THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE ARBORETUM

• Sponsoring Institution: State Agricultural Experiment Station
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: STATE
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0184753
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2000
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2005
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
2621 MORGAN CIR
KNOXVILLE,TN 37996-4540

Performing Department
BRANCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Non Technical Summary
Woody plant research, and related education programs, is facilitated and supported by maintaining a collection of plants and associated resources. The purpose is to provide, in perpetuity, a collection of plants and associated resources and programs for the support of the educational and research mission of the Institute of Agriculture.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

50%

Developmental

50%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
605	2110	1050	100%

Knowledge Area
605 - Natural Resource and Environmental Economics;

Subject Of Investigation
2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs;

Field Of Science
1050 - Developmental biology;

Keywords

arboretums

forestry

horticulture

gardens

trees

shrubs

wildlife

landscape plants

research support

Goals / Objectives
(1) To establish a collection of woody plants, including species and cultivars, and those plants having potential commercial value as forest species or for landscape development, from which materials may be obtained for breeding and propagation. (2) To provide a place open to the public where individuals or groups may study the woody and associated herbaceous plants which are adapted to the environments of Tennessee. (3) To provide land and supporting physical resources to facilitate associated plant research programs.

Project Methods
The Arboretum Project is an administrative entity within the Forestry Experiment Station. Development and administration of the Arboretum Project is the responsibility of the Superintendent of the UT Forestry Experiment Station, who functions as the project leader and Arboretum Director. The Superintendent is responsible directly to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Agricultural Experiment Station who establishes policies that govern Forestry Experiment Station operations, and, by association, the Arboretum. The Arboretum Project is an extension of the operation of the Forestry Experiment Station and provisions for allocating funding, staffing, equipment, etc. is the responsibility of the Station Superintendent. Existing plant accessions will be utilized and expanded in support of the Arboretum mission and to support the development of research, teaching, demonstration and public service programs. Individual plant specimens, stands and plant associations will be labeled to facilitate record keeping, identification and study. Public access to the Arboretum will be maintained within the limits of budget and resource availability. Arboretum development will embody features that enhance public education and enjoyment of the intrinsic values within the Arboretum and the associated natural features including the forest and wildlife. The forested areas within the Arboretum areas open to the public will be developed to exemplify and demonstrate natural resources management principles of forest stewardship.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The University of Tennessee Arboretum project began in 1964 and has been an integral part of the University's teaching, research and public mission for 41-years. The Arboretum has been partners with research faculty in the development of over 50 projects, and has been teaching field laboratory for 1000's of student contact hours. The Arboretum Project has supported over 75 student summer interns and guided them in the development of their professional careers. For over four decades the Arboretum has been a local and regional tourist destination for individuals and publics, and is recognized as a significant asset to local economies. Commensurate with the education mission, the Arboretum is a recognized source of expertise and information associated with plant care, cultural and conservation. The Arboretum has been instrumental in the development of plant patents and other technologies that have significantly improved commercial woody plant industry's economic wellbeing and served the public good. The UT Arboretum is known regionally, nationally and internationally and has brought recognition to the University by being a highly visible program that exemplifies the broad mission of an academic institution. The Arboretum facilities and associate programs have been the feature of hundreds of public media events, professional and lay programs, and public events that has informed and educated millions of Tennessee citizens.

Impacts
The University of Tennessee Arboretum project has impacted the lives of most Tennessee citizens through its research, education and public service programs. Over the duration of the project; over 75 intern students were assisted in their professional training; 1000's of student education contact hours were conducted; 50 research and demonstration programs were facilitated producing new technologies, plant patents, and improvements to the culture and use of woody plants; and hundreds of thousands of people were served in the improvement of their general wellbeing. The Arboretum has brought recognition to the University as a stellar example of a program and facility which is in the center of its broader mission education and supports regional economic development objectives.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The Arboretum Project supported the maintenance and development of associated research in 2004, including: 1) Cornelian Cherry Provenance Study and Korean Holly (Ilex sp.) Provenance Test (TN-13-FORS-2); 2) Dogwood Powdery Mildew and Dogwood Borer Cultivar Trails (TN-21-FORS-2) and Evaluation of Cornus sp. materials for Resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose (TN-21-FORS-2). Improved clones are now being tested and patents are expected. This support included regular maintenance, such as fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pruning and herbicide and insecticide applications. The Arboretum supported the maintenance of test plantings of silverbell (Amelanchier arborea) and sourwood (Oxyendrum aboreum). The Arboretum also facilitated the establishment of an apiary for the associated cross-pollination of nectar-producing dogwood clones. The Arboretum significantly enhanced the Holly Species Collection with the addition of 20 privately donated plant species. The Arboretum facilitated over 35,000 visitors and 90,000 contact hours of instruction to students, professionals, and public interest groups during 2004. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society granted $17,500 toward support of the public program and activities. The Arboretum was awarded two program grants: 1) Urban Forestry Education & Demonstration Grant, Tennessee Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division - $24,926, and 2) Arboretum Trails Project - Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation - Recreation Education Services Division - $114,000.

Impacts
The UT Arboretum hosted over 30,000 individuals from the visiting public, facilitated over 90,000 contact hours of instruction for professionals, students and public interest groups, supported 12 research projects, and brought wide recognition to the University. With support from grants, gifts, and an endowment, the Arboretum provided training and advanced technical experience to three summer intern students. The Arboretum contributes significantly to local and regional tourism and economic development. The Arboretums support of research initiatives in dogwood and holly species has contributed to the development of improved clones and patens have been released, or are in development.

Publications

• The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24. (Numbers 1,2, 3,and 4). 2004.
• Evans, R. M. 2004 From the Director's Desk. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volumes 24: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Evans, R. M. 2004. Harold Elmore's Holly Time at the Arboretum. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:1.
• Evans, R. M. 2004. Tree Talk. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:3.
• Coggins, Allen. 2004. Factoids About Woody Plants and Other Things of Interest. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:3.
• Coggins, Allen. 2004. Our Forest Plagues. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:3.
• Niler, Elieen 2004. Is it Spring Yet? Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:1.
• Niler, Elieen 2004. Our Native Oaks. Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:2.
• Giocomo, James. 2004. Saw-Whet Owls. Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:3.
• Niler, Elieen 2004. Four Letter Word for Gardners. Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 24:3.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The Arboretum Project supported the maintenance and development of associated research in 2002, including: 1) Cornelian Cherry Provenance Study and Korean Holly (Ilex sp.) Provenance Test (TN-13-FORS-2); 2) Dogwood Powdery Mildew and Dogwood Borer Cultivar Trails (TN-21-FORS-2) and Evaluation of Cornus sp. materials for Resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose (TN-21-FORS-2). Improved clones are now being tested and patents are expected. This support included regular maintenance, such as fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pruning and herbicide and insecticide applications. The Arboretum supported the maintenance of test plantings of silverbell (Amelanchier arborea) and sourwood (Oxyendrum aboreum). The Arboretum also facilitated the establishment of an apiary for the associated cross-pollination of nectar-producing dogwood clones. The Arboretun significantly enhanced the Holly Species Collection with the addition of 20 privately donated plant species. The Arboretum facilitated over 35,000 visitors and 90,000 contact hours of instruction to students, professionals, and public interest groups during 2002. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society granted $35,820 toward support of the public program and activities.

Impacts
The UT Arboretum hosted over 30,000 individuals from the visiting public, facilitated over 90,000 contact hours of instruction for professionals, students and public interest groups, supported 12 research projects, and brought wide recognition to the University. With support from grants, gifts, and an endowment, the Arboretum provided training and advanced technical experience to three summer intern students. The Arboretum contributes significantly to local and regional tourism and economic development. The Arboretums support of research initiatives in dogwood and holly species has contributed to the development of improved clones and patens are in development.

Publications

• The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23. (Numbers 1,2,3,and 4). 2003.
• Evans, R. M. 2003. From the Directors Desk. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volumes 23: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Evans, R. M. 2003. Harold Elmores Holly Time at the Arboretum. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.
• Niler, Elieen 2003. Our Furred and Featherd Friends. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.
• Schmitt, Thomas. 2003. Tree Care?. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.
• Schmitt, Thomas. 2002. Winter Garden Maintenance. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.
• Windham, M. A. 2003. Dogwood Diseases Trails at the U T Arboretum. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.
• Witte, W. T. 2002. Harold Elmore, Holly Haven Hybrids. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal, The Leaflet. Volume 23:1.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
The Arboretum Project supported the maintenance and development of associated research in 2002, including: 1) Cornelian Cherry Provenance Study and Korean Holly (Ilex sp.) Provenance Test (TN-13-FORS-2); 2)Dogwood Powdery Mildew and Dogwood Borer Cultivar Trails (TN-21-FORS-2) and Evaluation of Cornus sp. materials for Resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose (TN-21-FORS-2). This support included regular maintenance, such as fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pruning and herbicide and insecticide applications. The Arboretum supported the maintenance of test plantings of silverbell (Amelanchier arborea) and sourwood (Oxyendrum aboreum). The Arboretum also facilitated the establishment of an apiary for the associated cross-pollination of nectar-producing dogwood clones. Three summer intern students were supported by a $4200 gift from the UT Arboretum Society and with additional funds from the Forestry Experiment Station's endowment. The Arboretun significantly enhanced the Holly Species Collection with the addition of 20 privately donated plant species. The Arboretum facilitated over 35,000 visitors and 90,000 contact hours of instruction to students, professionals, and public interest groups during 2002.

Impacts
The UT Arboretum hosted over 35,000 individuals from the visiting public, facilitated over 90,000 contact hours of instruction for professionals, students and public interest groups, supported 12 research projects, and brought wide recognition to the University. With support from grants, gifts, and an endowment, the Arboretum provided training and advanced technical experience to three summer intern students. The Arboretum contributes significantly to local and regional tourism and economic development.

Publications

• The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volume 22. (Numbers 1,2,3,and 4). 2002.
• Evans, R. M. 2002. From the Director's Desk. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Volumes 22: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Evans, R. M. 2001. On the Prowl for Oaks. The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal 'The Leaflet'. Vol. 21, No. 3. 2 pp.
• Evans, R. M. 2002. A Place For All Seasons. Tennessee Gardner. March 2002. p 45-47.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
The Arboretum Project supported the maintenance and development of associated research in 2001, including: 1) Cornelian Cherry Provenance Study and Koran Holly (Ilex sp.) Provenance Test (TN-13-FORS-2); 2) Dogwood Powdery Mildew and Dogwood Borer Cultivar Trails (TN-21-FORS-2) and Evaluation of Cornus materials for Resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose (TN-21-FORS-2). This support included regular maintenance, such as fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pruning and herbicide and insecticide applications. The Arboretum also supported the maintenance of test plantings of siverbell (Amelanchier arborea) and sourwood (Oxyendrum aboreum). Three Summer Intern positions were supported by a $7,500 grant from the Arboretum Society and with additional funds from the Forestry Experiment Station' endowment. The Arboretum significantly enhanced it's collection of cultivated hollies through private donations of plant specimens. The Arboretum facilitated over 45,000 contact hours of instruction to students, professionals, and public interest groups during 2001.

Impacts
In 2001 the Arboretum had over 25,000 visitations, facilitated 12 research projects, and brought wide recognition to the University. It served as a teaching laboratory for many students and groups and had provided over 45,000 contact hours of instructions. With support from grants and an endowments, the Arboretum provided training and advanced technical experience to four student interns, three receiving college credit. The Arboretum contributes significantly to local and regional tourism and economic development.

Publications

• The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal "The Leaflet". Volume 21. (Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4). 2001

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
The Arboretum Project supported the maintenance and development of associated research in 2000, including: 1) Cornelian Cherry Provenance Study and Korean Holly (Ilex sp.) Provenance Test (TN-13-FORS-2); 2) Dogwood Powder Mildew and Dogwood Borer Cultivar Trails (TN 21-FORS-2) and Evaluation of Cornus Materials for Resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose (TN 21- FORS-2). This support includes the regular maintenance, such as fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pruning and herbicide and insecticide application. The Arboretum also supported the maintenance of test plantings of silverbell (Amelanchier arborea) and sourwood (Oxyendrum arboreum). Three Arboretum Student Intern Positions were supported by a grant of $7,400 from the UT Arboretum Society and additional funds from the Forestry Experiment Station and Arboretum's Endowment were used to offset incidental Arboretum work performed by other student interns. The Arboretum was host to approximately 30,000 visitors, including school groups, garden clubs, college classes and program participants. The Arboretum hosted a field tour of the American Holly Society in October 2000.

Impacts
In 2000 the Arboretum had over 30,000 visitations, facilitated 12 research projects, and brought wide recognition to the University. It served as a teaching laboratory serving over 900 student visits. With grant support from the UT Arboretum Society, the Arboretum Summer Intern Program provided employment, training and advance technical instruction to three students, one receiving college credit. The Arboretum contributes significantly to local tourism and economic development.

Publications

• The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society Journal "The Leaflet". Volume 20. (Numbers 1,2 and 3). 2000.