Restoring Rhododendron Glen

In spring 2019, the Arboretum embarked on a plan to restore one its most special and beloved places: Rhododendron Glen. The project was made possible by a generous gift of $750,000 from long-time Foundation volunteer Mary Ellen Mulder and her husband, Gordon Mulder.

Located near the south end of the Arboretum, Rhododendron Glen dates to the 1930s and has it all: dramatic topography, tall trees, a babbling brook, and beautiful understory plants, including many unusual species of rhododendron. Over time, however, important parts of the glen lost their luster. Weeds infiltrated; the canopy became too dense in places, resulting in a loss of understory plants; trails deteriorated and were negatively impacting the stream; and key sections of the stream and its associated rock work were overgrown or have silted up.

Since 2019, weeding, strategic opening-up of the canopy, and extensive new planting have had a transformative effect on the glen. Progress has also been made on the stream and pond restoration components of the project. Wetland and watercourse reconnaissance has been conducted in the larger glen area, and Berger Partnership was hired to develop the design. A pandemic-related backlog at the Army Corps of Engineers caused a permitting delay in 2020–21, however, the permits was acquired in summer 2022, and construction is now scheduled to begin in August 2022.

Project overview and updates:

• “Restoring Rhododendron Glen,”  Arboretum Bulletin, Spring 2019.
• “Master Plan Projects,” AF Annual Report 2019-20.
• “New Plantings in the Arboretum: 2019 in Review,” Arboretum Bulletin, Winter 2020.
• “New Plantings in the Arboretum: 2020 in Review,” Arboretum Bulletin, Winter 2021.