John R. Rodman Arboretum
The John R. Rodman Arboretum is a botanical garden at Pitzer College that focuses on native Southern California plants. The grounds feature multiple gardens designed with drought-tolerant species suited to the local climate.
The arboretum began in the early 1980s when college staff and students sought to preserve native vegetation threatened by development. It became an official part of Pitzer College in 1988 and has since served as an educational resource for environmental studies courses.
The arboretum is named after John Rodman, an environmental advocate whose passion inspired its creation. Visitors can observe how the gardens serve as both a learning space for students and a community gathering place where people engage with native plants and regional ecology.
The arboretum is accessible on the Pitzer College campus with inviting paths for exploration. Visitors can stroll through the gardens at their own pace to observe how plants thrive in natural conditions suited to the region.
An endowment fund named after the arboretum ensures its long-term survival and supports ongoing projects. This financial foundation means the gardens will continue to serve students and the community for years to come.
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