Horticulture Educational Programming for Colorado State University Trial Gardens and Heritage Arboretum
Category: Community Engagement Poster
Author(s): Max Nikkari
Presenter(s): Max Nikkari
Mentors(s): Chad Miller, Daniel Burcham
The Colorado State University Annual Trial Gardens and Heritage Arboretum are just two examples of horticulture sites that work to meet the extension and education goals expressed by Colorado State University and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. In an effort to increase the educational programming of both sites, identify potential programmatic unity, and gauge public interest in educational attendance and cost, two public surveys were written and released in the summer of 2024. A survey was designed for each site and signs with a QR access code were posted along paths and planting beds of the Annual Trial Garden and Arboretum from June through September, 2024. 51 responses were collected in the Arboretum. 128 responses were collected in the Annual Trial Garden. Survey results indicated a desire for increased active and passive programming in both sites. 70% of respondents in the Arboretum and 56% of respondents in the Annual Trial Garden indicated a willingness to attend events. 50% of respondents in both sites indicated a willingness to pay to attend educational programming. Popular programming choices included native plant education, plant identification, best planting practices, and birding. Survey responses will be used to select, schedule, and accordingly price future programming in both sites.