The staff of the W. Gordon Belser Arboretum cordially invite the Sherwood Forest Community to an Open House on February 21, 2010 from 1 to 4pm. The Open House is a part of the Arboretum's monthly Open House events to make the Trail and exhibits of the Arboretum accessible to the general public of Columbia.


The Open House will be held regardless of weather. The Open House program will feature a guided walk on our newly embellished Lindler Circle Trail; destination is our own 'White Diamond Mine', where the snow white rocks for the trail edge were excavated. Also on display in the outdoor classroom will be some of the spectacular photographs taken by Valerie Marcil of the Arboretum early on Saturday morning after the snow storm. The Museum will also be open from 1-4pm, with the general theme of 'Know Your Ecosystems, Cherish Them and Keep Them Green'.

The determined effort to open the Arboretum more often to the general public is working well. Weekly Wednesday Workcrew and Walkers will open the gates (weather permitting for the Workcrew) from 8am until 2pm with entry through the Bloomwood Gate only. In case of severe rain, the crew will not work that day and the gates will not be open. Volunteers wishing to help the crew are welcome. Walkers may walk on the Lindler Circle Trail and Spur Paths. Do not leave the trail system for any reason; we have over 2,500 TINY trees, shrubs, and ground covers planted, which are invisible at this time of year. Consequently, we must keep all visitors restricted to the trail system and the immediate work site for the Workcrew. The trail is not designed for jogging; in order to prevent an accident from tripping on an exposed root or slipping on slick leaves on a steep trail pitch, we request no jogging.

After a lot of rain in January and February, and a spectacular snow storm on February 12, the Arboretum is definitely starting to show signs of approaching spring. Daffodils, Oregon Grape, Alder, Lenten roses, and Creeping Rosemary are in bloom; flower buds are swelling on the Red Bud and Dogwood Trees, and some trees are starting to leaf out.

The nearest restroom facilities are at the Piggly Wiggly at the corner of Devine Street and Kilbourne Street.