Pursuing Excellence in Horticulture, Research and Education
Interconnectivity with nature holds value beyond mere appreciation for the wonderous ways of the planet. A greater understanding of the environment grants humankind the ability to not only preserve it, but also to achieve optimal health. Without environmental justice and stewardship of Earth’s biodiversity, factors such as pollution and other destructors pose grave risks to the wellbeing of all.
As a historic and contemporary public garden and international center for the study of woody plants and biodiversity, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston aims to disseminate knowledge and pursue a mission defined by excellence in horticulture, research and education. Through an urban sanctuary, some of the world’s most comprehensive and best-documented collections of woody plants prosper here – particularly the ligneous floras of eastern North America and eastern Asia.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University’s central goal is discovering and disseminating knowledge of the plant kingdom to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Earth’s botanical diversity and its essential value to humankind. The property is a 281-acre landscape operating as a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and Harvard University.
It’s also a free community resource in the heart of Boston’s Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods, is on the National Register of Historic Places and a jewel in the Emerald Necklace of parks.
Louis Appell, Jr. was passionate about making an impact by working alongside his community and beyond. Through the Powder Mill Foundation, Mr. Appell’s passions continue to be carried out in the form of contributions to many organizations, including the Arnold Arboretum at his alma mater, Harvard University.
The Powder Mill Foundation has contributed to the arboretum’s redesign planning for Bussey Hill, its children’s education program, restoration of the Hunnewell building, bonsai & penjing collection security and access, security of the horticultural library and archives, master planning and design for Mendum Street irrigation and the Dana Greenhouses cold storage renovation.
We’ve enjoyed the most wonderful interactions with the Powder Mill Foundation, who have been hugely important to helping the Arnold Arboretum aspire to greater levels of horticultural care of the living collections, children’s education and climate change mitigation. I’m sure Mr. Appell would be thrilled by this ongoing collaboration between the foundation and the Arnold Arboretum. His time at Harvard instilled him with a firm belief that the Arnold Arboretum should be shared with the world. The tremendous generosity of the Appell family and Louis’ and Jody’s incredible presence is evident in each and every facet of the property.
William Friedman, Arnold Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Director of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University
