June 11, 2001

The University and the state Department of Environmental Protection have turned the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford over to the City of Stamford. And the city is signing a long-term lease, effective July 1, that allows the Bartlett Arboretum Association to operate it.

In addition to obtaining an annual grant from the city to operate the arboretum, the association has also received from the state Bond Commission a $2 million grant-in-aid for expenditures. These include new construction, renovation of the buildings, and rehabilitation of the gardens. The grant-in-aid also will help kick off a capital campaign for the new Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens.

"The impact of these changes will be dramatic and far-reaching," said Jack Dillon, president of the arboretum association. "Truly, the future is now. It is up to us to grasp it and to make the most of the opportunities it is offering us."

The arboretum is located next to the former Scofieldtown Road campus of the University. Since the campus moved downtown, it has refocused its mission on information technology and other business-related areas, and is less able to devote resources to the arboretum, said Lorraine Aronson, vice president for financial planning and management.

For information on courses, trips and tours offered by the arboretum, write to the association at 151 Brookdale Rd., Stamford, CT 06903 or call (203) 322-6971.

Karen A. Grava