In 1867 Jesse Fell obtained $3,000 from the state legislature for campus landscaping. He planted 1,740 trees on campus that year and 107 trees the following year. Fell wanted every tree and plant native to Illinois represented on campus. This ambitious goal was never realized, but as a result of Fell's early work, the University has inherited an impressive collection of trees on campus. A plan to perpetuate his vision now exists through the development of the Fell Arboretum.
Today the University continues to work toward pursuing Jesse Fell’s dream through the Fell Arboretum. Named and dedicated in 1995 Fell Arboretum continues to grow, and staff is continues to be committed to collecting diverse species of trees and other plants for installation on the campus of Illinois State University. The principal goal is to sustain a living laboratory as both an educational resource and aesthetic experience.
One of the ways that the Fell Arboretum obtains this goal is through the donor tree program. With a donation of $500.00, a member of the campus or community can have a tree planted in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. The donor works with Illinois State’s Ground’s Department to choose a specific species of tree and a location for it to be planted.
The tree will be entered into the Fell Arboretum inventory and become a lasting tribute as part of the arboretum’s collection. An inventory tag and a personalized tag will be attached to the tree and the donor may or may not choose to have a planting or recognition ceremony.
Donations have also been graciously made to the Arboretum, resulting in the creation of two new seating areas on campus; one being the COL Dirk Spanton Memorial Garden, located at the ROTC building, and the other, “Muffet’s Place”, located on west campus near Horton Field House. Both gardens provide wonderful opportunities for students, staff and visitors to sit, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the space.
If you would like to participate in the donor tree program, or would like to make a donation to the Fell Arboretum for a future project, please contact Assistant Director of Grounds, Darcy Loy, at (309) 438-2081, (309) 261-7571, or by email, daloy@ilstu.edu for additional information. You can also utilize the form and return it via campus mail to:
Illinois State University
9100 Facilities/Grounds
Normal IL 61790-9100
