{"id":60,"date":"2025-10-30T19:38:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T19:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=60"},"modified":"2025-11-11T22:07:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T22:07:24","slug":"our-mission","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/our-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arboretum was created to support Clarkson\u2019s goals in <strong>sustainability, education, <\/strong>and <strong>community outreach<\/strong>. It serves as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A place to <strong>learn <\/strong>about local tree species and ecosystems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>habitat <\/strong>for wildlife and pollinators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>hands-on lab<\/strong> for studying native and invasive species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A quiet space to <strong>slow down <\/strong>and appreciate the natural world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through ongoing documentation of tree species and the monitoring of invasive plants, the arboretum helps protect native biodiversity while providing a learning environment for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1257\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/trees3-e1762463361493.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/trees3-e1762463361493.jpeg 1257w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/trees3-e1762463361493-300x114.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/trees3-e1762463361493-1024x388.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/trees3-e1762463361493-768x291.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1257px) 100vw, 1257px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who We Serve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arboretum welcomes <strong>everyone<\/strong>, from the Clarkson campus and the greater Potsdam community and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It supports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Students and faculty<\/strong> using the site for study, research, and recreation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local residents and visitors<\/strong> enjoying the trail and learning about native trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>K\u201312 educators and students<\/strong> using the arboretum and website as teaching tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located along the <strong>Munter Trail<\/strong> and surrounding green spaces on Clarkson\u2019s campus in <strong>Potsdam, New York<\/strong>, the arboretum highlights the <strong>biodiversity <\/strong>of the northern hardwood and mixed conifer forests of the St. Lawrence River Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vision<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To create a <strong>sustainable, educational, <\/strong>and <strong>inclusive<\/strong> green space<strong> <\/strong>that connects science, nature, and the community.<br>The arboretum serves as a shared resource for Clarkson University and the greater North Country region, inspiring stewardship of local ecosystems and celebrating the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Values<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Community<\/strong> \u2013 Strengthening bonds between Clarkson and the Potsdam community through shared outdoor spaces, events, and volunteer opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discovery<\/strong> \u2013 Encouraging curiosity and hands-on exploration of the natural world through research, technology, and interactive learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong> \u2013 Expanding access to environmental knowledge by integrating nature into education across all ages and disciplines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biodiversity<\/strong> \u2013 Protecting and showcasing the diversity of tree species native to northern New York, while managing and removing invasive species that threaten local ecosystems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainability<\/strong> \u2013 Promoting ecological balance through habitat conservation, responsible land management, and awareness of environmental challenges like climate change and pollution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Initiatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tree Signage &amp; Website<\/strong> &#8211; Visitors can find labeled trees along the Munter Trail and use their four-digit codes to access detailed information, such as species, height, diameter, age estimate, and fun facts, on the website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invasive Species Management<\/strong> &#8211; Ongoing efforts to remove invasive plants, like buckthorn, to protect native biodiversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data Updates<\/strong> &#8211; Regular measurements of tree heights and diameters to track growth and health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2547\" height=\"1233\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-336\" style=\"width:810px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406.jpg 2547w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406-1024x496.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406-768x372.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406-1536x744.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/11\/island1-min-scaled-e1762463677406-2048x991.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2547px) 100vw, 2547px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Projects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Educational Programs &#8211;<\/strong> Develop guided activities and learning opportunities for K\u201312 students and families in the Potsdam community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Audio Learning Trail<\/strong> &#8211; Install optional audio stations or QR codes with stories, fun facts, and ecological insights for each tree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Welcome Signage<\/strong> &#8211; Informational signs at each trail entrance to introduce the arboretum and its purpose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Habitat Expansion<\/strong> &#8211; Increase the number of identified trees and extend trails deeper into the arboretum with accessible woodchip paths<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Horticultural Stewardship<\/strong> &#8211; Maintain diverse tree collections and landscapes that support both research and recreation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The arboretum was created to support Clarkson\u2019s goals in sustainability, education, and community outreach. It serves as: Through ongoing documentation of tree species and the monitoring of invasive plants, the arboretum helps protect native biodiversity while providing a learning environment for everyone. Who We Serve The arboretum welcomes everyone, from the Clarkson campus and the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":248,"featured_media":188,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-60","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/author\/patricza\/","display_name":"patricza"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 9 months ago","modified":"Updated 9 months ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on October 30, 2025","modified":"Updated on November 11, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on October 30, 2025 7:38 pm","modified":"Updated on November 11, 2025 10:07 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/104\/2025\/10\/P1233179-min-scaled.jpg","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/60","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/248"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/60\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":431,"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/60\/revisions\/431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}