March 13, 2006 :: No. 164

With large, simple roof forms and gabled structures, the new Fullerton Arboretum Visitor Center is a reminder of the packinghouses that were at the heart of Orange County’s agrarian history. March 21, the center will open its doors for a dedication celebration.

Joining CSUF President Milton A. Gordon as scheduled speakers for the 2-5 p.m. ceremony are: A.G. Kawamura, secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture; Fullerton Mayor Leland Wilson; Richard A. Foster, Fullerton Arboretum Commission president; and Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby.

Anchored by the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, the $2.28 million complex, which also incorporates classrooms, aims to enhance the arboretum’s educational mission — including providing CSUF students a place to practice exhibition design and research historical information — and support community functions, in addition to furthering an understanding of the environment, notes Greg Dyment, Fullerton Arboretum director.

Designed by Dougherty + Dougherty Architects, the 8,537-square-foot facility is the first “green” project at Cal State Fullerton and provides a glimpse into the possibilities for altering the approach to such areas as energy and water consumption, waste reduction, curriculum development and environmental management.

Last fall, the center’s design garnered a Best Practices Award for Overall Sustainable Design during the 4th annual UC/CSU Sustainability Conference. In addition, two awards further enhance the center’s green qualities: a $45,000 grant from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to fund new Southern California heritage landscapes and a donation of 40 cubic yards of pervious concrete by alumnus Larry Maes (B.A. history ’71), products education director of the Southern California Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

The Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum will honor the rich agricultural legacy of Orange County and the Japanese American community’s contributions to that chronicle. During its inaugural months, the museum will feature highlights from the coming exhibition schedule, which will include: “Sowing Dreams and Cultivating Lives: The Japanese American Farmer” (Sept. 23, 2006 - Jan. 14, 2007), “A Determined Lot: Orange County Pioneer Families” (Feb. 17-June 24, 2007) and “From Grower to Market” (July 28-Nov. 18, 2007).

Established in 1979, the Fullerton Arboretum has served the community as a resource for ecological, horticultural and historical education. Encompassing 26 acres, it is the largest botanical garden in Orange County with a permanent collection of more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. Developed in cooperation with the city of Fullerton, the arboretum occupies the northeast corner of Cal State Fullerton and is open daily to the public.

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