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Over the course of two decades, HofstraUniversity’s 240-acre campus, once a

part of the Mitchel Field air base, sparselytreed and devoid of any aesthetic compo-nents, has been transformed into anationally recognized arboretum. Thistransformation was accomplished with-out a sizeable allocation of money butwith a great deal of ingenuity. Mature

trees were carefully transplanted, individ-uals were asked to donate memorial gardens, berms were erected as wind-breakers using tons of donated soil, andnew trees and sitting walls were added.An innovative policy was established providing that for every tree that died orwas damaged on Hofstra’s campus, twonew trees would be added to theArboretum. Although students, facultyand alumni were all aware of these posi-

tive improvements, the growth andregeneration of the Hofstra campus wasformally recognized in 1985 when theHofstra University Arboretum became amember of the prestigious AmericanAssociation of Botanical Gardens andArboreta (AABGA).

Since the goal of the Universityadministration is, and always has been, tosteadily increase the variety of trees,shrubs, annuals and perennials campus-wide and, in general, to provide HofstraUniversity students with a beautiful andserene environment, all opportunities fornew gardens have been explored. TodayHofstra’s Arboretum boasts more than 525varieties of trees, some of which are excep-tionally rare, and thousands of annuals,perennials and spring flowering bulbs. In

1985, due to Hofstra’s strong con-nection with the Netherlands, theDutch Bulb Growers Associationcultivated a pure white Darwinhybrid tulip and named it“Hofstra University.”

One of the most significantimprovements to Hofstra’s Arbor-etum was the addition of ourModel Bird Sanctuary, which hasproven to be a natural resource forHofstra faculty and students, edu-

cational and senior citizen groups, and thelocal community as well. In 1993 HofstraUniversity was granted permission from the New York State Department ofTransportation to convert its two-acrerecharge basin (commonly referred to as asump) into a Model Bird Sanctuary.Following an extensive cleanup by a groupof volunteers, native bird-attracting plantswere gradually added to the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary relies entirely on thegoodwill efforts of volunteers and HofstraArboretum members. Financial supporthas been provided primarily throughdonations and special Arboretum fund-raising events as well as grants receivedfrom the New York State Office of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation.Highlights of the Sanctuary include: a

The Hofstra Arboretum and Model Bird SanctuaryEve I. GlasserExecutive Director

Friends of the Hofstra Arboretum

Entrance to Hofstra’s Model Bird Sanctuary and Environment Studies Center.

A statue located in the Model Bird Sanctuary.

Eve Glasser has been a member of the Universitycommunity for more than 20 years. Prior to assum-ing her current position as Executive Director ofthe Friends of the Hofstra Arboretum, Ms. Glasserwas Assistant Director of Public Relations.

Her current position was created in 1985, duringPresident Emeritus Dr. James M. Shuart’s tenure.Dr. Shuart had a genuine interest in the growthand beautification of the Hofstra campus. Ms.Glasser vividly recalls Dr. Shuart approachingher after an annual holiday party to inquire if shewould be interested in assuming this position.“Do whatever you feel necessary to promoteHofstra’s Arboretum,” Dr. Shuart replied whenMs. Glasser asked what his expectations were ofthis position. Ms. Glasser is responsible for thedevelopment and furtherance of the HofstraArboretum, Bird Sanctuary and EnvironmentalStudies Center.

The Hofstra Arboretum has evolved through theyears. In addition to more than 525 different vari-eties and more than 8,000 trees, the campus isenhanced by the use of annuals, perennials andbulbs, particularly tulips. Numerous plant sales,lectures/luncheons, and private garden tours havetaken place, and a bird sanctuary was establishedin a New York State recharge basin, all under theauspices of the Hofstra Arboretum. In addition, theHofstra Arboretum Flower and Garden Show washeld for the first time this spring at the HofstraArena, directed by Ms. Glasser.

Ms. Glasser has a longstanding interest in horti-culture. She is the author of Orchids (MacmillianPublishers, 1995), a complete guide to the culti-vation of orchids. She has authored more than35 articles for The New York Times, primarilyfocusing on horticulture. Her genuine interest inthis field makes her a “natural” for her currentposition at the University. -SK

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lean-to educational building, a large gazebowith binoculars and a bird identificationguide to aid visitors, and a hummingbirdand a songbird study garden. A large pondwith a winding boardwalk is also an integralpart of the Sanctuary, and our very latestaddition is a naturalistic rock waterfall.

Each year the number of visitors toour Bird Sanctuary increases considerably,and the improvements to Hofstra’s campusaffect all segments of the Hofstra family.The Biology, Chemistry, Physics, andEngineering and Environmental StudiesDepartments have all brought classes toHofstra’s Model Bird Sanctuary, andHofstra’s Diane Lindner-Goldberg ChildCare Institute frequently brings theiryoung charges to the Sanctuary as well.During the summer months, the daycampers are often seen there. Regardlessof their age, young and old seem to enjoythe quietude and naturalness it provides.

In an effort to bring the HofstraUniversity Arboretum even more recogni-tion, and to add to its educational value,the Friends of the Hofstra Arboretumsponsored a Major Flower and GardenShow on April 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2002.The show, held at the Hofstra Arena, fea-tured a professionally designed HarryPotter Children’s Educational Garden andeducational and horticultural displaysfrom 30 groups. The second federatedDistrict Garden Clubs (58 from Nassau,Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn) are heldtheir annual Standard Judged Flower

Show at our show. In addition, a PreviewReception honoring Horace Hagedorn,founder of Miracle-Gro, and Dr. DavidSalten, one of the Hofstra Arboretum’smain benefactors, took place at the show.There were free lectures all weekend longand a garden marketplace selling a varietyof garden-related items.

We have been growing continually, asan Arboretum should, but we still havemiles to go before we sleep (to paraphraseRobert Frost).

A variety of trees adorn Hofstra’s 240-acre campus.

“Hofstra University” tulips prominently displayed onHofstra’s campus.