclar, H.O. Smith Endowed Arboretum Director.

The Sandra L. Parker and Dennis K. Hall Educational Program Support to the Children’s Garden is key to creating meaningful, hands-on experiences for families and children at the Arboretum’s Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden. During 2023–2024, the endowment provided essential supplies and helped keep day-to-day programs running smoothly, supporting activities like hands-on arts and crafts, storytelling, and exploration. Notable purchases included tents, materials for boat-building activities, outdoor wooden blocks, and Parker the Caterpillar stickers — always a hit with visitors.

For 2024–2025, the endowment will continue to fuel core programs by funding arts and crafts supplies, science tools, toys, and garden furnishings. It will also cover supplies for intern-led activities and support the children’s yoga sessions.

A large, colorful caterpillar sculpture at the Arboretum’s children’s garden, surrounded by wood chips, greenery, and trees in a playful outdoor space.

Endowments are at the heart of everything that happens at The Arboretum at Penn State, allowing it to grow as a vibrant center for learning, conservation, and community connection. Thanks to the generosity of donors, these funds make a real difference in the lives of students, volunteers, and visitors while preserving vital ecosystems and supporting educational programs for future generations.

Each endowment, whether it’s funding student internships, avian education, or youth programming, reflects a shared commitment to leaving a lasting impact. As the Arboretum looks to the future, continued investment in these initiatives will help ensure it remains a source of inspiration, creativity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come. With deep gratitude, the essential role of each donor in building this legacy is recognized and celebrated.

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