Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

The Taltree Arboretum & Gardens (360 acres / 1.5 km²) is an ecologically diverse nature preserve of woodlands, wetlands and prairie with woody plant collections and gardens located at 450 West 100 North, in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA.

Taltree contains many natural and ornamental plant exhibits and gardens.

Ornamental Gardens:

• Welcome Garden
• Hitz Family Rose Garden
• Native Plant Garden
• Pavilion Garden
• Railway Garden (all new in 2011)

Hiking Trails

• Bluebird Trail - longest trail at Taltree (1.5 miles)
• Goldfinch Trail - southernmost trail (0.6 miles)
• Heron Trail - shortest trail, around Heron Pond (0.4 miles)
• Owl Trail - through woodlands and Oak Islands (0.5 miles)
• (New trail coming in 2011)

The grounds are open to the public year-round during the daylight hours. One can schedule interpretive, docent-guided hikes for a small fee and the Meyer Pavilion available for rental use. Admission to the preserve is $10 for adults and children over 4 years. Admission for Seniors (55+) is $8 per person. Children 4 years and under are free.

The Arboretum was founded in the 1990s as an effort to preserve the natural beauty of Northwest Indiana. The initial land purchase was made in 1990 by Damien and Rita Gabis. Groundwork began in 1996. Today the Arboretum is operated by the Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Foundation (formerly the Gabis Family Foundation). Taltree's vision states:

"Taltree will improve quality of life and increase economic vitality in the South Lake Michigan region by preserving green space, establishing significant woody plant collections in beautiful display gardens, hosting cultural events and encouraging people to enjoy, appreciate, and take pride in our natural heritage."

Program offerings:

• Scheduled Hikes - Hike are offered in the Woodlands, Wetlands, Prairie & Railway Garden for school groups, youth organization and adult groups.
• Classes - Taltree offers classes ranging from seed starting to bonsai.
• Discovery Series Hikes - These hikes look at plant and animal life within a certain ecosystems. Each hike covers a different topic like: Bluebirds, Pond Creatures, Pollinators, etc.
• Facility Rentals - The Meyer Pavilion is host to wedding ceremonies throughout April through October. It is also available for retreats, anniversary parties, business meetings & more.
• Birthday Party Rentals - Taltree now offers birthday party programs. The two program choices are Thomas & Emily(TM) visit the Railway Garden and Bugs & Butterflies in the Prairie.

Special Exhibits: Taltree is home to a special exhibit on Oaks (Quercus)which are featured in Oak Islands. This exhibit contains Oaks from the Northern Hemisphere from Europe, North America and Asia. Each "island" of trees represent a specific woodland from around the world in order to preserve Oak specimens for future generations.

See also

• List of botanical gardens in the United States

External links

• Taltree Arboretum and Gardens official site