Troy University’s Arboretum has recently received over $162,000 from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) that will help fund educational and recreational improvements.
Boasting 75 acres of land and over 10 miles of walking trails, the arboretum is a place where anyone can go and connect with nature. The money will help enhance infrastructure and accessibility.
“We are very grateful for this, and we will be using this money to improve not only things for students here, but for the community members who come out here and tourists passing through this area,” said Dr. Alvin Diamond, biology professor and director of the arboretum.
Diamond said the main area facing restoration is Hickory Loop Nature Trail. The money will help build two pedestrian bridges across the creek that runs through the area, making it easier to navigate.
They also plan on clearing around two miles of trail, connecting those to existing trails and making the area more wheelchair accessible. Benches and waste bins will be added along the trails. Without the grant money, Diamond said these improvements would not be possible.
“We don’t have an operating budget here, so pretty much everything we do we rely on volunteer labor, grants and donations,” Diamond said. “This is going to give us the money that we need to take on a really big job, something we haven’t been able to do with the resources we’ve had thus far.
“Now we’ve got the money, so we’re really excited to tackle the area.”
Apart from recreational improvements, the money will help fund educational opportunities, too. New informational signage is in the works, along with a wildlife viewing area. Students expressed their excitement about these changes.
“I appreciate that people care about making the arboretum a more enjoyable place,” said Troy Environmental Club President Karle Chamberlin, a junior English major from Alabaster, Alabama. “I believe these improvements will make the arboretum more easily accessible and much more enjoyable.
“I am excited to see what they do with it.”
Ethan Jones is a sophomore environmental science major from El Paso, Texas, who has a workship position with the arboretum. He believes these improvements will create a more enjoyable experience for students and visitors alike.
“I am absolutely ecstatic that the arboretum has been awarded this grant, and I am excited to see it put to use,” Jones said. “Not enough students know about the arboretum, and many who do know of it are unaware that it is open and accessible to everyone.
“I think everyone should come out and explore our hiking trails and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with nature without having to leave campus.”
This is the largest grant the arboretum has received since 2022. Diamond said it brings them one step closer to their goal of education, recreation and protection of the environment.
“It’s another thing that draws people to Troy’s campus,” Diamond said. “It’ll be a positive, I think, for everybody.”
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