History
Friends of Secrest Arboretum (FSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that traces its history back to 1994 when it was known as Secrest Arboretum Volunteers, Ltd. Most arboreta in this country are their own legal entity and have members to help support the organization. Since Secrest is part of The Ohio State University, membership is not possible. Hence, the reason for this separate organization, which is similar to public libraries that have a Friends of the Library supporting them.
According to our bylaws, the purpose of the FSA is “to assist and promote the development of Secrest Arboretum and to help the public use, enjoy, and understand plants for a better life.”
Financial Support
Since 2007 FSA has provided more than $500,000 in direct support to Secrest Arboretum. In the past 4 years alone, FSA has purchased over $45,000 of trees, shrubs, and perennials to enhance the Arboretum collection. In addition to this and other ongoing support, FSA also provided over $60,000 for the John Streeter Garden Amphitheater improvement project. A generous Wayne County Community Foundation grant provided $40,000 with an additional $10,000 from a generous donor and $10,000 from FSA’s general fund.
Outreach & Promotion
FSA promotes Secrest through events like the Garden Fair and the Music at the Arboretum series. We also underwrite the Whiz Bang Science shows as well as other community events.
Membership
Memberships make wonderful gifts! They can be purchased online at FriendsofSecrest.com or by mailing a membership form and check to:
Friends of Secrest Arboretum
3540 Burbank Rd #190
Wooster, OH 44691
FSA membership has multiple benefits in addition to supporting Secrest Arboretum. Benefits include the opportunity to buy plants ahead of the public at plant sales—and receive a 10% discount! For those who travel and like to visit other arboreta and botanic gardens, membership also includes free admission to over 380 gardens throughout the US and Canada, with some restrictions on gardens within 90 miles of Secrest. This is made possible through the American Horticultural Society Garden Network. You can learn more about participating arboreta here: https://ahsgardening.org/ahsgarden-network/
Final Thoughts
The FSA Board hopes to see you at the many events we sponsor and encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Secrest Arboretum throughout the year. You can keep track of coming events through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Friends.of.Secrest, our website https://www.friendsofsecrest.com/ or Secrest’s website https://secrest.osu.edu/.
As always, please reach out to me at friendsofsecrest@gmail.com should you have questions about FSA.
–Bob Everett, President, Friends of Secrest Arboretum