The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton received a $2.35 million gift that will support strategic improvements, enhance the garden’s collections and ensure that it remains a top conservation resource in Southern California.
The commitment consists of a $2 million planned gift and a $70,000 annual gift for the next five years, which will allow the arboretum to address such needs as repairs and maintenance to its greenhouse and irrigation system.
“This gift is important for three reasons,” said Greg Pongetti, curator of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. “First, these funds can be used to support physical improvements. Second, the multi-year pledge allows us to plan for the future by factoring the annual funding into our annual plans and budget. Third, we hope that this type of gift inspires others in our community to support the arboretum and our work.”
The donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a longtime Fullerton resident who recalls visiting the arboretum in the 1970s to buy plants and see the progress being made on the grounds: “I was so impressed by the volunteers who worked so hard to create a place of beauty and discovery.
“Now that I’m in a position to give, I wanted to help a local program that gives back to the neighborhood,” he continued. “I recognize that there are thousands of people and programs that provide needed services. But I was impressed by the arboretum that offers everyone, from families to students to senior citizens, the chance to explore nature and delight in its natural beauty.”
The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton is one of only four arboreta in California and 45 worldwide with Level IV ArbNet accreditation, the highest level awarded by the global organization.
The 26-acre arboretum is home to several rare, threatened and endangered plants. The nursery propagates many plants to make them available to other institutions worldwide and the public through plant sales.
In addition to serving local and global communities, the arboretum provides faculty and students with hands-on opportunities to help solve California’s most pressing environmental challenges. In the Engaging Environmental Experiences internship program, students work alongside arboretum staff and experts to research such topics as climate change, plant conservation and horticulture.
Through a partnership with Associated Students Inc., the arboretum also ensures that students have access to fresh fruit and vegetables by providing the Food Pantry with produce from surplus harvests.
Kimberly Shiner, vice president for university advancement, said that the gift will allow the arboretum to continue its important work while also growing impact for future generations.
“This extraordinary commitment represents the very best of philanthropic partnership — a donor who understands both the immediate needs of our campus and the enduring value of long-term investment,” said Shiner. “Gifts of this magnitude don’t just sustain our mission; they elevate it, positioning the arboretum as a cornerstone of learning, conservation and community engagement for decades to come.”