Green Thumbs Up

Perched at the north end of campus is one of Cal Poly’s most peaceful spots: the Leaning Pine Arboretum. Its five acres showcases nine gardens with plants from around the globe living in harmony thanks to the hard work of faculty and students who tend it.

For decades, the arboretum has served as a beloved backdrop for a spectrum of Learn by Doing experiences, including photography classes, biology labs and landscape architecture and construction management projects.

In a short stroll, visitors can explore plants unique to the world’s five Mediterranean climate regions — Australia, California, South Africa, Chile and the basin surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. A few more steps reveal a formal garden of neat hedges, a palm and aloe garden with 60 species of succulents, shaded benches, and a lush lawn that often hosts small events.

“It’s really a space for everyone,” said Tiffany Faulstich, arboretum manager and Plant Sciences Department lecturer. She oversees the specially trained student horticulturalists who help maintain each collection throughout the year.

Wyatt Gouger, a third-year plant sciences student, is part of a team of stewards who water, weed, replant different species, apply mulch, lay pathways and operate heavy equipment.

“It’s definitely shaped what I want to do outside of college, and it’s given me a lot of different skills,” said Gouger. “I’m excited to come back in 15 or 20 years and see what I planted grow.”

Looking to support this unique learning environment? Consider giving to the Arboretum Management Program.