I always love going to the Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton, California, a beautiful 26-acre public botanical garden that is a tranquil respite from day-to-day hustle & bustle. I’ve taken my GrandAngels there numerous times for classes and to walk the numerous paths. The Arboretum is part of California State University Fullerton (CSU Fullerton), a landmark in the community for many years and an accredited arboretum. “Hands Off the Fullerton Arboretum” will be explained as you read on.

CSU Fullerton is in the planning stages to expand and update their Master Plan.  It’s the most populous campus in the California State University system having come close to maximum enrollment capacity.  Officials at the University say that mounting growth requires a plan to provide a safe, sustainable, welcoming and cohesive learning environment that supports student success into the future.

I spoke with a volunteer, at the April 10, 2019 Open House (the title of this blog comes from an attendee’s written comment on a post-it-note stuck to a rendering of the Master Plan) offering details of the Master Plan.  I asked her about the rumor that the Fullerton Arboretum will be dismantled to erect student dorms. She emphatically told me, “that will never happen. It’s just a rumor!”  I pray this is true because being in nature is good for our mental and physical health! New houses, condominiums and mini malls are constantly occupying Southern California’s open spaces. People desperately need an oasis for calm such as the Arboretum where they can learn about, be inspired by and appreciate the outdoors.

More details about the Master Plan are available online at http://masterplan.fullerton.edu/.