| |
A Taste of Taltree History
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens is a remarkable asset to the South Lake Michigan region. Sitting on top of the Valparaiso moraine, Taltree boasts 300 acres of woody plant collections, gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and prairies.
In 1997, Damien and Rita Gabis, founders of Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, realized that one of the problems of population growth was the loss of green space with its corresponding detrimental effect on people. Making plans to offer a solution, they envisioned a place where people would come to be refreshed and restored, find inspiration and creativity in nature, and learn about horticulture and ecology.
During the spring of 1998 Taltree staff and volunteers planted 35 acres of warm season prairie and more than 7000 oaks and hickories. Soon thereafter a large wetland that had been drained for agriculture was restored. Trails connecting each area were constructed enabling people to easily explore Taltree. Since that time numerous species of mammals, birds, insects, invertebrates, and amphibians have come to call Taltree home.
Taltree Time Line
1998: |
Taltree becomes not-for-profit foundation 7,000 trees planted for reforestation of 16 acres 30 acres of warm season prairie planted First trails created First acorns from International Oak Society planted |
1999: |
Savanna Wetlands project begins |
2000: |
First adult education classes offered; Interpretive hikes begin; Savanna wetland plants installed along shoreline; 5 acres warm season prairie planted; First Plant Collections policy drafted; Volunteer program begins |
2001: |
Joseph E. Meyer Memorial Pavilion construction begins; Taltree grounds opened to public in October |
2002: |
Joseph E. Meyer Memorial Pavilion completed; First wedding at Taltree in JEMMP; JEMMP dedication dinner; Grand Opening Celebration in October; Indiana Urban Forest Council 2002 Civic Organization in Promoting the Principles of Urban Forestry in Indiana; Membership program begins; First TAG Along newsletter published |
2003: |
First Music in Nature concerts (Eric Lambert #1); JEMMP gardens planted; First Master Plan; Porter County Convention & Visitor Commission 2003 Newcomer of the Year; First Taltree Ten race; Summer Youth Programs with Boys & Girls Clubs; Hilltop House begin |
2004: |
Welcome and Entry Gardens planted; Native Plant Garden begins; Opportunity Enterprises and Arc Bridges begin volunteering at Taltree; 2004 Environmental Quality of Life award from the Quality of Life Council |
2005: |
Arc Bridges from Gary IN, gave Taltree the 2005 Quality of Life award |
2006: |
Taltree trees planted at Ivanhoe Elementary, Gary and along bicycle path in Hammond; Arc Bridges recognized Taltree for “outstanding contributions and inclusion of people with disabilities” during Disability Awareness Month in March 2006 |
2007: |
Hitz Family Rose Garden completed; 2007 ROSE Award nomination for outstanding service to Porter County; Rotary of Valparaiso gave The Phillip Antommaria Memorial Award for Environmental Excellence; First Cathy Hodges Memorial Concert for Performing Arts; First Gala Dinner-Midsummer Nights Dream |
2008: |
Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Award for 2008; Railway Garden Depot groundbreaking; Ten Years of Taltree summer celebration |
|
