The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton has received a $2.35 million gift to fund physical improvements, expand plant collections and support conservation programs, university officials announced Wednesday.
The commitment includes a $2 million planned gift along with annual contributions of $70,000 over the next five years, funding that will be used for projects such as greenhouse repairs and irrigation-system maintenance, according to school officials.
“This gift is important for three reasons,” Greg Pongetti, curator of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, said in a statement.
“First, these funds can be used to support physical improvements. Second, the multi-year pledge allows us to plan for the future by factoring the annual funding into our annual plans and budget. Third, we hope that this type of gift inspires others in our community to support the arboretum and our work.”
The donor, who requested anonymity, is a longtime Fullerton resident who wanted to support a local program that provides community access to nature, university officials said.
The 26-acre arboretum holds Level IV ArbNet accreditation, the highest designation awarded by the global arboretum network, and is one of four facilities in California with that recognition, according to the school.
Officials said the site houses rare, threatened and endangered plant species and operates a nursery that propagates plants for other institutions and public sales.
The arboretum also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students through environmental research internships focused on climate change, conservation and horticulture.